At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic engineering team and ensure top-notch service at our electric bus depot.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leading operator investing in innovative bus technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy health perks, free travel, generous holidays, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities and ongoing development support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the future of public transport while developing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ level 3 or equivalent in Vehicle Repair and supervisory experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 45150 - 45150 £ per year.
Location: Bristol Hengrove Depot, BS4 1UJ
Contracted Hours: 39 hours per week
Working Hours: Monday-Friday 6pm-2am
Salary: £45,150 per annum
Welcome to First Bus Engineering. We're one of the country's largest bus operators – and our engineering teams are working at the forefront of bus technology. Nationwide, we are investing in state-of-the-art new buses, and in the workshops and people that service them. A First Bus depot is the perfect environment to continue growing your engineering know-how. We will support your ongoing development and provide a career path to follow.
About the Role - Engineering Chargehand
We're seeking an organised and experienced Engineering Chargehand to join the team in our busy and now fully electric Bristol Hengrove Depot. In this role you will ensure strong teams are built in the depot, by consistently delivering a great service every day. You will monitor the daily running of the engineering department and all engineering staff, and supervise in the absence of the Engineering management team. This role operates on a roughly 30/70 ratio of 30% on the tools, hands-on with repairs and diagnosis and 70% desk-based, managing staff and compliance.
Key responsibilities:
- Providing guidance to other staff as required
- Allocating planned and unplanned work to engineering staff
- Managing labour overtime in line with set authorisation limits, as set by Engineering Manager
- Carrying out repairs and diagnosis on vehicles as required
- To fully comply with all HS & E legislation along with First Group policies
- Handling associated paperwork, reports, and administrative tasks
- Liaise with the operations department to deal with changeovers and breakdowns in the most effective way to minimise lost mileage
- Processing vehicle defect cards in line with engineering standard operating procedures
About You
- Minimum level 3 NVQ standard or equivalent (i.e., City & Guilds level 1 & 2) in a relevant Vehicle Repair subject
- To be fully conversant with the safe operation of workshop equipment
- Supervisory experience would be beneficial
- Good level of IT literacy
- Must be in the possession of, or capable of obtaining a full PCV licence and forklift truck licence if required
- Must hold a full driving licence
Rewards & Benefits
Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash-back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advice. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support.
Discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service
Free bus pass upon joining First Bus
Free onsite parking + cycle to work scheme
Free laundry service for your PPE/overalls
Up to 5 weeks holiday + bank holidays
Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted FirstGroup shares
Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities and people. We welcome applications from all.
Applicants are advised that background checks will be conducted as a standard part of our recruitment process and to comply with UK employment requirements, we ask all applicants to confirm their right to work in the UK.
Engineering Chargehand employer: First Bus
Join our dynamic team at Harrow OCC as an iBus Controller, where you'll play a vital role in keeping London's bus services running smoothly. We pride ourselves on a supportive work culture that values problem-solving and quick decision-making, offering excellent employee growth opportunities and benefits such as a Staff Travel Pass and discounts on high street brands. Here, you will not only contribute to the community but also develop your skills in a fast-paced environment that encourages initiative and creativity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Chargehand
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Engineering Chargehand role you’re after at First Bus.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at First Bus a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at First Bus.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Engineering Chargehand at First Bus, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Chargehand
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Engineering Chargehand, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at First Bus a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to First Bus specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at First Bus
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with First Bus, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like First Bus want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.