Engineering Team Leader
Location:Grantham
Department: Engineering
Reports to: Maintenance Manager
About the Role
We are looking for a proactive and experienced Engineering Team Leader to guide and support our on-shift engineering team and ensure safe, effective and efficient production operations. You will play a crucial role in maintaining site uptime, driving engineering standards, and supporting the wider business in achieving operational performance targets.
As a key member of the Engineering function, you will lead by example, promote continuous improvement, and contribute to departmental KPIs that align with the site’s mission, vision and values.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
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Lead the on-shift Engineering team to ensure prompt resolution of plant issues and defects using best engineering practice.
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Ensure effective escalation of engineering issues in line with departmental procedures.
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Deliver clear and accurate end-of-shift handovers, sharing progress, completed tasks and outstanding actions with the incoming Team Leader.
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Support the execution of PPM tasks and planned engineering activities to enhance equipment reliability and uptime.
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Monitor equipment performance and contribute to preventative strategies using tools such as 5 Whys and RCA.
People Management & Development
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Organise, guide and mentor team members (including apprentices) to deliver high engineering standards.
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Support absence management processes, holiday planning and temporary cover arrangements.
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Provide coaching and mentoring to develop technical capability across the shift team.
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Ensure all training, skills matrix records and mandatory training requirements are kept up to date.
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Promote high levels of engagement and a positive team culture within your shift.
Safety, Standards & Compliance
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Ensure all engineering work complies with legislative requirements, company safety policies and safe systems of work.
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Complete Risk Assessments and ensure safe working conditions for employees, contractors and visitors.
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Issue permits to work for high-risk activities and ensure contractor RAMS compliance.
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Maintain engineering workshop standards and ensure ‘Clean as You Go’ principles and 5S audit actions are followed.
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Ensure full tool control compliance through team adherence and supervisory checks.
Performance, Quality & Administration
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Support cost-control activities and contribute to overhead savings where possible.
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Ensure accurate reporting and stock control of spare parts, working with the Engineering Stores team.
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Manage work orders within SAP/PMS and uphold engineering documentation standards.
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Attend relevant production and operations meetings to provide engineering updates and agree follow-up activities.
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Contribute to environmental improvement initiatives, including waste reduction and recycling.
Measurable Outputs
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Reduction of engineering-related downtime.
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Delivery of planned engineering activities against shift KPIs.
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Effective management of team time, holidays and shift cover.
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Accurate SAP man-hour utilisation aligned to department targets.
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Up-to-date training and compliance documentation.
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Achievement of Health, Safety & Environmental KPIs.
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Prompt completion of QUOR actions, investigations and corrective measures.
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Positive engagement scores and improved team performance.
Skills, Qualifications & Experience
Essential
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Minimum NVQ Level 3 in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or equivalent experience).
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Experience working with processing equipment and engineering/operational standards.
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Proven experience in both mechanical and electrical disciplines.
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Previous supervisory or team-leading experience in a multi-skilled engineering environment.
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Competent in Microsoft Office applications.
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Working knowledge of SAP and PMS systems.
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Experience issuing permits to work and understanding safe systems of work.
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Strong organisational, prioritisation and problem-solving skills.
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High personal integrity, fairness and professionalism.
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Logical, pragmatic and flexible approach to work.
Desirable
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Experience coaching and developing others.
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Familiarity with social media for internal communication or engagement purposes.
Pilgrim's Pride Limited is a division of Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, our business is part of the second largest food company in the world, whose team farm, process, prepare, package and deliver fresh, frozen and value-added food products for sale in more than 100 countries.
We are proud to partner with more than 1,000 UK farmers who share our belief in the highest standards on animal welfare, efficiency, and quality. Our own farming operation is 100% RSPCA Higher Welfare, making us the largest producer of higher welfare pork globally, delivering 25% of pig meat to UK consumers.
