At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a mechanical team to maintain and improve processing equipment in a hands-on role.
- Company: Join Imerys, a global leader in mineral-based solutions with a commitment to sustainability.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, 25 days leave, private medical insurance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while advancing your engineering skills.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 3 in mechanical engineering and proven maintenance experience required.
The predicted salary is between 37002 - 39460 £ per year.
This job is with Imerys, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community.
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.
The Position Mechanical / Centrifuge Team Chargehand Job Summary Mechanical / Centrifuge Team Chargehand Location: St Austell, Cornwall Salary: £37,002.70 - £39,459.80 DOE, plus a Chargehand payment of £3,156.05 Hours: Monday to Friday, 7.00am - 3.30pm (40 hours per week) Contract : Full-time, permanent Reporting to : Site Engineer
At Imerys, our maintenance teams play a vital role in ensuring our mineral processing operations run safely, efficiently and reliably. In return, we offer a comprehensive benefits package and long-term career stability. This includes:
- Competitive base salary aligned to experience and role
- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
- Pension, life assurance and income protection
- Private medical insurance and a range of wellbeing support
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and family-friendly policies
- Cycle to Work and salary sacrifice schemes
- Employee assistance programme, mental health support and wellbeing clinics
- Recognition awards and long service awards
You will also be supported through ongoing technical training and development, with opportunities to further your qualifications and progress your career within Imerys.
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
What you will bring:
- 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.
Position Type Full time and Permanent
Only technical issues will be monitored through the below inbox: recruiting.support@imerys.com PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT RESUMES OR APPLICATIONS TO THIS EMAIL, AS THEY WILL NOT BE REVIEWED. To ensure fairness and legal compliance in our recruitment processes, only applications received through the online application process will be considered. IMERYS is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer and it is our policy to not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state or local laws.
Mechanical / Centrifuge Team Chargehand in Cornwall employer: Imerys
Imerys is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee well-being, offering a comprehensive benefits package including competitive salaries, private medical insurance, and extensive support for mental health. Located in St Austell, Cornwall, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages continuous professional development and career progression, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the industrial sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical / Centrifuge Team Chargehand in Cornwall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Mechanical / Centrifuge Team Chargehand role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with mechanical maintenance and how you’ve led teams in the past. Practice common interview questions so you can showcase your expertise confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to research Imerys! Understand their values, products, and commitment to sustainability. This will not only help you tailor your responses during interviews but also show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the opportunity. Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how you can contribute to the team at Imerys.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical / Centrifuge Team Chargehand in Cornwall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Mechanical / Centrifuge Team Chargehand role. Highlight your relevant experience in mechanical maintenance and any leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how you've used them in real-world situations. If you’ve worked with centrifuges or have experience in fault-finding, let us know! We love seeing practical examples of your expertise.
Follow the Application Process:Remember, we only accept applications through our website. So, make sure you submit your application online to be considered. It’s super easy, and it ensures that your application gets to the right people!
Be Yourself:We value authenticity, so don’t hesitate to let your personality shine through in your application. Share your passion for mechanical engineering and how you can contribute to our team at Imerys. We’re excited to get to know the real you!
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 previous experiences in maintenance and fault-finding, as this will show that you understand the role and can hit the ground running.
✨Safety First
Imerys places a strong emphasis on health, safety, and environmental awareness. Be prepared to talk about how you've prioritised safety in your past roles and any relevant regulations or standards you’ve adhered to. This will demonstrate that you align with their values.
✨Show Leadership Skills
As a Chargehand, you'll be leading a team. Think of examples where you've successfully led a project or mentored others. Highlight your ability to coordinate activities and support your team, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the company’s approach to continuous improvement and how they implement Lean principles. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if Imerys is the right fit for you.
