Assistant Engineering Manager

Preston Bus; Preston; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A local bus operator is seeking an Assistant Engineering Manager to support depot operations in Preston. You will lead a team of engineers to maintain high standards of vehicle safety and reliability. The role involves supervising team development, ensuring compliance with DVSA standards, and assisting in budget management. Competitive salary and benefits like free bus travel are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Free bus travel for you and your family

Company pension scheme

Ongoing professional training

Opportunities for progression

Modern depot facilities

Qualifications

• Time-served Engineer with requisite qualifications.
• Experience in fleet maintenance in the transport sector.
• Willingness to obtain PCV licence is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support the Engineering Manager in depot operations.
• Supervise and develop engineering teams.
• Ensure compliance with DVSA and safety standards.

Skills

Leadership skills

Knowledge of DVSA standards

Organisational skills

Problem-solving skills

Communication skills

IT literacy

Education

NVQ Level 3 in PCV/HGV Vehicle Maintenance & Repair

Tools

Fleet management systems

Job description

Overview

As Assistant Engineering Manager, you will support the Engineering Manager in overseeing the day-to-day running of the depot workshop. You'll help lead a team of engineers, supervisors, and technicians to ensure buses are maintained to the highest standards of safety, reliability, and presentation. This is a hands-on leadership role that combines technical knowledge with people management.

Responsibilities

• Support the Engineering Manager in managing the depot engineering function.
• Supervise, motivate, and develop a team of engineers and technicians.
• Ensure vehicles are serviced, inspected, and maintained to DVSA and company standards.
• Monitor vehicle availability, reliability, and compliance KPIs.
• Oversee daily allocation of work, scheduling, and workshop planning.
• Assist in budget control, stock management, and cost efficiency.
• Support recruitment, training, and performance management of engineering staff.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.
• Liaise with operations teams to support service delivery and minimise vehicle downtime.
• Deputise for the Engineering Manager when required.

Qualifications

• Time-served Engineer with NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in PCV/HGV Vehicle Maintenance & Repair.
• Proven experience in fleet maintenance, ideally in the bus or transport sector.
• Strong leadership and supervisory skills with experience managing teams.
• Good knowledge of DVSA standards and compliance requirements.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• IT literate with experience using fleet management systems.
• PCV licence (Category D) desirable, or willingness to obtain.
• IRTEC accreditation or MOT tester licence advantageous.

About the role

At Preston Bus Limited, we keep communities moving. As a bus operator, we provide safe, reliable, and sustainable public transport to the communities we serve. Our engineering team plays a vital role in keeping our fleet of buses roadworthy, efficient, and compliant. We are now seeking an Assistant Engineering Manager to support the leadership of our engineering function at our Preston depot.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• Free bus travel for you and your family.
• Company pension scheme.
• Ongoing professional training and career development.
• Opportunities for progression.
• Modern depot facilities and a supportive engineering team.