Shift Leader

PRS; Harlow; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

PRS is seeking an experienced Shift Lead to join our facilities management team in Harlow. You will manage the engineering shift, coordinate technicians, and ensure safe, compliant operation of critical and non-critical building services within a highly technical environment.

You will lead the on-site team, drive maintenance activities, oversee RAMS and Permit to Work, and provide coaching to engineers while maintaining incident response readiness.

Qualifications

• Experience leading engineers on shift-based operations.
• Experience in data centres or critical facilities.
• Proven fault-finding and incident management ability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the engineering team during the shift.
• Take ownership of all engineering activities on shift.
• Ensure safe and compliant operation of critical/non-critical plant and equipment.

Skills

Leadership

Electrical

Mechanical

Shift management

Team coaching

Education

Electrical qualification

Mechanical qualification

H&S qualification

Tools

BMS

UPS

HVAC

LV distribution

Job description

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Shift Lead to join a leading facilities management team operating within a highly critical technical environment in Harlow.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer looking to take the next step in their career, taking responsibility for the day-to‑day management of an engineering shift while remaining technically hands‑on.

The successful candidate will lead a team of engineers and technicians, ensuring the safe, compliant and reliable operation of critical and non‑critical building services across the facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the engineering team throughout the shift.
• Take ownership of all engineering activities during the shift.
• Ensure critical and non‑critical plant and equipment are operating safely and efficiently.
• Carry out and oversee planned preventative and reactive maintenance.
• Respond to equipment faults, alarms and breakdowns, providing technical support and escalation where required.
• Monitor BMS and other building management systems.
• Ensure all maintenance activities are completed in accordance with site procedures and schedules.
• Support the operation and maintenance of electrical and mechanical infrastructure.
• Coordinate contractors and specialist engineering teams on site.
• Ensure all works are carried out in accordance with RAMS, SOPs, EOPs, Permit to Work and LOTO procedures.
• Maintain accurate shift logs, maintenance records and operational documentation.
• Conduct effective shift handovers and communicate outstanding issues to incoming teams.
• Escalate incidents, faults and operational risks appropriately.
• Support emergency response and incident management procedures.
• Monitor team performance and ensure engineering standards are maintained.
• Provide coaching, guidance and technical support to engineers and technicians.
• Identify opportunities to improve plant reliability, maintenance standards and operational performance.
• Ensure health & safety and compliance requirements are maintained at all times.

About You

We're looking for an experienced engineer with a background in data centres, critical environments, commercial facilities, industrial sites or similarly complex technical operations.

You should have:

• Previous experience as a Shift Lead, Shift Supervisor, Lead Engineer, Senior Shift Engineer or similar.
• Strong electrical and/or mechanical engineering experience.
• Experience managing or leading engineers within a shift‑based environment.
• Strong understanding of critical building services and infrastructure.
• Experience with systems such as UPS, generators, LV distribution, HVAC, chillers, AHUs, BMS and associated plant.
• Strong fault‑finding and technical problem‑solving ability.
• Good understanding of PPM and reactive maintenance.
• Experience managing contractors and third‑party service providers.
• Strong knowledge of RAMS, SOPs, EOPs, LOTO and Permit to Work processes.
• Relevant electrical or mechanical qualifications.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• A calm and structured approach to managing incidents within a critical environment.

The Opportunity

This is a strong opportunity for an experienced Senior Engineer or Shift Technician ready to step into a leadership position, or an established Shift Lead looking for their next challenge.

You will play a key role in maintaining the reliability and operational performance of a technically complex facility, while leading an experienced engineering team and developing your own career within the critical facilities sector.