Engineering Shift Manager

Location: Stoke on Trent (ST4 4EX)

Shift patterns: 3 on 3 off. Rotational Day and Night shifts (06:00-18:00 and 18:00-06:00)

Contract Type: Permanent (Full-Time)

Overview

Are you a hands‑on engineering leader with a passion for automation, reliability, and high-performance teams? We have an exciting opportunity for an Engineering Shift Manager to join our Sainsbury's automated distribution operation in Stoke-on‑Trent, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and continuous performance of a heavily automated logistics facility. Leading a team of skilled engineers and maintenance colleagues you will be responsible for driving operational excellence across advanced automated materials handling equipment, maximising system availability, and promoting a proactive maintenance culture. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a fast‑paced, technology‑driven environment where your leadership will directly support one of the UK's leading retail supply chains while helping to shape the future of warehouse automation.

Typical day may involve:

• Managing a team of up to 15 people (Engineers, Maintenance colleagues and Jam fixers)
• Manage engineering performance targets on shift to achieve agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) on productivity, quality and cost
• Complete all team performance reviews and 1‑2‑1's for direct reports, accurately and within timeframe
• Ensure all plant and equipment are maintained in accordance with site approved maintenance schedules and relevant legal standards
• Be proactive and reactive to maintenance requirement, identify and complete root cause analyses of repetitive issues
• Ensure fault escalation is communicated in a timely manner to the Operations teams including estimated time of recovery in breakdown situations
• Accurately record all data which is required for systems analysis and reporting and document what repairs have been affected to correct any issues
• Develop strong management capability through effective performance management, coaching, mentoring and development of teams and individuals

This role would suit people who:

• Previous Engineering experience is essential
• Previous people management experience within a Supply Chain/Logistics environment is essential
• Level 3 City and Guilds or BTEC ONC in Mechanical / Electrical Engineering is essential
• Automation and/or heavy machinery experience would be desirable
• Excellent communication skills - Verbal and written
• Able to work in a pressurised environment ensuring all targets are constantly being monitored in order to be achieved
• Adapt to an everchanging environment and have a dynamic approach to process change

Benefits:

• Free parking and on-site canteen
• 33 days annual leave
• Join our generous pension scheme and benefit from an 8% employer contribution, alongside a 4% employee contribution
• Free confidential 24/7 GP consultations
• Hundreds of retail and lifestyle discounts
• Affordable loans, savings schemes and free mortgage advice