Lead Engineer

Synergi Recruitment; Leicester; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Programme

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Synergi Recruitment is seeking a Lead Engineer to support the Engineering Manager in directing the site engineering function. You will drive performance, compliance, and continuous improvement across maintenance, safety, and sustainability.

Ideal candidates will have supervisory experience, strong maintenance expertise, and knowledge of energy management and risk assessments. The role involves deputising for the Engineering Manager and coordinating audits and training.

Qualifications

• Proven supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Strong background in industrial maintenance or production engineering.
• NEBOSH, IOSH or other recognised QHSE certifications.
• Energy and sustainability management experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the engineering team, ensuring adherence to PPM schedules and safe systems of work.
• Deputise for the Engineering Manager and manage daily engineering operations, resources and budgets when required.
• Drive compliance with QHSE policies and support audits and accreditations (ISO/EN14065).
• Plan maintenance, machine replacements and repairs to meet production needs.
• Oversee installation, testing and maintenance of equipment with suppliers.
• Support training and development for engineers and operators on new equipment and safety procedures.

Skills

Team leadership

Electrical systems

Mechanical systems

Energy & sustainability

Maintenance planning

Problem solving

QHSE certifications

Education

HND/HNC/NVQ Level 3 or City & Guilds in engineering

Job description

Our client is a leading international multi-service provider delivering textile, hygiene, and facility solutions across multiple sectors operating across the UK.

Job Role & Responsibilities:

As Lead Engineer, youll support the Engineering Manager in leading the sites engineering function, acting as deputy to drive performance, compliance, and continuous improvement. Working closely with production, youll help maximise OEE, reduce downtime, and ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable operations across all engineering activities.

• Champion company vision, values, and QHSE policies, ensuring compliance at all times.
• Support the Engineering Manager in maintaining regulatory compliance and implementing corrective actions for improvement.
• Lead and mentor the engineering team, promoting adherence to PPM schedules, safe systems of work (SSOW), and high safety standards.
• Assist in planning and coordinating maintenance, machine replacements, and unplanned repairs to meet production needs.
• Oversee installation, testing, and maintenance of equipment, working collaboratively with production and approved suppliers.
• Support delivery of training and development for engineers and operators on new equipment and safety procedures.
• Drive initiatives to reduce waste, energy, and carbon output (WECO) and support the sites sustainability goals.
• Ensure PPM compliance, tracking completion rates and escalating any issues where necessary.
• Deputise for the Engineering Manager, managing daily engineering operations, resources, and budgets when required.
• Collaborate to maintain site accreditations (e.g. ISO/EN14065) and support internal/external audits.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience in industrial maintenance or production engineering.
• Previous supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Strong operational maintenance and problem-solving background.
• Qualified to HND/HNC/NVQ Level 3 or City & Guilds in a relevant engineering discipline (or time-served apprenticeship).
• Skilled in electrical, mechanical, or steam systems.
• Demonstrated experience in continuous improvement and reliability-focused maintenance.
• Experience in energy and sustainability management (advantageous).
• Excellent communication, planning, and leadership abilities.
• NEBOSH, IOSH, or other recognised QHSE certifications.
• Experience in maintaining or supporting ISO or environmental accreditations.
• Strong working knowledge of risk assessments, COSHH, RIDDOR, and safe working practices.

Benefits include:

• Employee Assistance Programme for wellbeing and support
• Career development opportunities within a supportive and nationally structured organisation