Engineering Team Lead, Engineering Team Lead in Grantham

We are looking for a proactive and experienced Engineering Team Leader to guide and support our on‑shift engineering team and ensure safe, effective and efficient production operations. You will play a crucial role in maintaining site uptime, driving engineering standards, and supporting the wider business in achieving operational performance targets. As a key member of the Engineering function, you will lead by example, promote continuous improvement, and contribute to departmental KPIs that align with the site’s mission, vision and values.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
  • Lead the on‑shift Engineering team to ensure prompt resolution of plant issues and defects using best engineering practice.
  • Ensure effective escalation of engineering issues in line with departmental procedures.
  • Deliver clear and accurate end‑of‑shift handovers, sharing progress, completed tasks and outstanding actions with the incoming Team Leader.
  • Support the execution of PPM tasks and planned engineering activities to enhance equipment reliability and uptime.
  • Monitor equipment performance and contribute to preventative strategies using tools such as 5 Whys and RCA.
• People Management & Development
  • Organise, guide and mentor team members (including apprentices) to deliver high engineering standards.
  • Support absence management processes, holiday planning and temporary cover arrangements.
  • Provide coaching and mentoring to develop technical capability across the shift team.
  • Ensure all training, skills matrix records and mandatory training requirements are kept up to date.
  • Promote high levels of engagement and a positive team culture within your shift.
• Safety, Standards & Compliance
  • Ensure all engineering work complies with legislative requirements, company safety policies and safe systems of work.
  • Complete Risk Assessments and ensure safe working conditions for employees, contractors and visitors.
  • Issue permits to work for high‑risk activities and ensure contractor RAMS compliance.
  • Maintain engineering workshop standards and ensure ‘Clean as You Go’ principles and 5S audit actions are followed.
  • Ensure full tool control compliance through team adherence and supervisory checks.
• Performance, Quality & Administration
  • Support cost‑control activities and contribute to overhead savings where possible.
  • Ensure accurate reporting and stock control of spare parts, working with the Engineering Stores team.
  • Manage work orders within SAP/PMS and uphold engineering documentation standards.
  • Attend relevant production and operations meetings to provide engineering updates and agree follow‑up activities.
  • Contribute to environmental improvement initiatives, including waste reduction and recycling.

Measurable Outputs

• Reduction of engineering‑related downtime.
• Delivery of planned engineering activities against shift KPIs.
• Effective management of team time, holidays and shift cover.
• Accurate SAP man‑hour utilisation aligned to department targets.
• Up‑to‑date training and compliance documentation.
• Achievement of Health, Safety & Environmental KPIs.
• Prompt completion of QUOR actions, investigations and corrective measures.
• Positive engagement scores and improved team performance.

Essential Skills, Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Experience working with processing equipment and engineering/operational standards.
• Proven experience in both mechanical and electrical disciplines.
• Previous supervisory or team‑leading experience in a multi‑skilled engineering environment.
• Competent in Microsoft Office applications.
• Working knowledge of SAP and PMS systems.
• Experience issuing permits to work and understanding safe systems of work.
• Strong organisational, prioritisation and problem‑solving skills.
• High personal integrity, fairness and professionalism.
• Logical, pragmatic and flexible approach to work.

Desirable

• Experience coaching and developing others.
• Familiarity with social media for internal communication or engagement purposes.