Glasshouse Maintenance Manager

Dyson Farming is a family-owned business, with a vision to benefit future generations through a commitment to commercially viable and environmentally sustainable food production at scale.  We strive to be industry leaders in efficient, carbon-neutral, high-technology agriculture, employing highly skilled, pioneering people and supported by research and development in an ever-closer partnership with our sister company, Dyson.  We see the future of agriculture as an exciting opportunity to improve the nation’s food security, health, and economic growth.

Dyson Farming is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

Company Overview

Dyson Farming is a family-owned business, with a vision to benefit future generations through a commitment to commercially viable and environmentally sustainable food production at scale. We strive to be industry leaders in efficient, carbon-neutral, high-technology agriculture, employing highly skilled, pioneering people and supported by research and development in an ever-closer partnership with our sister company, Dyson. We see the future of agriculture as an exciting opportunity to improve the nation’s food security, health, and economic growth.

The latest addition to Dyson Farming’s circular farming system is its glasshouse in Carrington, Lincolnshire. It supports the advancement of high-tech, sustainable farming in the UK, avoiding unnecessary food miles that come from imported strawberries at this time of year. The site is expanding significantly, adding a further glasshouse and polytunnel production alongside the existing facility.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Maintenance Manager to move our maintenance function from reactive repair to managed asset care, across an increasingly larger scope. This is a new position reflecting a site that is expanding to add a further glasshouse and polytunnel production alongside the existing facility and packhouse, bringing in new equipment and requirements as well as just scale.

You will own the planned maintenance system, the asset register and the maintenance budget, while leading a small operative team and a contractor base. The measure of success is straightforward: fewer failures, less downtime, and a maintenance regime aimed at keeping people safe and our crop secure.

It suits an experienced, hands-on engineer who wants to own a system rather than only run the jobs.

The Job

–     Develop, own and run the planned maintenance system, asset register and PPM schedule, building it out with the Head of Operations

–     Prioritise and deliver reactive repairs defined against criticality

–     Maintain glasshouse critical services: irrigation, climate, energy and crop protection

–     Support The Packhouse and Growing teams to maintain assets, troubleshoot and fix issues

–     Manage the maintenance budget, spares holding, contractors and service regime

–     Act as primary point of contact for all third-party contractors

–     Maintain the statutory inspection regime — LOLER, PUWER, electrical and pressure systems

–     Manage and develop the maintenance operative team, with callout rota and named cover for critical skills

–     Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, leading the development of new equipment, processes and technologies

–     Define asset criticality and use to prioritise both planned and reactive work

–     Own maintenance safety — permits to work, electrical isolation, working at height and contractor control

–     Improve the quality and reliability of maintenance data so that downtime and its causes are recorded accurately

–     Responsible for management of direct reports workload and overtime to budget

–     Any other duties as required by your line manager within your capabilities

Personal

–     Demonstrate a proactive attitude and commitment to health and safety

–     Engineering or maintenance background, with experience across mechanical, electrical and controls

–     Experience owning a planned maintenance system and asset register, not only running the jobs

–     Able to manage a budget, spares holding and a contractor base

–     Experience of glasshouse and/or growing systems is a strong advantage

–     Confident working with maintenance systems, dashboards and performance data

–     Confident leading a small team and holding a callout rota

–     Proactive, adaptable and able to take ownership in a specialist area

–     Professional manner and effective communication skills

–     Commitment to ongoing professional development and training

–     Comfortable with call-out and extended hours during peak and breakdown

Financial

• Discretionary performance-related bonus
• Pension scheme with 6% employer contribution
• Life assurance

Equipment & working conditions

• PPE and workwear provided
• On-site welfare facilities, including rest areas and changing rooms
• 24 days annual leave each year (plus bank holidays)

Team & culture

• Annual summer and winter all-staff events
• Opportunities for learning and development

Practical extras

• Discounts on Dyson Farming products
• Dyson product discounts
• Retail discounts
• Free on-site parking
• Cycle2work scheme

Health and wellbeing

• Enhanced family leave
• Employee assistance programme
• Free flu jab
• Mental health ambassadors across all locations
• Free eye tests and glasses discounts
• Discounted gym membership