Lead Mechanical Engineer in Sittingbourne, South East

Lead Mechanical Engineer
Salary: £60,000 – £70,000 DOE + Benefits + Bonus
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:30
On-Call: 1 in 8 rota (weekend check-in call only)
Employment Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Are you a motivated and experienced Mechanical Engineer ready to take the lead in driving reliability, performance, and continuous improvement across a complex operational environment?

We’re looking for a Lead Mechanical Engineer with a strong background in heavy industry, maintenance management, and leadership of technical teams. This is a key role where you’ll take ownership of mechanical uptime, leading a skilled craft team while delivering robust, planned maintenance and resolving unplanned challenges quickly and effectively.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the mechanical maintenance team, ensuring high equipment availability

• Plan and execute maintenance shutdowns and manage day-to-day repairs and inspections

• Collaborate closely with production and engineering teams to monitor equipment performance and implement improvements

• Engage and manage external suppliers and contractors for specialist maintenance support

• Use root cause analysis to diagnose failures and implement long-term solutions

• Take part in the strategic development of plant assets and systems

• Manage and improve the Computerised Maintenance Management System (CMMS)

• Drive continuous improvement projects and support capital projects when required

Key Skills & Experience:

• Apprentice-trained or time-served mechanical engineer (Craftsperson level or above)

• Solid background in heavy industrial or manufacturing environments

• Strong technical knowledge of bearings, belts, chains, and rotating equipment

• Proven leadership skills, with experience managing teams or leading shifts

• Competence in continuous improvement techniques and reliability-focused maintenance

• CMMS experience and the ability to drive system improvement

• Strong communication and organisational skills

What’s on Offer:

• Competitive salary dependent on experience

• Discretionary bonus scheme

• Generous holiday allowance (25 days + bank holidays)

• Pension scheme, life assurance, and income protection

• Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support

• Sharesave scheme and staff discounts

• Digital GP service and cycle-to-work scheme

This is a pivotal role with significant responsibility and autonomy, perfect for someone passionate about engineering excellence, leadership, and long-term asset development.

If you are interested in this role and feel that you have the right skills, then please click apply at the bottom of this advert.

For further details contact Lewis Wall at Pioneer Selection Ltd, you automatically become eligible for our referral scheme.

You will receive £250 for every candidate we place in permanent employment who has been recommended by you. Terms and Conditions apply please see our website for further details.

Voceer presents this job opportunity for Pioneer Selection, a 50 person sized company who are categorized as a Recruitment Agency.

This position is being managed by Pioneer Selection, a reputable recruitment agency known for placing candidates in desirable positions.