Shift Lead Engineer

Pioneer Selection Ltd; Swanton Abbott; On-site; GBP 53,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for a hands-on Shift Engineering Lead to oversee a high-performing team in an automated manufacturing setting. The successful candidate will ensure engineering performance, lead a team of up to 12 engineers, and handle equipment reliability while promoting a safety-first culture. A competitive salary of £53,000 with additional allowances is offered. The position includes rotating shifts, with opportunities for long-term career development within the engineering function.

Benefits

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Training and development opportunities

Free on-site parking

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Shift Engineer, Engineering Team Leader, or Shift Supervisor.
• Background within a clean, high-volume manufacturing environment.
• Confident leading teams during high-pressure situations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of engineers across shifts.
• Respond to breakdowns and complete planned maintenance.
• Ensure maximum equipment efficiency and reliability.

Skills

Electrical fault-finding capability

Leadership

Mechanical background

Team prioritization

Comfortable with rotating shifts

Education

Engineering qualification at Level 3

Tools

PLC systems

Hydraulics

Pneumatics

Job description

Shift Engineering Lead

Location: North Norfolk

Salary: £53,000 per annum (£23.61/hour + ~£3,000 shift allowance)

Shift Pattern: Rotating Days & Nights (42 hours per week)

Positions Available: 2

The Role

We are recruiting for a hands‑on Shift Engineering Lead to join a high‑performing maintenance function within a fast‑paced, automated manufacturing environment. Reporting into the Maintenance Manager, you will take full responsibility for engineering performance on shift, leading a team of up to 12 engineers while remaining technically active on the tools.

This role suits an electrically biased engineer with strong leadership experience who thrives in a clean, structured production environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and support a team of multi‑skilled engineers across rotating day and night shifts.
• Remain fully hands‑on, responding to breakdowns and completing planned preventative maintenance (PPM).
• Ensure maximum equipment availability, efficiency, and reliability across the shift.
• Promote and enforce a safety‑first culture, ensuring compliance with all health and safety procedures.
• Work closely with production teams to prioritise maintenance activity and minimise downtime.
• Coach and mentor engineers to support skills development and performance improvement.
• Accurately document maintenance activity and contribute to reliability and continuous improvement initiatives.

Equipment & Systems

• Conveyors and material handling systems
• Multi‑head weighers, bagging and case packing machinery
• Palletisers and robotic systems
• Thermal and process equipment

Typical Faults & Technical Exposure

• PLC fault‑finding (inputs/outputs)
• Sensors, relays, and control circuits
• Control panels and three‑phase systems
• Inverters and motor control
• Hydraulics and pneumatics
• Mechanical components including bearings, belts, chains, and motors

Candidate Requirements

• Proven experience as a Shift Engineer, Engineering Team Leader, or Shift Supervisor
• Strong electrical fault‑finding capability with a solid mechanical background
• Engineering qualification at Level 3 or completion of a recognised apprenticeship
• Background within a clean, high‑volume manufacturing environment
• Confident leading teams and prioritising workloads during high‑pressure situations
• Comfortable working rotating day and night shifts

Shift Pattern

Rotating continental‑style shifts including days and nights:

• 06:45 - 19:15 (Days)
• 18:45 - 07:15 (Nights)

Package & Benefits

• £53,000 per annum (£23.61/hour)
• Approx. £3,000 unsociable hours allowance
• Paid overtime at time and a quarter
• Pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Training and development opportunities
• Employee assistance programme
• Free on‑site parking

Why Apply?

This is a stable, long‑term opportunity offering responsibility, autonomy, and exposure to a highly automated operation. While short‑term progression is limited, there is strong potential for long‑term development within the engineering function.