Review: Electrical Maintenance Engineer at AkzoNobel, Stowmarket

AkzoNobel, a company with a rich history dating back to 1792, is seeking an experienced Electrical Maintenance Engineer to join their team in Stowmarket, Suffolk. This role presents a compelling opportunity for an individual looking to transition into a more strategic, supportive engineering position, focusing on enhancing the operational efficiency and sustainability of manufacturing processes. If you're passionate about keeping vital industrial assets running smoothly and are ready to contribute to a global leader in paints and coatings, this could be your next career move.

Key Advantages for Candidates:

• Impactful Role in Sustainable Manufacturing: AkzoNobel is dedicated to "painting the future together," emphasizing sustainable solutions and preserving what matters. As an Electrical Maintenance Engineer, you'll play a crucial role in achieving these goals by driving preventative and proactive maintenance, increasing asset reliability, and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.
• Career Progression & Development: The description highlights that candidates are encouraged to apply even if they don't meet every single criterion. This suggests a commitment to nurturing talent and supporting professional growth. The role offers opportunities for personal development, breadth and depth of scope, and the chance to be involved in small Capex projects (<£250k), providing valuable project management experience.
• Emphasis on Team Support and Collaboration: This position is designed for someone who is moving "predominantly ‘off the tools’" to support engineering and maintenance teams. You'll be a key facilitator, compiling documentation, leading investigations into failures, and providing expert technical guidance. This collaborative approach fosters a supportive environment where knowledge sharing is valued.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: AkzoNobel offers a competitive salary, a generous holiday allowance (25 days plus bank holidays), and a robust benefits package. This includes income protection, life assurance, an employee assistance program, product discounts (including at Dulux Decorator Centre stores), and a flexible benefits scheme offering options like gym memberships and dental cover. The company also provides a great company pension.
• Work-Life Balance and Well-being: AkzoNobel actively advocates for a healthy work-life balance and mental well-being, and they are open to discussing flexible working options for all roles. This commitment to employee welfare is a significant advantage for candidates seeking a supportive and adaptable work environment.
• Inclusive Culture: AkzoNobel is committed to creating an inclusive and respectful workplace where diversity is embraced. They are mindful of unconscious bias in their talent acquisition process, ensuring that all qualified applicants receive fair consideration.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

• Shift from Hands-On to Strategic: While extensive experience in electrical maintenance is required, the role's primary focus is on leadership, planning, and support rather than direct hands-on execution. Candidates should be comfortable with this transition and eager to leverage their expertise to guide and mentor others.
• Technical Expertise is Crucial: The ideal candidate will possess a Higher National Certificate, Higher National Diploma, or Degree in Electrical Engineering, along with extensive manufacturing experience. Specific knowledge of safety systems, industry standards (ATEX, S88, S95, Alarm Management), regulatory requirements, CE and PUWER, and control systems is essential.
• Proactive Problem-Solving and Continuous Improvement Mindset: The role demands a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for improvement, investigating failures, and implementing solutions. A strong aptitude for problem-solving and a dedication to driving quality, cost, and delivery enhancements will be key to success.
• Leadership and Interpersonal Skills: As a guardian of cultural principles and a technical guide, strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills are vital. Experience in performance management and nurturing teams will be highly beneficial.
• Project Involvement: While not solely a project management role, involvement in small Capex projects and as a project member for larger site initiatives is part of the responsibilities. Candidates should be prepared to manage multiple priorities and contribute to project planning and execution.

In summary, the Electrical Maintenance Engineer position at AkzoNobel offers a challenging yet rewarding opportunity for a skilled professional to contribute to a well-established and forward-thinking company. If you are driven by innovation, sustainability, and collaborative teamwork, and are looking for a role that allows you to leverage your technical expertise in a strategic capacity, this opportunity warrants serious consideration for your career development.