Engineering Chargehand

Arriva UK Bus Ltd; Bangor; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Arriva UK Bus Ltd in Wales seeks an experienced Engineering Chargehand to lead a team of technicians responsible for maintenance, repair and overhaul of the bus fleet. The role focuses on delivering a safe, reliable transport service across Wales.

You will supervise, allocate tasks, monitor performance, and provide technical guidance, while ensuring compliance with DVSA/VOSA standards and manufacturer specs.

Qualifications

• Recognised apprenticeship or equivalent in heavy vehicle mechanics or automotive engineering.
• Proven experience maintaining and repairing heavy vehicles, preferably buses or coaches.
• Experience supervising or leading a team in an engineering/workshop environment.
• Full UK driving licence with PCV entitlement preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct a team of engineering technicians.
• Oversee inspection, diagnosis, and repair of bus systems.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and standards.
• Maintain accurate service records and defect reports.
• Coordinate with management and external suppliers on vehicle status.
• Promote health and safety and manage workshop resources.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Diagnostics knowledge

IT systems

Education

Apprenticeship in Heavy Vehicle Mechanics or equivalent (NVQ/C&G)

Tools

Diagnostic equipment

Fleet management software

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Engineering Chargehand to lead a team of engineering technicians responsible for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of our bus fleet. The successful candidate will ensure the safe, efficient operation of all vehicles and play a key role in delivering a reliable transport service across Wales.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, motivate, and direct a team of engineering technicians.
• Allocate tasks, monitor performance, and provide technical guidance and support.

Maintenance & Repair

• Oversee and participate in the inspection, diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of bus systems, including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic components.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure all work meets company standards, safety regulations, VOSA/DVSA requirements, and manufacturer specifications.
• Use advanced diagnostic tools and problem-solving techniques to identify and rectify complex vehicle faults efficiently.

Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate service and maintenance records, including parts usage and defect reports.
• Prepare and submit reports as required by management.

Health & Safety

• Promote and enforce a strong safety culture in the workshop.
• Ensure full compliance with health and safety legislation and company procedures.

Resource Management

• Assist in managing workshop resources such as tools, equipment, and consumables.
• Ensure all resources are used effectively and safely.

Training & Development

• Identify skill gaps and support the training and development of engineering technicians.

Communication

• Liaise with management, other departments, and external suppliers regarding vehicle status, maintenance issues, and solutions.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the engineering department to optimise efficiency and service quality.

Qualifications and Experience

• Recognised apprenticeship or equivalent qualification in Heavy Vehicle Mechanics, Automotive Engineering, or related field (e.g. NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds).
• Proven experience in maintaining and repairing heavy vehicles, preferably buses or coaches.
• Demonstrable experience in a supervisory or team leader role within an engineering or workshop environment.
• Full UK driving licence (PCV (D) entitlement preferred).
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving abilities with sound knowledge of modern vehicle systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of motivating and leading a team.
• Proficiency in using diagnostic equipment and IT systems for vehicle maintenance.
• Thorough understanding of health and safety regulations relevant to workshop operations.
• Experience with bus manufacturers specific to Arriva Cymru’s fleet.
• Knowledge of VOSA/DVSA standards and regulations.
• Familiarity with fleet management software.