Shift Mechanical Engineering Lead – Downtime & Safety

Elevation Recruitment Group; Chesterfield; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Elevation Recruitment Group is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead its shift engineering team in a well-established manufacturing environment. You will drive continuous improvement, coach the team, and ensure plant uptime while maintaining safety and compliant working practices.

This hands-on leadership role requires strong diagnostic skills across electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and experience in heavy industry such as casting, forging or foundry environments.

Qualifications

• Strong diagnostic skills across electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment and control systems.
• Experience in heavy manufacturing environments (casting, forging, foundry, machining).
• Proven ability to lead by example and organise the work of others.

Responsibilities

• Act as the focal point for shift engineering, organising work with operations to minimise downtime.
• Lead, coach and develop the engineering team and work alongside them when needed.
• Plan, prioritise and organise the team’s workload, ensuring equipment for planned and breakdown work.
• Champion safety and PPE compliance, risk assessments and method statements.
• Complete 5 Whys for incidents and review to reduce recurrence and impact.
• Review TPM books, chase overdue checks, and train TPM routines.
• Maintain shift report books and report on manning and plant availability to management.
• Identify and deliver plant performance improvements.
• Coordinate stock and direct purchases with the Engineering Administrator.
• Manage team holidays, cover, and return-to-work interviews.
• Develop work instructions, risk assessments and one-point lessons; monitor compliance.
• Oversee contractors on site, ensuring safety and site rules.

Skills

Leadership

Diagnostics

Communication

Organization

Job description

Elevation Recruitment Group is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead its shift engineering team in a well-established manufacturing environment. You will drive continuous improvement, coach the team, and ensure plant uptime while maintaining safety and compliant working practices.

This hands-on leadership role requires strong diagnostic skills across electrical, mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems, and experience in heavy industry such as casting, forging or foundry environments.