Lead Engineer

D R Newitt & Associates; Bradford; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training and development

Career stability

Job summary

D R Newitt & Associates is seeking a hands-on Lead Engineer to lead a small engineering team within a fast-paced FMCG production environment. You will ensure high maintenance standards, provide technical support during breakdowns and drive improvements to maximise plant availability.

The role requires a recognised engineering qualification and prior leadership experience in manufacturing, with strong fault-finding abilities across electrical and mechanical systems.

Qualifications

• A recognised engineering qualification (Apprenticeship, NVQ Level 3, HNC or equivalent).
• Experience in Lead Engineer, Engineering Team Leader or Senior Multi-Skilled Engineer in manufacturing.

Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and support a small engineering team.
• Carry out planned preventative maintenance and respond to production-critical breakdowns.
• Diagnose and rectify electrical and mechanical faults across manufacturing equipment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
• Manage engineering projects, equipment upgrades and site improvements.
• Coordinate and manage external contractors on site.

Skills

Leadership

Fault-finding

Problem solving

Continuous improvement

Team leadership

Education

Engineering qualification

Tools

PLC fault-finding

Pneumatics

Hydraulics

Motors & drives

Welding & fabrication

Job description

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a hands‑on Lead Engineer to join a well-established FMCG manufacturer. This is a key leadership role, responsible for driving engineering performance, improving equipment reliability and leading a small engineering team within a fast‑paced production environment.

This position would suit an experienced Lead Engineer, Engineering Team Leader or Senior Multi‑Skilled Engineer looking to take ownership of the site's maintenance function while remaining actively involved in day‑to‑day engineering activities.

The Role

Reporting to the Head of Operations, you will be responsible for ensuring maximum equipment availability through effective planned and reactive maintenance, while leading continuous improvement initiatives across the manufacturing operation.

This is a hands‑on position where you'll provide technical support during breakdowns, oversee preventative maintenance activities, manage engineering projects and mentor the engineering team to deliver high standards of performance and safety.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, motivate and support a small engineering team.
• Carry out planned preventative maintenance and respond to production‑critical breakdowns.
• Diagnose and rectify electrical and mechanical faults across manufacturing equipment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve equipment reliability and reduce downtime.
• Investigate root causes of recurring failures and implement long‑term corrective actions.
• Manage engineering projects, equipment upgrades and site improvements.
• Ensure all maintenance records and documentation are completed accurately.
• Coordinate and manage external contractors on site.
• Promote a strong health & safety culture and ensure compliance with site procedures.
• Work closely with production to maximise plant availability and operational performance.

About You

• A recognised engineering qualification (Apprenticeship, NVQ Level 3, HNC or equivalent).
• Previous experience in a Lead Engineer, Engineering Team Leader or Senior Multi‑Skilled Engineer position within manufacturing.
• Strong electrical and mechanical fault‑finding skills.
• Experience working with automated production and packaging machinery.
• Good knowledge of pneumatics, hydraulics, motors, drives and PLC fault‑finding.
• Welding and fabrication experience would be advantageous.
• A proactive, hands‑on approach with excellent problem‑solving skills.
• The ability to lead by example and develop a high‑performing engineering team.

What's on Offer

• Competitive DOE
• Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm
• Days‑based position with an excellent work‑life balance
• Opportunity to lead engineering improvements and influence site performance
• Stable, long‑term career with a well‑established manufacturing business
• Ongoing training and professional development

This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on engineering professional looking to step into a leadership role where they can make a real impact on engineering performance, equipment reliability and continuous improvement