Lead Engineer
Engineering
- Leicester
- Full-time
- Permanent

About a career with Elis
Elis is an international multi-service provider, offering textile, hygiene, and facility services solutions. We are a leader in most of the 29 countries in which we operate, employing 52,000 professionals.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a committed and motivated Lead Engineer to join a company that invests in training and development to provide their people with the opportunity to flourish and develop their careers!
Here at Elis, we recognise that our employees are the company’s greatest asset and our investment in our people reflects this. Elis offers a wide range of assignments and career opportunities via a multitude of diverse job roles and career gateways between functions. This vast field of possibilities gives you the opportunity to achieve your career goals.
Your Mission at Elis
As Lead Engineer, you will support the Engineering Manager in leading the site’s engineering team, acting as deputy to help achieve functional goals aligned with the site’s business plan. You will work closely with the production team to drive continuous improvement in overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), while developing and leading engineering activities as agreed with the Engineering Manager.
Key Responsibilities
- Champion the company’s vision, values, and QHSE policies, ensuring full compliance at all times.
- Assist the Engineering Manager and team in maintaining regulatory compliance, analysing outcomes, and implementing corrective actions to improve the working environment.
- Support the implementation of risk assessments, COSHH, RIDDOR, and accident prevention measures.
- Lead initiatives to reduce WECO usage and minimise environmental impact across the site.
- Provide hands-on support and mentorship to the engineering team, ensuring adherence to PPM schedules, corrective actions, SSOWs, and safe working procedures.
- Assist in planning, organising, and coordinating resources to meet production demands, including maintenance, corrective works, machine replacements, and unplanned issues.
- Support the Engineering Manager in overseeing installation, testing, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment in line with production needs.
- Liaise with approved suppliers to source parts and machinery as required.
- Assist in delivering training to engineers and operators on new equipment, using technical documentation and SSOWs.
- Ensure the PPM schedule is accessible to the engineering team, monitor completion rates, and escalate any issues to management.
- Take responsibility for the engineering team during periods of Engineering Manager absence or as delegated, managing activities within budget and resolving any variances.
- Support the planning and delivery of safety training to embed a strong safety culture across the site.
- Ensure all corrective work is completed safely, efficiently, and in a timely manner.
- Collaborate with the Engineering Manager to maintain relevant site accreditations (e.g. ISO/EN14065), where applicable.
What will make you stand out?
- Proven experience in industrial maintenance or production environments.
- Previous management or supervisory experience.
- Strong operational maintenance background (essential).
- Educated to degree level, HND, HNC, or NVQ Level 3 / City & Guilds in a relevant engineering discipline, or time-served apprenticeship with experience in electrical, mechanical, or steam operations.
- Demonstrated experience in implementing continuous improvement programmes.
- Recent and successful experience in energy and sustainability management.
- NEBOSH, IOSH, or other QHSE qualifications (desirable).
What's on offer?
- 29 Days Holiday
- Employee Assistance Programme
This is a fantastic opportunity to grow your career in a supportive and forward-thinking environment. At Elis, we actively encourage professional development and offer clear pathways for progression. With national coverage and a strong internal network, your ambition can take you far.
In addition to a dynamic and collaborative team culture, we offer:
- Competitive salary of up to £52,000
- 29 days annual leave
- Opportunities for training, upskilling, and career advancement
- A chance to work with a great team in a thriving industry
If you're looking for a role that values your contribution and supports your growth, we’d love to hear from you.
Interested?
Then apply online! Your contact person:
Tel: helena.fearnleybrown@elis.com