Engineering Manager

First Group; West of England; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & dental benefits

Discount platform

Free bus pass + travel perks

Free onsite parking

Holiday allowance (up to 5 weeks + BH)

Job summary

First Bus in Bristol is seeking an Engineering Manager to lead the engineering team for the West of England and oversee the workshop and depot operations. You will drive safe, efficient, and cost-effective engineering activities in line with standards.

The role focuses on operational excellence, fleet availability, and continuous improvement across the engineering function, with responsibilities spanning budgeting, staff development, and KPI delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in engineering management or supervisory role.
• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Strong knowledge of vehicle maintenance legislation (VOSA, MOT, safety inspections, etc.).
• Competent in IT systems including SAP and MS Office.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work flexibly to meet operational needs.
• Full PCV and/or forklift license desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and support a team of skilled engineering professionals.
• Oversee the depot and engineering workshop operations.
• Ensure compliance with HSE, Environmental, and engineering policies and legislation.
• Monitor and control departmental budgets and costs.
• Drive performance to minimise vehicle downtime and lost mileage.
• Conduct staff training and performance reviews.
• Ensure adherence to maintenance requirements and quality standards.
• Maintain communication with senior management and cross-functional teams.
• Develop and implement engineering processes and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Communication

IT systems (SAP & MS Office)

Vehicle maintenance knowledge

Risk assessments & safe systems ofWork

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SAP

MS Office

Job description

About First Bus:

Are you ready to advance your career with one of the UK's leading bus operators? Join a forward-thinking company that embraces cutting-edge bus technology, from innovative mobile apps to environmentally friendly vehicles. We are passionate about delivering passenger journeys that are sustainable, comfortable, and efficient. We are at the forefront of innovation in the industry, connecting communities and shaping the future of public transport.

We are seeking adedicated and experienced Engineering Manager to lead our engineering team for the West of England and oversee the day-to-dayoperations of our workshop and depot infrastructure. This is a critical leadership role within our organisation, responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective engineering operations in line with regulatory and company standards.

The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering operational excellence, maintaining fleet availability, and driving continuous improvement across the engineering function.

Location: Bristol - West of England

Salary: up to £70,000 DOE

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate, and support a team of skilled engineering professionals
• Oversee the effective running of the depot and engineering workshop
• Ensure full compliance with Health, Safety, Environmental, and Engineering policies and legislation
• Monitor and control departmental budgets and costs
• Drive performance to minimise vehicle downtime and lost mileage
• Conduct staff training, performance reviews, and development planning
• Ensure compliance with statutory vehicle maintenance requirements and quality standards
• Maintain strong communication with senior management and cross-functional teams
• Develop and implement engineering processes and continuous improvement initiatives
• Manage subcontracted engineering work and contractor performance
• Uphold a positive and proactive safety culture across the team

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience in an engineering management or supervisory role
• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent qualification) in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Strong knowledge of vehicle maintenance legislation (VOSA, MOT, safety inspections, etc.)
• Demonstrable leadership and team development skills
• Competent in the use of relevant IT systems including SAP and MS Office
• Working knowledge of safe systems of work, risk assessments, and engineering standards
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• Ability to work flexibly to meet operational needs
• A full PCV license and/or forklift truck license (or willingness to obtain one) is desirable

Key Performance Indicators

• Performance in this role will be measured against a range of criteria, including:
• Fleet availability and spare fleet targets
• Engineering cost control (labour and materials)
• Health, safety, and environmental compliance
• Workshop efficiency and productivity
• MOT first-time pass rates and VOSA audit outcomes
• Repeat defect reduction
• Team development and attendance management
• Stock control and depot utilities management

Rewards:

• Your health is important to us which is why we offer Simply Health & Smart Health for you and your dependents at no cost to you! This offering includes cash-back benefits across optical & dental as well as virtual GP appointments, mental health support and nutrition and fitness advise. Our EAP provision offers 24hr, 365 days a year mental health support
• We are also committed to your financial wellbeing, and we offer a platform with many discounts on high street brands and supermarkets etc
• Working at First you also receive discounted train travel for you and your family after 6 months service as well as a free bus pass
• Free onsite parking + cycle to work scheme
• Up to 5 weeks holiday + bank holidays
• Pension scheme and chance to buy discounted FirstGroup shares

Public transport serves everyone, whatever their differences. At First Bus, we want to be an employer open to you, no matter what your differences are. We aspire to be an inclusive organisation because diverse backgrounds, thinking and experiences bring so many benefits to our customers, communities and people. We welcome applications from all.

Applicants are advised that background checks will be conducted as a standard part of our recruitment process and to comply with UK employment requirements, we ask all applicants to confirm their right to work in the UK.