Marine / Mechanical Engineer – Lead / Foreman

Artisan Recruitment Group Ltd; Fareham; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company vehicle

Company mobile phone

20 days annual leave + bank holidays

PAYE employment

Job summary

Artisan Recruitment Group Ltd are recruiting an experienced Marine/Mechanical Engineer – Lead/Foreman for a well-established marine engineering business. This is a hands-on senior role where you become the owner’s right‑hand person, leading teams, managing projects and maintaining strong client relationships.

You will own projects from planning through to completion, arrange materials, coordinate operations and lead mechanical and welding teams on site, ensuring safe, high‑quality work.

Qualifications

• The NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering or Marine Engineering with 5+ years in a marine/mechanical environment.
• Strong practical knowledge of marine engines, propulsion systems, pumps and valves.
• Experience managing projects and leading mechanical teams.
• Excellent communication and client-facing skills; reliable and professional.
• Willingness to work hands-on and take ownership.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical and marine engineering operations while remaining hands-on.
• Diagnose faults, repair marine engines, and work with propulsion systems.
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver projects; manage materials and progress.
• Lead mechanical and welding teams; maintain client relationships on site.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Client relations

Hands-on engineering

Education

NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical/Marine Engineering

Tools

Milling machine experience

Job description

Artisan Recruitment are working with a well-established marine engineering business to recruit an experienced Marine / Mechanical Engineer – Lead / Foreman to join their team.

This is a hands‑on senior role for an experienced engineer looking for more than just a job. The successful candidate will become the owner’s right-hand person, taking responsibility for mechanical operations, leading teams, managing projects and maintaining strong client relationships.

There is a genuine opportunity to progress into a Director-level position, with potential shareholding in the business following a qualifying period, to be discussed at interview.

The Role

You will be responsible for leading mechanical and marine engineering operations, while remaining hands‑on with the work. This will include marine and mechanical fitting, diagnosing and repairing marine engines on boats and ships, and working with propulsion systems, pumps, valves and associated mechanical equipment.

You will take ownership of projects from planning through to completion, identifying job requirements, arranging materials where authorised and keeping management informed of progress. You will also lead mechanical teams and welding teams where required, providing clear direction and acting as the main point of contact on site.

A key part of the role will be maintaining excellent relationships with clients. You will communicate confidently and professionally, provide practical solutions to technical problems and ensure all work is completed safely, efficiently and to the highest possible standard.

You will also be responsible for completing accurate timesheets, job reports and relevant administration, maintaining a clean and organised working environment, and supporting other departments when required.

The role requires someone who is proactive, reliable and willing to take ownership. You will act as the owner's and Line Manager's right-hand support for mechanical operations and will be expected to respond promptly to operational and client requirements, including outside normal working hours where reasonably required.

Overtime may be required, including weekdays and weekends, depending on operational and client requirements.

Essential Requirements

The successful candidate will hold an NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical Engineering, Marine Engineering or an equivalent qualification, together with a minimum of 5 years' experience within a marine or mechanical engineering environment.

You will have strong practical knowledge of marine engines, propulsion systems, pumps and valves, together with proven experience diagnosing faults and carrying out effective repairs and maintenance.

Previous experience managing projects and leading mechanical teams is highly desirable. You must be comfortable working in a hands‑on capacity while also taking responsibility for planning, coordination and operations.

Excellent communication, organisational and client-facing skills are essential, along with a strong work ethic, reliability, professionalism and the ability to take ownership.

Desirable Experience

Welding experience would be advantageous, as would the ability to operate a milling machine.

Additional marine engineering or mechanical qualifications would also be beneficial.

What’s on Offer?

The position offers £22.00 per hour for the first 37.5 hours per week, increasing to £28.00 per hour for all hours worked above 37.5 hours. Average earnings are approximately £61,100 per year.

• company vehicle
• company mobile phone
• 20 days' annual leave plus bank holidays
• PAYE employment

Most importantly, this is a genuine long‑term career opportunity with a clear pathway towards Director level and potential shareholding in the business following a qualifying period, to be discussed at interview.