Job Title: Planned Maintenance Shift Manager

Company: Ulster Yarns

Ulster Yarns is a subsidiary company of Ulster Carpet Group.  We source the highest quality wool from across the world and then transform it into premium yarn at our specialist wool processing and dyeing mills in Dewsbury and Wakefield. This yarn is then used to manufacture luxurious wool-rich Ulster carpets at the manufacturing site in Portadown, Northern Ireland that can not only be found in homes but in some of the world’s leading hotels, cruise liners and casinos.

Overview of role:

This role is responsible for leading a maintenance team and overseeing all maintenance activities to ensure the efficient and safe operation of manufacturing equipment, systems, facilities and infrastructure.  This role focuses on minimising downtime, optimising asset utilisation, and implementing preventive maintenance (PPM) strategies to maximise production output and reduce reactive maintenance. The Planned Maintenance Shift Manager will be required to provide technical advice and support to the team to assist with problem solving, as well as being responsible for maintaining effective budget control and reporting regularly on expenditure

1. Maintenance Operations:

• Lead and manage the daily operations of the maintenance department, including scheduling, troubleshooting, and repairs.
• Ensure that all maintenance tasks are performed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company policies, safety standards, and industry regulations.
• Implement and manage PPM programmes to minimise reactive downtime.
• Oversee the maintenance and repair of manufacturing equipment, building systems (e.g., HVAC, plumbing, electrical), and facilities infrastructure.
• Coordinate and supervise contractors carrying out maintenance work or small project works.

2. Asset Management:

• Develop and implement asset management strategies to manage the life cycle and performance of equipment and facilities.
• Maintain an accurate and up to date inventory of all equipment and assets, ensuring spare parts are readily available.
• Collaborate with the finance department to develop and manage the capital expenditure budget for asset improvements and replacements.
• Conduct regular audits of assets to ensure they are properly maintained and in good working condition.
• Implement a system to manage the day-to-day maintenance activities.

3. Leadership & Team Development:

• Lead and develop a small team of electrical & mechanical maintenance technicians, providing ongoing training recommendations and performance feedback.
•  Adopt a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and teamwork within the maintenance department.
• Manage employee shift schedules to ensure adequate coverage for maintenance operations.

4. Safety and Compliance:

• Ensure all maintenance activities comply with Ulster Yarns’ H&S policies, HSE guidelines and environmental regulations.
• Work in conjunction with the Ulster Carpets Group H&S manager to conduct routine safety audits, risk assessments, and training to minimise workplace hazards.
• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) for equipment usage and maintenance.
• Organise external statutory inspections.

5. Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for improvement in maintenance processes and equipment performance.
• Collaborate with production teams to implement process improvements that enhance operational efficiency.
• Use data driven approaches to improve maintenance response times, reduce downtime, and improve equipment reliability.

6. Budgeting and Reporting:

• Prepare and manage the maintenance budgets
•  Ensure cost-effective procurement of maintenance supplies, parts, and services, setting up service contracts and renewing when required.

Desired Skills:

• Experience:  5+ years at supervisory or manager level, preference give to candidates with experience in a mill environment/textile industry particularly with carding, spinning and finishing processes
• Technical knowledge: Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and/or other relevant engineering disciplines. 
• Safety awareness: Strong commitment to safety and adherence to safety regulations. 
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with team members and other departments. 
• Computer skills: Proficiency in using relevant software and systems. 
• Project Management: ability to implement change projects particularly with a lean manufacturing emphasis
• Budgetary: experience setting and managing budgets 

Desired qualifications:

An engineering related qualification or industry gained experience

Personal qualities:

• Leadership and management: Ability to motivate, train, and direct a team. 
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Problem-solving: Ability to identify and resolve technical issues. 
• Planning and organisational skills: Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise effectively. 

Hours:

38 hours on a mutually agreed shift pattern. The shift pattern may include one weekend day.

To apply:

Email your CV and covering letter to Sandra.lamour@ulstercarpets.com