Lead Engineer

ELIS; Bishop Auckland; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

29 days holiday

EAP (Employee Assistance)

Competitive salary

33 days holiday

Pension & healthcare

Day shift

Career development

National opportunities

Job summary

Elis is seeking an experienced Lead Engineer based in Bishop Auckland to support the Engineering Manager and lead a high-performing team. You will work with production teams to improve equipment effectiveness and deliver the site’s business objectives.

This role offers national coverage for career development, a clear progression path, and a collaborative environment with a strong focus on safety and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in industrial maintenance or production environments.
• Previous supervisory or management experience in engineering.
• Strong technical background (electrical, mechanical, or steam systems).
• Relevant qualification (Degree, HND, HNC, NVQ Level 3, or equivalent).
• Excellent communication, leadership, and team-building skills.
• Ability to analyse data, influence decisions and drive improvements.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• NEBOSH/IOSH or QHSE qualifications desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the Engineering Manager in leading the engineering function and act as deputy when required.
• Ensure compliance with company QHSE policies, regulations, and safety standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives including overall equipment effectiveness and environmental impact reduction.
• Plan, organise and coordinate maintenance activities including PPM schedules and corrective works.
• Provide hands-on technical support while mentoring engineers and apprentices.
• Support installation, testing, maintenance, and repair of site equipment and machinery.
• Manage engineering activities during periods of leadership absence and ensure performance targets are met.
• Work with suppliers to source parts and improve operational efficiency.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure training compliance across the team.

Skills

Industrial maintenance

Supervisory experience

Electrical/Mechanical/Steam

Leadership

Communication

Data analysis

Organisational skills

NEBOSH/IOSH or QHSE desirable

Education

Degree/HND/HNC/NVQ3 or equivalent

Tools

N/A

Job description

About a Career With Elis

Elis is an international multi-service provider, offering textile, hygiene, and facility services solutions. We are a leader in most of the 29 countries in which we operate, employing 52,000 professionals.

Engineering

• Bishop Auckland
• Full-time
• Permanent

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Lead Engineer to play a key role in supporting the Engineering Manager and leading a high-performing engineering team.

Based in Bishop Auckland, you’ll work closely with production teams to improve equipment effectiveness, drive operational excellence, and support the delivery of the site’s business objectives. We are passionate about career development and offer national coverage to support your professional growth and ambition.

Your Mission at Elis

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

• Support the Engineering Manager in leading the engineering function and act as deputy when required
• Ensure compliance with company QHSE policies, regulations, and safety standards
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including overall equipment effectiveness and environmental impact reduction
• Plan, organise and coordinate maintenance activities, including PPM schedules and corrective works
• Provide hands‑on technical support while mentoring and developing engineers and apprentices
• Support installation, testing, maintenance, and repair of site equipment and machinery
• Manage engineering activities during periods of leadership absence and ensure performance targets are met
• Work with suppliers to source parts and improve operational efficiency
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure training compliance across the engineering team

Requirements

• Proven experience in industrial maintenance, production, or operational engineering
• Previous supervisory or management experience within an engineering environment
• Strong technical background (electrical, mechanical, or steam systems)
• Relevant qualification (Degree, HND, HNC, NVQ Level 3, or equivalent engineering certification)
• Excellent communication, leadership, and team‑building skills
• Ability to analyse data, influence decision‑making, and drive continuous improvement
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• NEBOSH/IOSH or QHSE qualifications desirable

What's on offer

• 29 days holiday
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Competitive salary
• 33 days holiday per year
• Opportunity to join company pension and private healthcare scheme
• Monday to Friday day shift working pattern
• Opportunity to work with a supportive and experienced team
• Strong focus on career development and progression
• National opportunities to support your long‑term career ambitions

Interested? Then apply online! Your contact person:

Helena Fearnley‑Brown
Tel: [e-mail]