Engineering - Engineering Shift Lead in Whitefield

We have a new opportunity for an experienced Engineering Shift Lead within our Engineering Team who would be based at Kara Foodservice, in Manchester. We’re looking for a proactive and hands-on individual to join our team. The Engineering Shift Lead will play a key role in keeping our operations running smoothly by supporting the Engineering Reliability Lead with the day-to-day running of the Engineering Department. You’ll be the link between engineering and production, ensuring work schedules are met, resources are maximised, and maintenance activities drive plant efficiency.

Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the Manufacturing Shift Leads to identify and resolve engineering issues, ensuring smooth operations and maximising plant efficiency.
• Set and manage engineering work schedules, driving continuous improvement across the department.
• Provide hands-on technical support to Multi-Skilled Engineers, coaching and developing skills and identifying training needs.
• Manage staff performance, including absence, disciplinary matters, and grievances when necessary.
• Supervise contractors on site, ensuring they follow agreed practices to maintain health & safety standards and technical integrity.
• Involve yourself in repair and project work, ensuring parts and resources are available to complete tasks within agreed timeframes.
• Manage projects from start to finish, oversee contractors, and run weekend shutdowns.
• Participate in daily engineering and production meetings to share updates, gather information, and address issues.
• Support the Hygiene team in achieving site pest control standards and ensure adherence to food safety policies and procedures.
• Regularly audit completed work to confirm it meets the required standard, contribute to the Health & Safety plan, and maintain accurate records and audits.
• Deputise for the Engineering Manager in their absence and carry out any other duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Recognised engineering qualification.
• Demonstrable organisational competence.
• Problem solving skills.
• Ability to motivate and encourage others as well as self.
• Experience using CMMS to allocate PPMs and work orders to shift teams; ensure work orders are completed on schedule with detailed records.
• People management skills.
• Excellent communication skills.

What’s in it for you!

• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave to allow quality time with your new arrival.
• Enhanced Pension Scheme for our employees.
• Death in Service Benefit.
• Free Employee Assistance Programme (open to colleagues and their families).
• Retail discounts accessible via our Benefits Hub platform.
• Refer a Friend Scheme (up to £300 per referral – T&C’s dependent).
• Employee Recognition Awards; extensive learning & development opportunities (including sponsored professional memberships and our in-house development courses).
• Opportunity to be part of a fantastic, growing organisation.

Our vision is to be the leading specialty bakery group in the UK. We value employee development and see everyone as a valued member of the team. If this sounds like you, please get in contact to learn more.