Shift Engineering Team Leader

Synergi; Northampton; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Product allowance

Bonus scheme

Pension contribution

Life assurance

GP access

Shop discount

Training and development

Job summary

Synergi is seeking an experienced Engineering Team Leader to provide hands‑on leadership to a multi‑skilled team in a fast‑paced FMCG manufacturing site in the UK. You will drive engineering performance, ensure safe and efficient maintenance delivery and lead continuous improvement across the site.

You will oversee up to 8 engineers, manage maintenance scheduling, and mentor staff while upholding safety and quality standards, with a focus on reducing downtime and boosting reliability.

Qualifications

• HNC in Engineering or equivalent; or significant experience leading maintenance teams.
• Proven experience managing engineering maintenance teams in a production environment.
• Strong knowledge of preventative maintenance, asset reliability and continuous improvement.
• Experience using CMMS/SAP maintenance systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, mentor and develop a team of up to 8 engineers and create a high‑performing culture.
• Oversee safe execution of planned, preventative, predictive and reactive maintenance.
• Be first point of contact for engineering shift personnel and manage communications and handovers.
• Manage priorities to minimise downtime, improve reliability and maximise production efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing, TPM, RCA and Six Sigma.
• Conduct performance reviews, training plans and succession planning.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Food Safety, Environmental and Quality standards.
• Supervise contractor activities and ensure safe, efficient delivery to standards.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Communication

Problem-solving

Team management

Education

HNC in Engineering or equivalent

Tools

CMMS/SAP

Job description

• Monthly product allowance
• Company bonus scheme
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Life assurance
• 24/7 GP access
• Discounted onsite shop
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Team Leader to provide hands‑on leadership to a team of multi‑skilled engineers within a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for driving engineering performance, ensuring safe and efficient maintenance delivery, developing engineering talent, and leading continuous improvement initiatives across the site.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, mentor, and develop a team of up to 8 multi‑skilled engineers, creating a high‑performing and engaged engineering culture.
• Oversee the safe execution of all planned, preventative, predictive, and reactive maintenance activities across production and site services.
• Act as the first point of contact for engineering shift personnel, ensuring effective communication, shift handovers, and resource allocation.
• Manage engineering priorities to minimise downtime, improve equipment reliability, and maximise production efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement projects using Lean Manufacturing, TPM, RCA, Six Sigma, and other problem‑solving methodologies.
• Conduct performance reviews, training plans, skills gap analysis, and succession planning for engineering team members.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Food Safety, Environmental, and Quality standards, including permit systems, RAMS reviews, and isolation procedures.
• Supervise contractor activities and ensure all engineering work is completed safely, efficiently, and to the required standards.
• Monitor engineering KPIs, maintenance performance, asset reliability, MTBF/MTTR metrics, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Manage maintenance planning, SAP/CMMS reporting, spare parts requirements, and engineering budget controls.
• Support plant shutdowns, capital projects, and engineering improvement activities while ensuring effective deployment of engineering resources.

Requirements

• HNC or equivalent qualification in an Engineering discipline, or significant experience leading maintenance teams within FMCG or manufacturing environments.
• Proven experience managing engineering maintenance teams in a production environment.
• Strong knowledge of preventative maintenance, asset reliability, and continuous improvement techniques.
• Experience using CMMS/SAP maintenance systems.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Knowledge of Lean TPM, Health & Safety, Quality, and Environmental standards.

Ideal for:

Engineering Team Leaders, Maintenance Team Leaders, Engineering Supervisors, Lead Engineers, or Senior Maintenance Engineers looking to progress their leadership career within a highly automated manufacturing environment.