Maintenance Engineer

About the role

IFF is hiring a Maintenance Engineer for its Beaminster site, a key production facility in the Cellulosic & Food Protection business that manufactures the food preservative E234 (Nisaplin). The site runs continuous batch processes including fermentation, filtration, pH adjustment, waste treatment (MF & UF systems) and powder recovery. The role supports the safe, efficient and reliable operation of manufacturing equipment, maintains plant availability and ensures compliance with safety, quality and environmental standards. It is an onsite position.

Key responsibilities

• Carry out planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and respond to reactive breakdowns on site equipment and utilities
• Diagnose faults and carry out timely repairs to minimise downtime
• Support production teams in keeping plant performing optimally and resolving operational issues
• Ensure engineering work follows site safety procedures, permit systems and food safety requirements
• Maintain accurate maintenance records and documentation (CMMS, where applicable)
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives (reliability, efficiency, cost reduction)
• Assist with installation, commissioning and validation of new equipment or modifications (MOC process)
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and internal standards (HSE, GMP, environmental controls)
• Work with Operations, Quality and EHS teams and support audits and inspections

Required profile

• Proven engineering/maintenance experience in manufacturing; food, pharma or another highly regulated environment preferred
• Engineering qualification (e.g. NVQ Level 3, HNC/HND or equivalent in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering)
• Awareness of food safety and hygiene standards (GMP)
• Ability to work independently and in a small team, with good communication skills
• Flexibility with working hours to support production, shutdowns or callouts

Required skills

• Strong fault-finding and problem-solving skills (electrical and/or mechanical)
• Understanding of PPM systems and maintenance best practice
• Experience with pumps, valves, filtration systems (UF/MF) and process equipment is beneficial
• Electrical qualification (e.g. 18th Edition) and multi-skilled electrical bias are highly desirable

IFF has announced its intention to sell its Food Ingredients Business to CVC Capital Partners, expected to close in the first half of 2027; the Food Ingredient business unit remains part of IFF until then. The company offers learning and career advancement opportunities and competitive compensation and benefits.