Engineering Team Leader

Job Title: Engineering Team Leader

Location

Loughborough

Reporting To

Engineering Manager

Job Purpose

The Engineering Team Leader is responsible for the day-to-day supervision and coordination of the engineering team, ensuring efficient execution of maintenance and engineering activities on the shop floor.

This role provides a critical link between the Engineering Manager and the engineering team, improving operational control, consistency of standards, and responsiveness to plant needs. It enables the Engineering Manager to focus on strategic initiatives, continuous improvement, and long-term performance optimisation.

As a Manufacturing Engineering Supervisor at Thermo Fisher Scientific, you'll implement continuous improvement initiatives, oversee technical projects, and ensure efficient production of high-quality products that enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Collaborate with R&D, Production, Quality, and other teams to optimize processes, implement new technologies, and solve technical challenges. Support and develop your team while fostering an environment of innovation, safety and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Team Leadership & Supervision

• Provide direct supervision and leadership to a team of approximately 10–12 engineers/technicians.
• Allocate daily tasks and ensure effective workload distribution.
• Monitor team performance and provide coaching, guidance, and support.
• Promote a strong team culture focused on safety, quality, and accountability.

2. Maintenance & Engineering Coordination

• Oversee execution of planned and reactive maintenance activities.
• Ensure timely response to breakdowns and production issues.
• Coordinate engineering support to minimise downtime and maintain operational efficiency.
• Act as first point of escalation for technical and operational issues.

3. Standards & Compliance

• Ensure all engineering activities are carried out in line with company standards, procedures, and health & safety requirements.
• Drive consistency in maintenance practices and documentation.
• Support auditing activities and ensure compliance with regulatory and internal standards.

4. Shop Floor Presence

• Maintain a strong, visible presence on the shop floor to ensure priorities are understood and delivered.
• Provide hands-on support where required to resolve technical issues.
• Ensure effective communication between shifts and departments.

5. Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Support the implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to improve reliability, efficiency, and maintenance processes.
• Monitor KPIs such as downtime, response time, and work order completion.
• Drive improvements in team productivity and performance.

6. Planning & Communication

• Work closely with the Engineering Manager to prioritise workload and align with business objectives.
• Support short-term planning and scheduling of maintenance tasks.
• Ensure clear communication within the team and with production, operations, and other stakeholders.

7. Development & Accountability

• Support training and development of team members skill matrix/Task lists
• Conduct performance reviews and provide constructive feedback.
• Promote ownership and accountability within the team for delivering high-quality work.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Significant experience in an engineering/maintenance role within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Prior experience in a supervisory or team leader position (or readiness to step up).
• Strong technical background (mechanical, electrical, or multi-skilled).
• Proven ability to manage and coordinate teams effectively.
• • Preferred Fields of Study: Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Industrial, Manufacturing or related field)
  • Professional engineering certifications beneficial
  • 3-5 years of people management/leadership experience
  • Demonstrated expertise in manufacturing processes, equipment, and quality systems
  • Strong project management capabilities and experience leading cross-functional initiatives
  • Experience with lean manufacturing principles, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies
  • Proficiency with CAD, CMMS, ERP systems and standard business software
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to analyze technical data and make data-based decisions
  • Experience with cGMP, ISO standards and regulatory compliance
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and support technical staff
  • Strong problem-solving skills and systematic approach to issue resolution
  • Collaborative leadership style with ability to work effectively across functions

Desirable

• Relevant engineering qualification (e.g., HNC/HND, NVQ Level 3+, or equivalent).
• Experience using maintenance management systems (CMMS).
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing or continuous improvement methodologies.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation ability.
• Effective communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Problem-solving and decision-making capability.
• Hands-on, proactive, and results-driven approach.
• Ability to balance operational demands with team development.

Other Requirements

• Flexibility to support shift patterns or occasional out-of-hours work if required.
• Strong commitment to safety and operational excellence.

Role Benefits to the Business

• Improved day-to-day supervision and coordination of the engineering team.
• Greater consistency in applying engineering standards and priorities.
• Faster response and resolution of operational issues.
• Enhanced team performance, accountability, and engagement.
• Enables the Engineering Manager to focus on strategic initiatives and continuous improvement.

What Success Looks Like

• Efficiently managed and well-coordinated engineering team.
• Reduced downtime and improved maintenance response times.
• Consistent adherence to engineering standards and safety requirements.
• Strong team engagement and improved individual performance.
• Tangible improvements in operational efficiency and reliability.

About Thermo Fisher:

Our Mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. Watch as our colleagues explain 5 reasons to work with us. As one team of 100,000+ colleagues, we share a common set of values - Integrity, Intensity, Innovation and Involvement - working together to accelerate research, solve complex scientific challenges, drive technological innovation and support patients in need. #StartYourStory at Thermo Fisher Scientific, where diverse experiences, backgrounds and perspectives are valued.