Maintenance Manager

Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd (IFA)

IFA sits uniquely as the only single‑sited forge in the world with open‑die radial, press, hammer and ring rolling alongside closed‑die extrusion, drop stamp and blade forging. Through extensive forging, machining and testing capabilities, IFA provides a fully integrated metals service centre, supplying critical components to aerospace, defence, energy and other highly regulated industries.

As the Maintenance Manager, you will be based at the Sheffield manufacturing site, leading the engineering and maintenance function across a complex heavy manufacturing environment. Your responsibilities include ensuring the reliability, availability and performance of critical production assets, driving continuous improvement, promoting a proactive maintenance culture, and maintaining the highest standards of health, safety and engineering excellence.

• Develop and implement maintenance strategies, policies and procedures to maximise plant reliability and operational performance.
• Lead, motivate and develop a multi‑disciplined maintenance team, driving accountability and continuous improvement.
• Manage preventative, predictive and reactive maintenance activities across forging, machining and associated production equipment.
• Work closely with production and operational leaders to align maintenance priorities with business objectives.
• Drive a proactive maintenance culture focused on reliability, root‑cause analysis and equipment improvement.
• Manage engineering shutdowns, planned maintenance schedules and capital improvement projects.
• Monitor and analyse maintenance KPIs, implementing improvements to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
• Ensure effective management of maintenance systems, asset records and spare‑parts inventory.
• Support the specification, procurement and installation of new plant and equipment.
• Ensure full compliance with health, safety and environmental legislation and company procedures.
• Lead investigations into equipment failures and implement corrective actions.
• Manage maintenance budgets and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements and cost reduction.
• Promote a strong safety‑first culture across all engineering and maintenance activities.

• HNC/HND or apprenticeship‑trained in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering.
• Proven experience in a Maintenance Manager or Engineering Manager role within heavy manufacturing, or similar industries.
• Strong understanding of mechanical systems, with electrical knowledge advantageous.
• Experience managing preventative and predictive maintenance programmes.
• Strong knowledge of health, safety and environmental regulations within industrial environments.
• Demonstrable experience leading and developing high‑performing engineering teams.
• Experience using CMMS and maintenance planning systems.
• Strong problem‑solving, fault‑finding and root‑cause analysis skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment.

• Salary of £55,000 – £60,000 depending on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Bonus scheme.
• Pension scheme.
• 33 days annual leave.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.