At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a hands-on mechanical maintenance team and ensure equipment reliability.
- Company: Imerys, a global leader in mineral-based specialty solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days leave, private medical insurance, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Join a sustainable company and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in mechanical engineering and proven maintenance experience required.
The predicted salary is between 37002 - 39459 £ per year.
The Company Imerys is the world’s leading supplier of mineral-based specialty solutions for the industry with €3.4 billion in revenue and 12,300 employees in 40 countries in 2025. The Group offers high value‑added and functional solutions to a wide range of industries and fast‑growing markets such as solutions for the energy transition and sustainable construction, as well as natural solutions for consumer goods. Imerys draws on its understanding of applications, technological knowledge, and expertise in material science to deliver solutions which contribute essential properties to customers’ products and their performance. As part of its commitment to responsible development, Imerys promotes environmentally friendly products and processes in addition to supporting its customers in their decarbonization efforts.
About The Role
We are seeking a Mechanical / Centrifuge Team Chargehand to join our Performance Minerals maintenance team based at Drinnick Stores. This is a hands‑on leadership role, responsible for supporting the safe and effective maintenance of critical processing assets across our Cornwall operations. The role focuses on centrifuges, kaolin grinders and associated mechanical plant. You will lead day‑to‑day maintenance activities, supporting planned preventative maintenance, breakdown response and continuous improvement work, while maintaining high standards of safety, quality and compliance. Working closely with engineering, operations, contractors and apprentices, you will play a key part in maintaining asset reliability and supporting site performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Maintenance and fault finding
- Plan and carry out planned preventative, routine, refurbishment and reactive mechanical maintenance
- Diagnose and rectify mechanical faults on centrifuges, grinders and associated equipment
- Support breakdown response to minimise downtime and maintain production targets
- Leadership and coordination
- Provide day‑to‑day leadership to a specialist mechanical engineering team
- Coordinate maintenance activities with contractors and external suppliers
- Support and guide engineers and apprentices on site
- Continuous improvement and projects
- Support installation of new equipment and process modifications
- Provide engineering input to capital and improvement projects
- Apply continuous improvement principles such as Lean, 5S and structured CI tools
- Systems, safety and compliance
- Create, plan and close maintenance work orders using SAP
- Maintain accurate maintenance and compliance records
- Work in line with Imerys Safe Working Rules, Local Management Rules and site procedures
- Ensure compliance with health, safety and environmental legislation and ISO standards
- Maintain responsibility for engineering areas including workshops, stores and COSHH
- Test items for traces of NORM (naturally occurring radioactive materials) and handle as appropriate
Essential
- NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in mechanical engineering
- Proven mechanical maintenance experience within an industrial or process environment
- Strong fault‑finding and diagnostic skills
- Experience using SAP or a similar maintenance management system
- Strong health, safety and environmental awareness
- Valid license to drive in the UK; must be comfortable towing a trailer due to transporting of large centrifuge bowls etc.
Desirable
- Experience working with centrifuges, grinders or mineral processing equipment
- Previous chargehand or supervisory experience
- Welding experience (MMA and/or TIG)
Why Imerys? At Imerys, our people are central to how we operate safely and sustainably. We value practical engineering expertise, strong teamwork and continuous improvement. This role offers long‑term security, development opportunities and the chance to build a rewarding career within a global industrial organisation.
Centrifuge & Mechanical Maintenance Team Lead employer: Imerys
Imerys is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, and a supportive work culture that fosters teamwork and continuous improvement. Located in St Austell, Cornwall, this role as a Mechanical / Centrifuge Team Chargehand provides opportunities for career growth within a global leader in mineral-based specialty solutions, while contributing to sustainable practices and innovative projects in a dynamic industrial environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Centrifuge & Mechanical Maintenance Team Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who might know someone at Imerys. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral, which can give you a leg up in the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your technical skills and knowledge about centrifuges and mechanical maintenance. We recommend practising common interview questions and scenarios related to the role, so you can showcase your expertise confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! As a potential Chargehand, it’s crucial to demonstrate how you’ve successfully led teams in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve coordinated maintenance activities or improved processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Imerys and being part of their commitment to sustainable practices.
We think you need these skills to ace Centrifuge & Mechanical Maintenance Team Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your mechanical maintenance experience and leadership skills. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Mechanical / Centrifuge Team Chargehand, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your skills can contribute to Imerys' commitment to safety and continuous improvement. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, highlight specific examples where you've diagnosed and resolved mechanical faults. We love seeing candidates who can think on their feet and tackle challenges head-on, especially in a fast-paced environment like ours.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imerys
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge, especially around centrifuges and grinders. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with maintenance and fault-finding, as this will show that you understand the role inside out.
✨Show Leadership Skills
As a Team Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or coordinated maintenance activities. Highlight how you’ve supported apprentices or worked with contractors in previous roles.
✨Safety First
Imerys places a strong emphasis on health, safety, and compliance. Be prepared to talk about your experience with safety protocols and how you've ensured compliance in past positions. This will show that you take safety seriously and can maintain high standards.
✨Continuous Improvement Mindset
Familiarise yourself with continuous improvement principles like Lean and 5S. Be ready to share examples of how you've applied these methods in your work. This will demonstrate your commitment to enhancing processes and driving efficiency.
