Maintenance Fitter - Mechanical

Job Description:

Requisition ID: 62482
Position Type: FT Permanent
Workplace Arrangement: #LI-Onsite

About Kerry Dairy Ireland

Kerry Dairy Ireland is a vertically integrated farm-to-fork business with a very substantial consumer foods presence and a leading nutritional and dairy ingredients division, delivering high-quality dairy solutions with a focus on sustainability and innovation. From partnering with local family farms to producing world-class dairy products, we ensure every step of our value chain reflects our commitment to excellence.

With over 50 years' experience in milk processing, dairy and nutritional technology advancement, and product innovation, we are a key stakeholder in the global food industry and creators of a strong portfolio of market leading dairy brands including Cheestrings, Charleville and Coleraine Cheese, Dairygold, Golden Cow and our new SMUG range. Our from food, for food culture and deep-rooted connection to our 2,800 milk suppliers differentiates our business and offers captivating opportunities for our customers and consumers.

Our dairy comes from some of the world's richest grazing land and is produced by a network of Irish family farms that have one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world. Through a combination of expertise, innovation, and sustainability, Kerry Dairy Ireland is proud to shape the future of dairy while meeting the diverse needs of our farmers, customers, and communities.

Headquartered in Tralee, Co. Kerry, we operate multiple manufacturing facilities in the southwest of Ireland, including Listowel, Charleville, Newmarket, and Farranfore. Additionally, we manage 29 Farm & Home stores throughout the region, ensuring comprehensive coverage and service. In Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom, our presence extends to key locations in Portadown, Coleraine, and Ossett.

Globally, Kerry Dairy Ireland employs over 1,600 dedicated professionals across Ireland, Northern Ireland, the UK, USA, Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and China. In 2024, we achieved a turnover of approximately EUR1.3 billion, reflecting our commitment to excellence and growth.

About the role

We are currently recruiting for a Maintenance Fitter with a Mechanical bias to join the Engineering team at our Newmarket Cheese production facility.

The Maintenance Fitter is responsible for ensuring the smooth operation, reliability, and safety of all mechanical equipment and systems in the facility. This role involves preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of machinery used in milk processing, curd handling, cheese maturation, and packaging. The Maintenance Fitter plays a critical role in minimizing downtime and supporting consistent product quality. This is a shift-based role with 12 hour shifts covering days and nights.

Key responsibilities

* Inspect, maintain, and repair mechanical equipment such as pasteurizers, separators, conveyors, presses, and packaging machines.
* Diagnose faults and carry out corrective actions to minimize production interruptions.
* Perform routine lubrication, adjustments, and part replacements.
* Implement scheduled maintenance programs to extend equipment life and reduce breakdowns.
* Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities and equipment performance.
* Ensure all maintenance work complies with strict hygiene standards in food production.
* Follow cleaning-in-place (CIP) protocols when working on dairy equipment.
* Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and HACCP requirements.
* Work in accordance with health and safety regulations, including lockout/tagout procedures.
* Identify and report hazards, ensuring a safe working environment for all staff.
* Comply with environmental and sustainability standards.
* Work closely with production teams to minimize downtime and optimize efficiency.
* Liaise with external contractors and suppliers when specialized repairs or parts are required.

Qualifications and skills

* Proven experience as a Maintenance Fitter, ideally in food or dairy manufacturing.
* Strong mechanical aptitude with knowledge of pumps, gearboxes, hydraulics, pneumatics, and conveyors.
* Ability to read technical drawings and manuals.
* Understanding of food safety regulations and hygiene standards.
* Problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
* NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or Maintenance (preferred).
* Welding and fabrication skills (advantageous).

Why join us?

* Career development opportunities.
* Competitive hourly rate with shift allowance, 2 premium days and overtime.
* Matched pension scheme up to 10%.
* Employee Assistance Program, supporting your emotional, physical, nutritional and financial wellbeing.
* MyCommunity, have one day per year to volunteer for a worthwhile cause.
* Friendly team focused on continuous improvements and safety.
* Site events, like mental health day, world food safety day and many more

Beware of scams online or from individuals claiming to represent us. A Kerry employee will not solicit candidates through a non-Kerry email address or phone number. In addition, Kerry does not currently utilise video chat rooms (e.g., Google Hangouts) to conduct interviews. Refuse any request that asks you to provide payment to participate in the hiring process (e.g., purchasing a "starter kit," investing in training, or something similar). Kerry will not ask you to pay any money at any point in the hiring process with the exception of reimbursable travel expenses. In addition, any payments made by Kerry will be from official firm accounts bearing the Kerry name.

Recruiter: #LI-JP2
Posting Type: LI