Maintenance Shift Leader in Bolton

The role of Maintenance Shift Leader is responsible for the day‑to‑day management of the maintenance shift team, ensuring production is fully supported and operating at maximum efficiency while maintaining compliance with all safety standards. This includes monitoring equipment, developing and training team members to build capability and ensure high performance, coordinating resources, working closely with Production and other departments, delivering preventative maintenance, and managing breakdowns across mechanical, electrical, and robotic equipment, including software fault finding and programming.

Maintenance & Continuous Improvement
Ensure the effective maintenance and timely repair of all current and future site and production equipment, while proactively identifying and implementing necessary modifications and continuous improvements. Monitor equipment and processes, resolving issues promptly to achieve performance targets. Identify and drive process and equipment improvements.

Shift Handover & Communication
Provide a clear and concise handover of all engineering and production issues or concerns including details of containment actions and countermeasures to the incoming shift and maintenance leadership team, delivered through both verbal updates and written communication.

Production Collaboration & SQCDP Delivery
Work closely with Production teams to prioritise activities and optimise performance across Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery, and People (SQCDP).

Team Leadership, Resource Planning & Development
Manage maintenance team resourcing, including workload planning and holiday cover, to ensure consistent production support. Coordinate labour and resources to meet operational schedules and business requirements. Lead, motivate, and support the development and training of team members. Promote a strong team culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and safety.

Planned & Reactive Maintenance Delivery
Monitor equipment and processes, resolving issues promptly to achieve performance targets. Identify and drive process and equipment improvements. Carry out fault finding, repair, and maintenance of PLC‑controlled production equipment. Plan and execute preventative maintenance activities. Troubleshoot, repair and maintain high‑volume PLC‑controlled production equipment. Identify, support and drive short to medium‑term process/area improvements.

Equipment, Facilities & Installation Support
Support the improvement and modification of production, assembly, and test equipment. Maintain site electrical and mechanical services. Assist with the installation and commissioning of new equipment.

Health & Safety Compliance
Ensure all maintenance activities are carried out in line with health, safety, and environmental standards. Promote a strong safety culture, ensure compliance with company policies and legal requirements, and proactively identify and mitigate risks.

Typical Knowledge & Skills
Strong technical knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and automated systems, including PLC fault finding. Experience in preventative and reactive maintenance, with a focus on continuous improvement. Structured and logical approach to fault diagnosis and problem solving. Ability to interpret technical drawings and schematics. Good understanding of health and safety requirements, promoting safe working practices. Effective team leader with the ability to motivate, manage workloads, and develop others. Highly organised, able to prioritise and manage multiple tasks under pressure. Strong communication skills across all levels. Proactive mindset with a focus on performance and improvement.

Qualifications & Previous Experience
ONC/HNC in Engineering (or equivalent qualification or experience) preferred. City & Guilds Level 3 (or equivalent qualification or experience) in Mechanical, Electrical, or related discipline. NVQ Level 2 C3 (or equivalent practical experience). Apprenticeship‑trained or equivalent hands‑on experience. Additional relevant technical or safety certifications (desirable).

Duties & Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage the maintenance shift team to ensure safe, efficient, and effective delivery of all maintenance activities. Ensure production equipment and site services are maintained to maximise uptime, reliability, and operational performance. Plan, prioritise, and allocate maintenance tasks in line with production requirements and business needs. Monitor equipment, team, and process performance, taking prompt action to resolve issues and meet operational targets. Deliver both preventative and reactive maintenance, including fault finding and repair of mechanical, electrical, and PLC‑controlled equipment. Coordinate resources, including labour, materials, and external support, to meet maintenance schedules and minimise downtime. Work closely with Production and other departments to align priorities and support SQCDP objectives. Ensure clear and effective communication within and across shifts, including structured verbal and written handovers. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance equipment reliability, efficiency, and overall performance. Identify recurring issues and implement corrective actions and long‑term solutions. Lead, coach, and develop team members, supporting training, skills development, and performance management. Promote a positive team culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and high performance. Manage team attendance, workload planning, and holiday cover to maintain consistent production support. Ensure all maintenance work is carried out in compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards, policies, and procedures. Proactively identify hazards, conduct risk assessments, and implement control measures to maintain a safe working environment. Support equipment upgrades, modifications, and continuous improvement projects. Assist with the installation, commissioning, and optimisation of new equipment and systems. Maintain accurate maintenance records, reports, and documentation in line with company requirements.