At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a mechanical team in maintaining critical processing assets and ensure operational efficiency.
- 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 ongoing training.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on leadership role while advancing your engineering career.
- 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
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
Mechanical / Centrifuge Team Chargehand in Ontario employer: Imerys
Imerys is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work culture in St Austell, Cornwall. With a strong commitment to safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement, employees have ample opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within a global leader in mineral-based solutions. Join us to be part of a diverse team that values your contributions and fosters a rewarding work environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mechanical / Centrifuge Team Chargehand in Ontario
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Imerys and their values, especially their commitment to sustainability and inclusivity. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Mechanical / Centrifuge Team Chargehand role. Personal connections can make a big difference!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to mechanical maintenance and leadership. Think about specific examples from your past experience that demonstrate your skills and how you’ve handled challenges in similar roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Imerys and ready to take the next step in your career.
We think you need these skills to ace Mechanical / Centrifuge Team Chargehand in Ontario
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Mechanical / Centrifuge Team Chargehand role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in mechanical maintenance and leadership. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role at Imerys and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've improved processes or solved problems in previous roles. We appreciate candidates who can demonstrate their impact.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, the only way to apply is through our website! It ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and submit your documents. We can't wait to see your application!
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 hands-on experience and how you've tackled maintenance challenges in the past.
✨Show Leadership Skills
As a Chargehand, you'll need to lead a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects before. Highlight your ability to coordinate with contractors and guide apprentices, as this will be key in your role.
✨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 a safe working environment in previous roles.
✨Continuous Improvement Mindset
Familiarise yourself with continuous improvement principles like Lean and 5S. Be ready to share any experiences where you've implemented these strategies to enhance efficiency or reduce downtime in maintenance operations.
