Lead Mechanical Engineer

Job Description:

Mechanical Installation Supervisor – Industrial Automation

A well‑established engineering business in the East Midlands is seeking an experienced Mechanical Installation Supervisor to support ongoing projects within the food, drink and parcel handling sectors. The company delivers integrated mechanical and electrical automation solutions at customer sites across the UK and offers genuine long‑term development for people who are hard‑working, flexible and committed.

The role

Reporting to a Project Manager, you will take responsibility for the safe and compliant delivery of mechanical installation works on industrial sites, primarily across the East Midlands, with occasional travel elsewhere in the UK. You will coordinate labour and materials on site, supervise a team of Installation Technicians and associated trades, and ensure projects are completed to current standards, on time and to client specification.

Key responsibilities

• Install, maintain, modify and repair a range of mechanical systems and equipment (including conveyors, pneumatics and general fitting work).

• Implement and communicate safe systems of work (RAMS) and adhere to any site Permits to Work.

• Plan efficient work methods, contribute to rota planning and allocate tasks to team members.

• Monitor progress, assess work for completeness and report any issues, variations or delays.

• Complete installation test reports and all required job documentation to the required standard.

• Ensure all tools, lifting gear and equipment are correctly certified and/or calibrated.

• Maintain positive relationships with client representatives and other contractors on site.

• Undertake specialist training as required and keep up to date with relevant legislation and standards.

• Promote and apply continuous improvement and best practice in all aspects of the work.

About you

You are an experienced mechanical installation professional, already operating in a lead or supervisory capacity and used to managing small teams of engineers/technicians on site. You are comfortable working in live industrial environments and have broad experience of installation, testing and documentation within similar sectors.

You can:

• Draw on 5+ years’ experience of industrial mechanical installation, including conveyors, pneumatics and general mechanical fitting.

• Confidently read and work from mechanical schematics, layout drawings and understand interlocks and safety circuits.

• Carry out site surveys to support proposals and detailed installation planning.

• Work on your own initiative while providing clear day‑to‑day direction to others.

• Use IT software for job planning, reporting and timesheets.

• Communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and other trades.

• Balance a strong focus on safety and compliance with a practical, delivery‑focused approach.

You will also have:

• A full, clean UK driving licence.

• Your own comprehensive mechanical installation toolkit, including cordless tools.

• Experience of rigging and slinging / overhead crane operations.

• Experience of drafting Risk Assessments, Method Statements and lift plans.

• Experience in mechanical/piping fabrication, steel structures and mechanical–civil interfaces.

• A team‑oriented, customer‑focused attitude and flexibility to work away as required.

Qualifications & certifications

Essential:

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in a relevant mechanical discipline.

• CSCS safety card (or equivalent).

• Overhead crane / rigging / slinging training.

Desirable:

• RTITB FLT licence.

• MEWP / IPAF 3a, 3b (or equivalent).

• SSSTS or similar site supervision qualification.

Location:
Leicestershire – with regular travel to customer sites across the UK.

If you have the right background in industrial mechanical installations and are looking for a role with more responsibility on site, this opportunity offers a chance to step into a key supervisory position with ongoing development.