Maintenance Supervisor

Theo James Recruitment; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

A global manufacturing group is looking for a Maintenance Lead in Gateshead. This full-time role involves managing a team of 20 engineers and technicians to ensure efficient plant maintenance and provide 24/7 technical support. Ideal candidates will have a qualification in engineering and significant leadership experience in maintenance. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including performance bonuses and healthcare.

Benefits

Up to 25% performance bonus

5% company pension contribution

Private healthcare

25 days holiday + 8 Bank Holidays

Sick pay

Life assurance

Qualifications

• 5+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience in maintenance and preventative maintenance planning.
• Ability to read and interpret technical and engineering drawings.

Responsibilities

• Manage plant maintenance and ensure technical support for operations.
• Lead a team of engineers to deliver maintenance programmes.
• Monitor KPIs and conduct root cause analysis for plant downtime.

Skills

Leadership skills

Technical problem-solving

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Education

HNC or equivalent in Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering

Job description

Overview

Location: Gateshead, UK

Salary: £55,000 - £57,000 per annum (depending on experience)

Benefits:

• Up to 25% performance bonus
• 5% company pension contribution
• Private Healthcare (Bupa PHC & Medicash Cash Plan)
• 25 days holiday + 8 Bank Holidays (increasing to 26 after 5 years' service)
• Sick pay (one month)
• Life Assurance (£50,000 death in service benefit)

Company

Our client is part of a large, global manufacturing group and a key player within the engineering industry. With a proud history in the North East of England, this modern, highly efficient site has been operating for over a century and continues to deliver growth through a short lead time, customer-focused model.

The company is commercially driven, flexible, and operates with a lean structure that allows for fast response times and exceptional customer service. With turnover of over £150m and more than 120 employees on site, the business is well established and continues to expand as part of a world-class international group.

Working Hours

This is a full-time, permanent role. As this is a “hands-on” leadership position, some flexibility outside of normal business hours may occasionally be required.

Job Description

Reporting to the Maintenance Manager, the Maintenance Lead will be responsible for managing plant maintenance and ensuring 24/7 technical support for operations. The role involves leading a team of 20 engineers and technicians, delivering preventative maintenance programmes, supporting plant operations, and driving continuous improvement in equipment reliability and asset utilisation.

Key responsibilities

• Leading and coordinating day-to-day maintenance operations.
• Delivering preventative and corrective maintenance plans.
• Monitoring and reporting KPIs to management.
• Conducting root cause analysis and corrective actions for plant downtime.
• Leading cost improvement initiatives while ensuring high-quality output.
• Promoting a strong Health & Safety culture across the team.
• Building, coaching, and developing a high-performing maintenance workforce.
• Supporting recruitment, training, and succession planning for technical staff.

Skills & Experience

The ideal candidate will have:

• HNC or equivalent qualification in Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering.
• Strong electrical bias with solid mechanical knowledge.
• Minimum 5 years' leadership and people management experience.
• Proven track record in maintenance and preventative maintenance planning.
• Experience in manufacturing, ideally within sheet metal or heavy industry.
• Ability to read and interpret technical and engineering drawings.
• Strong understanding of Health, Safety & Environmental legislation.
• Experience working within ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to build, coach and inspire a high-performing team.
• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organisational skills.

Why Should You Apply?

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead a skilled engineering and maintenance team.
• Join a global group with a strong history and future growth plans.
• Be part of a business that values innovation, continuous improvement, and high performance.
• A role that combines both hands-on technical involvement and leadership responsibilities