At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead vehicle repairs, servicing, and diagnostics while supervising late shifts.
- Company: Join First Bus, a leading bus operator investing in cutting-edge technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, health benefits, free bus pass, and up to 5 weeks holiday.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in engineering while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ/SVQ Level 3 in vehicle maintenance; supervisory experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 23.69 - 23.69 £ per hour.
Position: Lead Shift Mechanic
Location: First Bus Rochdale - Unit 4 Corporation Rd, Rochdale, OL11 4EU
Contracted Hours: 42.5 hours per week (full time & permanent)
Working Hours: 3 week rota of early and late shifts, 5am-3:30pm, 2:30pm-1am
Pay Rate: £23.69 per hour for weekdays, £24.69 for Saturdays, £25.69 for Sundays
Annual Salary: Approx. £50,000 per annum
About 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: We are now looking for an NVQ/SVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) qualified Lead Shift Mechanic for our First Bus Rochdale Depot – PSV or HGV mechanical experience is great however we love to hear from Light Vehicle qualified candidates and ex‑Forces personnel with an engineering apprenticeship qualification, and experienced engineers from other sectors looking for a change. We offer technical up‑skilling and career progression; your PPE is provided as well as a competitive hourly rate and great rewards & benefits.
Key Responsibilities:
- Diagnose and carry out vehicle repairs, servicing, and parts replacement
- Diagnose vehicle faults and specify the correct method of repair and parts to be used
- Main shift supervisor on late shifts, responsible for signing off work
- Carry out vehicle servicing and routine vehicle examinations using handheld data capture devices if applicable
- Attend on‑road vehicle breakdowns and recoveries where required
- Carry out vehicle road testing where necessary to identify specific vehicle defects or following remedial repair
About You:
- Do you have a minimum Level 3 NVQ/SVQ (or City & Guilds equivalent) qualification in vehicle maintenance and repair?
- Do you have a flexible approach to work with the ability to multi‑skill?
- Supervisory experience would be beneficial, or willingness to step up to this level
- Are you a UK driving licence holder? A PCV licence is desirable however we can help you achieve this
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.
Lead Shift Mechanic in Rochdale employer: First Group
First Bus is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our Rochdale depot where engineering innovation meets career growth. With competitive pay rates, comprehensive health benefits, and a commitment to employee development, we ensure that our team members thrive both personally and professionally. Join us to be part of a diverse and inclusive culture that values your unique contributions while providing opportunities for advancement in the exciting field of bus technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Shift Mechanic in Rochdale
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like First Group.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like First Group love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of First Group and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Shift Mechanic in Rochdale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for First Group and the Lead Shift Mechanic role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Group
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at First Group.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at First Group.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with First Group, making you a more appealing candidate.
