Butlers Chocolates is seeking a motivated and professional individual to join our Maintenance Team. Reporting directly to the Head of Maintenance, the Maintenance Fitter will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and reliable operation of production equipment used in chocolate manufacturing. This role involves preventative maintenance, breakdown response, equipment optimisation, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives. The ideal candidate will have strong mechanical aptitude, a wide range of technical skills, and experience working in fast-paced food or FMCG production environments.
Key Responsibilities
Preventative & Reactive Maintenance
* Carry out scheduled preventative maintenance on processing and packaging machinery (e.g., moulding lines, tempering machines, conveyors, wrapping equipment).
* Respond quickly and effectively to equipment breakdowns to minimise production downtime.
* Diagnose mechanical, electrical, pneumatic, and hydraulic faults.
Equipment Installation & Set-Up
* Assist in the installation, commissioning, and testing of new machinery and production systems.
* Perform machine changeovers and set-ups for different chocolate products or packaging formats.
Mechanical & Technical Work
* Dismantle, inspect, repair, and reassemble mechanical components (bearings, shafts, belts, gears, pumps, valves, etc.).
* Work with pneumatic and hydraulic systems, including replacement of hoses, cylinders, regulators, and valves.
* Basic electrical troubleshooting (sensors, motors, control panels, safety circuits) if qualified/competent.
Quality, Hygiene & Safety
* Maintain strict hygiene standards in line with food industry requirements (HACCP).
* Ensure all work follows site safety procedures and complies with food safety regulations.
* Complete maintenance documentation accurately (work orders, parts usage, downtime reports on our PM system).
Continuous Improvement
* Recommend and implement improvements to machine performance, reliability, and energy efficiency.
* Collaborate with production teams to optimise equipment operation.
Essential Skills & Experience
* Proven experience as a Maintenance Fitter, Mechanical Engineer, or Multi-Skilled Technician in a manufacturing environment (food, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, or heavy industry).
* Strong mechanical fault-finding and repair skills.
* Experience with conveyors, rotating equipment, gearboxes, pumps, and automated production lines.
* Competence with pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
* Ability to read technical drawings, schematics, and manuals.
* Understanding of safe working practices (LOTO, permit systems).
* Good problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
Desirable Skills
* Basic electrical skills or dual-trade qualification.
* Experience with PLC-controlled machinery.
* Knowledge of chocolate manufacturing equipment advantageous (temperers, moulders, enrobers, cooling tunnels)
* Welding and fabrication skills (TIG/MIG).
* Forklift or MEWP certification advantageous.
Qualifications
* Level 5 or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering, Maintenance Engineering, or similar.
* Additional electrical/mechatronics qualifications beneficial.
Personal Attributes
* Reliable, hands-on, and proactive.
* Strong teamwork and communication skills.
* High attention to detail and commitment to product quality.
* Willingness to work shifts, weekends, or participate in an on-call rota if required.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: €31,204.32-€60,554.99 per year
Benefits:
* Bike to work scheme
* Company events
* Employee assistance program
* Employee discount
* On-site gym
* On-site parking
* Store discount
Work Location: In person