At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering teams to ensure the safe operation of critical port infrastructure.
- Company: Join the Port of Dover, a key player in the UK's transport network.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5 weeks annual leave, private healthcare, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on safety and reliability in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Must have engineering qualifications and experience managing large teams.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
The Port of Dover plays a vital role in keeping people, goods and businesses moving. We are seeking an experienced and inspiring Engineering Maintenance Manager to lead our Electrical, Mechanical and Transport Workshops, ensuring the safe, compliant and reliable operation of critical port infrastructure and assets.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for an engineering professional who thrives in a complex operational environment and is passionate about safety, continuous improvement, team development and asset reliability.
About the Role
Reporting to the Head of Engineering, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of key Port assets valued at over £250 million, whilst supporting the strategic direction of engineering service delivery across the organisation. You will lead a workforce of approximately 30 technical professionals, including technicians, apprentices and specialist workshop employees, ensuring maintenance activities are planned, delivered and continuously improved to maximise asset availability and operational performance. This role carries responsibility for an annual maintenance budget of approximately £2.5 million and a capital budget of approximately £1.5 million.
What You'll Be Responsible For
- Leadership & People Management
- Leading, developing and motivating multi-disciplinary engineering teams across electrical, mechanical and transport disciplines.
- Managing direct reports including the Engineering Planner, Lead Electrical Technician, Lead Mechanical Technician and Transport Manager.
- Setting clear objectives, performance expectations and development plans.
- Driving a positive culture aligned with Port of Dover values and behaviours.
- Engineering & Asset Management
- Developing and governing maintenance planning and scheduling processes.
- Ensuring effective delivery of planned preventative maintenance (PPM), reactive maintenance and statutory inspections.
- Maximising asset reliability and minimising operational downtime.
- Managing critical Port assets including:
- Roll on Roll off (RoRo) and Cruise Berths
- Dock Gates
- Pontoons and Access Gangways
- Generators and Electrical Systems
- LV Distribution Networks
- External Lighting
- Workshop Plant and Equipment
- Port Cranes
- Marina Boat Hoists
- MEWPs
- HGVs, Vans and Cars
- Passenger and Cargo Handling Equipment
- Health, Safety & Compliance
- Championing a proactive safety culture across all areas of responsibility.
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant statutory, environmental and engineering regulations.
- Conducting maintenance and safety audits.
- Implementing and reviewing safe systems of work.
- Maintaining statutory compliance records and documentation.
- Performance & Continuous Improvement
- Monitoring asset performance through KPIs and CMMS reporting.
- Using maintenance and reliability data to drive improvements.
- Managing maintenance backlogs, scheduling efficiency and resource utilisation.
- Leading continuous improvement projects and identifying opportunities to enhance reliability and operational efficiency.
- Stakeholder & Operational Management
- Building strong relationships across operational teams and external partners.
- Managing budgets, forecasting and long-term asset intervention plans.
- Developing crisis management procedures and delivering emergency preparedness exercises.
- Participating in the Port's on-call technical emergency support arrangements.
About You
You will be an experienced engineering leader with a strong maintenance background and a proven ability to manage teams within a demanding industrial environment.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- NVQ Level 5, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in an engineering discipline.
- Technician-level accreditation with a recognised professional body.
- Minimum 5 years' experience leading engineering maintenance operations within an industrial, manufacturing or similar environment.
- Proven experience managing teams of 20+ employees.
- Strong understanding of Health & Safety legislation, including CDM regulations.
- IOSH Managing Safely qualification.
- Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office and maintenance management systems.
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
Skills & Attributes
- Visible, hands-on leadership style.
- Strong planning, organisational and prioritisation skills.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making ability.
- Experience using maintenance planning and scheduling software.
- Customer-focused with a strong understanding of operational impact.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Flexible and resilient, with the ability to respond to emergencies and operational demands.
- Passionate about developing people and creating high-performing teams.
Why Join the Port of Dover?
At the Port of Dover, you'll play a key role in maintaining infrastructure that is critical to the UK's trade and transport network. You'll have the opportunity to lead diverse engineering teams, influence strategic asset management decisions and make a visible impact on the success of one of the country's most important transport hubs. If you're looking for a challenging and rewarding leadership role where safety, reliability and continuous improvement are at the heart of what you do, we'd love to hear from you.
Benefits:
- 5 weeks annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata)
- Generous contributory pension scheme
- Discretionary annual bonus scheme
- Private Health Care
- Life assurance
- Employee assistance programme
- 3rd party discounts
- Cycle to work scheme
- Benefits and reward platform
- Free Parking
- Employee volunteering scheme
Hours of work: Monday – Friday 40hrs per week
Salary: £65k
All offers of employment are subject to us obtaining satisfactory references (covering all education, training, employment and unemployment in the preceding 5 years) and there will be a pre-employment medical including a Drug and Alcohol test. We need to satisfy your Right to Work in the UK. Please be aware that all employees will be subject to background security checks in order to obtain a Dock Pass.
We value the unique differences that each of our colleagues bring to work every day and are committed to creating an environment where everyone is looking after each other and respected, included and able to perform at their best. All applications are reviewed by our team — we do not use AI for screening.
Closing date: 18 September 2026 at 5pm
Engineering Maintenance Manager in Dover employer: Port of Dover
The Port of Dover is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment where skilled professionals can thrive in maintaining vital infrastructure. With a strong focus on safety and quality, employees benefit from competitive salaries, a contributory pension scheme, and private healthcare, all while being part of a dedicated team that values craftsmanship and employee growth opportunities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Maintenance Manager in Dover
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Engineering Maintenance Manager role you’re after at Port of Dover.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Port of Dover a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Port of Dover.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Engineering Maintenance Manager at Port of Dover, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Maintenance Manager in Dover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Engineering Maintenance Manager, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Port of Dover a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Port of Dover specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Port of Dover
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Port of Dover, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Port of Dover want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
