Shift Lead, Data Centre

In this role you lead the engineering shift in a data centre, ensuring safe, reliable operation of critical facility assets. You manage day-to-day performance, drive safety-first practices, and coordinate with clients and vendors to uphold service levels. You'll mentor engineers, report on system availability, and contribute to continuous improvement. This is a hands-on leadership position at the heart of critical infrastructure, offering impact through robust risk management and teamwork.

Supervise and support the site-based engineering team, including internal and MEP tasks.

• Operate and optimize facility systems (HV/LV switching, MEP assets) and produce concise improvement reports.
• Ensure compliance with statutory regulations and efficient operation of building systems.
• Plan and support Specialist Vendor work with Change Management approvals.
• Verify vendor work quality and communicate engineering recommendations.
• Provide engineering relief during emergencies and may include shift work.
• Maintain SLA compliance for engineers and vendors; monitor outputs.
• Lead weekly operations and client meetings; report daily on critical system availability.
• Prepare shift handover reports detailing significant events for new shifts.
• Manage critical spares inventory and stock audits; procure as needed.
• Generate and review site-specific SOP/MOP/EOP; assist with training.
• Contribute to engineering QA and audit 10% of completed work orders.
• Escalate critical equipment issues per local processes; ensure timely follow-ups.
• Liaise with supply chain for M&E components; support account training matrix.
• Drive team culture, personal development and onboarding of new staff.
• Support continuous improvement of safe systems of work and HSE procedures.
• Escalate vendor performance issues with clear remediation plans.
• Communicate technical/legislative updates to the team.
• Attend on-site and client meetings as required.
• Complete site-based MEP responsibilities in line with the matrix.
• Demonstrate leadership in critical infrastructure scenario training and risk reporting.
• Maintain minimum on-site resource levels and suitable cover.
• Contribute to incident and near-miss reporting and after-action reviews.
• Lead performance reviews and development of engineers within the team.

Minimum 5 years in Critical Environments (e.g., Banking HQ, Data Centres).

• Authorised Person (High Voltage & Low Voltage).
• HNC or HND in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering (or apprenticeship).
• C&G Pts. 1 & 2 (or equivalent).
• BS 7671 current edition.
• C&G 2391 Inspection, Test and Certification (or equivalent).
• Strong communication skills across all levels of staff.
• Ability to lead, motivate and direct a small engineering team.
• Willingness to undertake on/off-site training including Authorised Person training.
• Ability to understand and act on verbal and written instructions.
• Proactive, diligent, and punctual with integrity.
• Willingness for nights away from home due to training requirements.