Lead Maintenance Engineer

WELCOME TO BASF

The BASF Agricultural Specialities Limited production site in Littlehampton, produces industry leading biological pest control products formulated from beneficial nematodes. These products are used by farmers and growers across the globe in agricultural, protected ornamental and home and garden markets.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

We are seeking an experienced Lead Maintenance Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be a critical link between the Asset Manager and maintenance technicians, supporting daily maintenance activities while driving improvements and contributing to both strategic decisions and high-priority projects.

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and schedule maintenance activities with production management, focusing on planned maintenance improvements, while guiding technicians in daily tasks, prioritising based on operational needs, and troubleshooting breakdowns hands-on.
• Act as the primary technical contact for contractors and coordinating maintenance tasks and guiding the engineers in daily work.
• Manage and optimise the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for effective scheduling, accurate data management, and reporting, while managing spare parts inventory to ensure availability of critical components in a cost-effective manner.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and BASF guidelines through detailed maintenance documentation, change controls, incident management, inspections, and managing of permit-to-work and safety standards in all maintenance activities.
• Lead and support engineering projects from initial planning through completion, including managing budgets, timelines, compliance with BASF guidelines, and post-project performance tracking.
• Support Asset Management activities by ensuring change processes align with BASF requirements, implementing technical measures to enhance plant reliability and availability, and preparing and monitoring maintenance KPIs.

WHAT YOU OFFER

• Recognised Engineering Apprenticeship, Degree or professional qualifications in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience in engineering roles within biotechnology, chemical, or similar industries. An electrical bias would be advantageous.
• Strong understanding of Mechanical and/or Electrical systems, with practical troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills.
• High computer literacy, including CMMS, Risk-Based Management, Spare Parts Management, and legal inspection requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage contractors, prioritise tasks, and act flexibly under pressure
• Flexible and responsive to support critical breakdowns, including after-hours availability as needed.
• Self-motivated with strong project leadership, communication, and collaboration skills; structured and solution-oriented approach.
• Excellent interpersonal and analytical skills to influence, build relationships, and solve complex maintenance challenges.

WHAT WE OFFER

At BASF, you will have the chance to do meaningful work towards building a more sustainable future.

We offer a total package which includes:

• Attractive salary
• Bonus
• Defined contribution pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Company share scheme
• Private healthcare
• Life insurance
• On the job training and development opportunities

We believe that diversity and inclusion make the difference. Only when people with diverse backgrounds come together, contribute their various experiences and attitudes, and look at challenges from different perspectives, will creative innovations and ground-breaking solutions be created. We celebrate diversity and we actively promote an inclusive work environment. In the UK we have an active Diversity & Inclusion Strategy Action Group and work closely with external partner Inclusive Employers. We are an equal opportunities employer. All employment decisions shall be made without regard or reference to age, gender, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status and other protected characteristics. For more information please visit: https://www.basf.com/gb/en/careers/why-join-basf/basf-locally.html

Location: Littlehampton

Closing Date: 02.01.2026

ABOUT US

Since 1880, BASF has been a cornerstone of industry in the UK. With locations spanning from Littlehampton on England's South Coast to Callanish on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, our presence is truly nationwide. Our UK headquarters in Stockport, Greater Manchester, is the hub for our dedicated sales and services teams.

From our manufacturing sites across the UK, we supply essential raw materials to a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, automotive, chemicals, construction, energy, and pharmaceuticals.

Discover more about our incredible BASF UK team of over 700 employees and their contributions to innovation and sustainability here: https://www.basf.com/gb/en/who-we-are/BASF-in-the-United-Kingdom

At BASF, our culture is driven by strong core values and winning behaviors. We foster innovation, collaboration, and empower every team member to contribute to our success. Explore Our Winning Behaviors & Our Values to see how we create a dynamic and inclusive workplace.