At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a skilled engineering team and oversee workshop operations for innovative bus technology.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leading UK operator committed to sustainable public transport.
- Benefits: Enjoy health perks, discounted travel, free parking, and up to 5 weeks holiday.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public transport while advancing your engineering career.
- Qualifications: Experience in engineering management and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
About First Bus: Are you ready to advance your career with one of the UK's leading bus operators? Join a forward-thinking company that embraces cutting-edge bus technology, from innovative mobile apps to environmentally friendly vehicles. We are passionate about delivering passenger journeys that are sustainable, comfortable, and efficient. We are at the forefront of innovation in the industry, connecting communities and shaping the future of public transport.
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Engineering Manager to lead our engineering team for the West of England and oversee the day-to-day operations of our workshop and depot infrastructure. This is a critical leadership role within our organisation, responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective engineering operations in line with regulatory and company standards. The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering operational excellence, maintaining fleet availability, and driving continuous improvement across the engineering function.
Location: Bristol - West of England
Salary: up to £70,000 DOE
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate, and support a team of skilled engineering professionals
- Oversee the effective running of the depot and engineering workshop
- Ensure full compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental, and Engineering policies and legislation
- Monitor and control departmental budgets and costs
- Drive performance to minimise vehicle downtime and lost mileage
- Conduct staff training, performance reviews, and development planning
- Ensure compliance with statutory vehicle maintenance requirements and quality standards
- Maintain strong communication with senior management and cross-functional teams
- Develop and implement engineering processes and continuous improvement initiatives
- Manage subcontracted engineering work and contractor performance
- Uphold a positive and proactive safety culture across the team
Candidate Requirements
- Proven experience in an engineering management or supervisory role
- NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent qualification) in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- Strong knowledge of vehicle maintenance legislation (VOSA, MOT, safety inspections, etc.)
- Demonstrable leadership and team development skills
- Competent in the use of relevant IT systems including SAP and MS Office
- Working knowledge of safe systems of work, risk assessments, and engineering standards
- Strong organisational and communication skills
- Ability to work flexibly to meet operational needs
- A full PCV license and/or forklift truck license (or willingness to obtain one) is desirable
Key Performance Indicators
- Fleet availability and spare fleet targets
- Engineering cost control (labour and materials)
- Health, safety, and environmental compliance
- Workshop efficiency and productivity
- MOT first-time pass rates and VOSA audit outcomes
- Repeat defect reduction
- Team development and attendance management
- Stock control and depot utilities management
Rewards:
- 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
- We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc.
- Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass
- Free onsite parking + cycle to work scheme
- 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 Manager employer: First Group
First Group in Doncaster is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development through fully paid training for aspiring bus drivers. With benefits like free bus travel for family and discounted rail travel, employees enjoy a rewarding work-life balance while contributing to the local community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager
✨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 Manager role you’re after at First Group.
✨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 Group 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 Group.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Engineering Manager at First Group, 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 Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Engineering Manager, 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 Group 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 Group 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 Group
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with First Group, 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 Group 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.
