Engineering Section Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE

At the John Lewis Partnership, you don’t just join a team—you become a co-owner. As an employee-owned business, our success is built on the belief that when our people thrive, our business thrives. We are currently setting up a new RDC site in Avonmouth and are looking for an experienced maintenance leader who is ready to take ownership, drive high standards, and play a pivotal role in our transition to full operational readiness by Q4 2026.

If you are passionate about leading teams, championing safety, and shaping the future of a business where your voice truly matters.

In addition to your contractual pay, any time worked between 18:00 - 22:00 will attract an Evening Premium at a rate of £3.75 per hour, and any time worked between 22:00 - 06:00 will attract a Night Premium at a rate of £4.75 per hour. This will also apply to existing Partners who have enrolled onto Enhanced Hours Premium arrangements.

Contract type - This is a permanent position.

Location - Avonmouth Regional Distribution Site.

Hours/Shift Pattern - 6am - 2pm, 2pm - 10pm two week rota Monday to Friday. There will be a regular call‑out rota required due to the site being operational 24/7/365, with a requirement to be available by phone and able to reach the site within an hour to manage critical situations.

Key responsibilities

• Supporting FMDM in the delivery of the Maintenance business plan for their area of responsibility.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, Specialist Contractors and third‑party service providers to ensure efficient and cost‑effective delivery of world‑class maintenance.
• Creating and maintaining a culture of high performance across all areas of responsibility, setting the highest standards of ownership, engagement, Health & Safety and customer service.
• Ensuring all compliance, safety and assurance requirements are delivered, which keep the business legal & compliant to allow trading to continue without risk or impact.
• Conduct compliance audits on the internal Maintenance team and contractor works.
• Leading, coaching and developing the team of engineering technicians and tradesmen to maintain the building(s) to a high standard, ensuring all legislative requirements and health and safety governance are met.
• Supporting FMDM with budgetary control for revenue & planning for capital spend across areas of responsibility.
• Overseeing the timely delivery of all compliance, safety, and Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) activities across the campus, ensuring accurate documentation of all remedial actions.
• Actively involved in ensuring all maintenance projects are delivered safely.
• Supporting the business in delivering the Partnerships carbon reduction programme.
• Taking an active role in understanding and promoting democracy within the Partnership.

Essential skills/experience you’ll need

• Extensive experience in retail or distribution maintenance, with proven success leading multi‑skilled teams and driving cost efficiencies.
• Strong leadership skills, with a focus on process development, team motivation, and building effective internal/external relationships.
• Comprehensive knowledge of site safety (H&S legislation, Legionella, LOLER, PUWER, Fire Safety) with expertise in managing audits and statutory records.
• Technical expertise in CDM application, Building Management Systems, and CAFM platforms (specifically Opuz for PPM/reactive works).
• Time‑served Electrician (or equivalent HVAC qualification) with a NEBOSH certification or equivalent in general site safety.
• Analytical and detail‑oriented, with strong reporting skills and experience in procurement and supplier management.

Closing Date: November 29, 2026

Pay: £39,200.00 - £60,000.00

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours of Work: 37.5

Job Level: Partnership Level 8

Where You’ll Be Working: Avonmouth Regional Distribution Centre (Waitrose & Partners), Central Avenue, Bristol, BS10 7ES

ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP

We’re the largest employee owned business in the UK and home of our cherished brands, John Lewis and Waitrose. We’re not just employees, we’re Partners, driven by our purpose to build a happier world. As we look to our future, there’s never been a more exciting time to join us. We’re ruthlessly focused on being brilliant at retail. We continue to innovate, adapt and diversify.

As Partners we all share the responsibility of ownership and in its rewards. We use our voices to contribute to our success, working together through the good and challenging times, holding true to our behaviours and treating everyone with kindness and respect. We all own making the Partnership somewhere we belong. Embracing our differences and creating an environment where we’re free to be ourselves and can THRIVE. Growing ourselves individually, and as a collective. As Partners, we make all the difference. And, we all own it.

Important points to note

It’s important to note that some of our roles are subject to pre‑employment vetting. It may include DBS checks for successful candidates. Any DBS checks required will be carried out by a third‑party registered body and financial probity checks may also be required for some of our roles. We want all of our Partners to have a good work‑life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible.