Lead Maintenance Engineer

Job Description:

Lead Engineer - Leicester (Days Only, Monday-Friday)

Salary: £52,000 + Benefit
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Discipline: Multi-skilled (either bias)

Overview

Our client seeking an experienced and proactive Lead Engineer to join our Leicester site, supporting the Engineering Manager and leading the engineering team to deliver exceptional operational performance.

This role offers an excellent opportunity for a skilled engineer to step into a leadership position, acting as a key driver of engineering excellence, safety, and continuous improvement across the site.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Support

• Lead, support and mentor the engineering team with hands‑on technical guidance.
• Deputise for the Engineering Manager, including responsibility for daily activities, decision‑making and budget oversight in their absence.
• Ensure compliance with PPM schedules, corrective maintenance tasks, SSOWs and engineering processes.
• Support training activities for engineers and operators on new equipment and procedures.

Compliance, Safety & Standards

• Uphold company Vision, Values and QHSE policies across all engineering operations.
• Ensure site compliance with risk assessments, COSHH, RIDDOR and other regulatory standards.
• Promote a strong and proactive safety culture within the engineering team.
• Support the maintenance of site accreditations such as ISO/EN 14065.

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Work collaboratively with Production to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime and enhance OEE.
• Lead initiatives focused on sustainability, energy efficiency and WECO reduction.
• Support installation, commissioning, operation and maintenance of site equipment and facilities.
• Source spare parts, equipment and machinery through approved suppliers.

Skills & Knowledge

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities with confidence to influence at all levels.
• Ability to build strong cross‑functional relationships and promote teamwork.
• Commercial awareness and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Strong IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrated ability to motivate teams and drive a performance‑led culture.
• Financial acumen relating to budgeting and forecasting.

Education & Experience

Essential

• Proven experience in industrial maintenance, production or engineering.
• Previous supervisory or management experience.
• Strong operational maintenance background.
• Relevant engineering qualification: Degree, HND/HNC, NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds or time‑served apprenticeship (electrical, mechanical or steam).
• Experience delivering continuous improvement initiatives.
• Knowledge of energy management and sustainability practices.

Desirable

• NEBOSH, IOSH or QHSE-related qualifications.
• Bilingual capability.