Fleet Engineering Manager

Gist Limited; Colthrop; A distancia; GBP 70.000 - 100.000; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

25 days annual leave

Private Medical Health Insurance

Annual bonus

Descripción de la vacante

Gist is seeking a Fleet Engineering Manager at Thatcham to own the VMU, fleet and MHE operations. You will lead the engineering team, drive safety improvements and ensure compliance while aligning with site goals.

You will shape future engineering capability, manage budgets and partner with site leadership to deliver reliable performance in a 24/7 logistics environment.

Formación

• Experience managing a Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU) and fleet operation.
• Strong knowledge of fleet compliance and vehicle maintenance standards.
• Experience managing budgets and working in a unionised environment.

Responsabilidades

• Take overall responsibility for the Thatcham VMU, fleet and MHE operation.
• Develop and deliver improvement plans for safety, service and standards.
• Lead and support the engineering team with resources and shift coverage.
• Oversee fleet servicing and maintenance planning to meet peak demand.
• Manage third-party contractors and suppliers to meet standards.
• Maintain compliance activities and audits.
• Collaborate with site leadership to improve site performance.
• Provide cover for the Vehicle Service Manager when required.

Conocimientos

Fleet engineering

Vehicle maintenance

Leadership

Budget management

Safety compliance

MHE management

Contractor management

Union experience

Educación

Engineering qualification

Descripción del empleo

Fleet Engineering Manager - (FEM.1.TA.1)

At Gist, we're proud to be part of the M&S Group, the logistics engine behind M&S Food.

From our distribution centres to our transport operations and support functions, we connect people, technology and expertise to ensure the right products reach the right stores at the right time.

As we continue to invest in our people, technology and network, there's never been a more exciting time to join Gist and help shape the future of food logistics.

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Fleet Engineering Manager to join our team at Thatcham and take ownership of our Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU), fleet and Material Handling Equipment (MHE).

This is a key leadership role within a busy logistics operation, combining the day-to-day management of our engineering function with the opportunity to shape how the VMU, fleet and MHE operation develops over the longer term.

You’ll work closely with the UK Engineering Manager, Site General Manager and wider site leadership team to ensure we continue to deliver a safe, compliant and reliable engineering operation, while identifying opportunities to improve our people, processes, equipment and overall performance.

For someone who enjoys being close to the operation but also wants the scope to lead change, develop a team and influence the future direction of engineering, there’s plenty to get involved in.

What you'll be doing

As Fleet Engineering Manager, you will:

• Take overall responsibility for the Thatcham VMU, fleet and MHE operation, ensuring legal, safety and Gist standards are consistently maintained.
• Lead the continued development of the VMU, identifying opportunities to improve safety, capability, standards, equipment and facilities.
• Lead and support the engineering team, ensuring the right resources, skills and shift coverage are in place to meet operational requirements.
• Develop and deliver improvement plans across people, safety, service, standards and financial performance.
• Oversee fleet servicing and maintenance planning, ensuring activity is aligned to fleet requirements and periods of peak operational demand.
• Manage service levels across the engineering operation, ensuring the VMU provides a reliable and effective service to the wider site.
• Take ownership of engineering budgets and financial performance, using data and insight to identify opportunities and drive action.
• Maintain strong oversight of compliance activity, audits and regular checks, ensuring risks are identified and addressed.
• Manage third-party contractors and suppliers, ensuring performance, service quality and compliance expectations are met.
• Work collaboratively with site leadership, operational teams and engineering colleagues across Gist to improve service and overall site performance.
• Play an active role in site safety and operational meetings, bringing engineering expertise and insight to wider business decisions.
• Provide cover for the Vehicle Service Manager when required, ensuring continuity across the operation.

This is an opportunity to make a real impact. You’ll have the scope to build on the work already underway at Thatcham, bring new ideas to the operation and help shape how our engineering capability develops for the future.

What we're looking for

To be successful in your application, you’ll have strong experience within a fleet engineering, vehicle maintenance or similar engineering environment, with experience managing a Vehicle Maintenance Unit (VMU), fleet operation and Material Handling Equipment (MHE).

You’ll bring strong technical knowledge and the ability to identify and assess engineering issues and potential risks, turning these into practical solutions and improvement plans. You’ll also be comfortable balancing engineering priorities with the wider commercial and operational needs of a busy logistics site.

You’ll be a confident leader who can engage and develop teams, build strong relationships across different functions and influence stakeholders at all levels of the business.

You will also have:

• A recognised engineering qualification such as City & Guilds, HNC, HND or higher.
• Experience managing engineering budgets and financial performance.
• Strong knowledge of fleet compliance and vehicle maintenance standards.
• Experience managing third-party suppliers and contractors.
• Experience working within a unionised environment.

If you're an experienced fleet engineering leader who wants the opportunity to take real ownership, develop an operation and play a key role in shaping its future, we'd love to hear from you.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Working pattern: Monday to Friday – with some flexibility as we are a 24/7 operation

Contract: Permanent, full time

What’s in it for you?

As well as a competitive package, you'll benefit from:

• 20% M&S discount on most things from furniture, fashion and food
• 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, rising with length of service
• Discounted rates on healthcare cash plan
• Private Medical Health Insurance
• Attractive annual bonus scheme, based on M&S performance and personal objectives
• Auto Enrolment Pension or competitive Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and life assurance of up to four times salary
• Amazing perks and discounts via our App to major restaurants and retailers
• Access to a wide range of wellbeing support, including our Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme

Why Gist?

When you join Gist, you're joining a business that plays a critical role within the M&S Group. You'll have the opportunity to influence meaningful change, work alongside experienced leaders and contribute to one of the UK's leading food supply chains.

Our culture is built around our values of being Progressive, Accountable, Collaborative and Ethical, creating an environment where people are trusted, supported and encouraged to grow.

Whether you're leading a site operation, delivering transformation or shaping future strategy, your work will make a real difference.

Our commitment to inclusion

At Gist, we believe our differences make us stronger. We're committed to building an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of our recruitment process, please let us know. We'll work with you to ensure you have the support you need.

Our Internal Recruitment Team fulfil all vacancies on a direct basis. Unsolicited contact by unapproved agencies, including speculative CVs, will not be accepted and introductory fees will not apply.

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