Lead Refrigeration Engineer

Job description
Job Purpose:

The Lead Refrigeration Engineer is a key role within the refrigeration team, whose primary function is to complete planned and reactive maintenance across several designated site locations, in addition to the team leadership of a small team of refrigeration engineers, to include coaching; technical support; and coordination of any first line people activity.

It is envisaged that around 80% of this role will be spent “on the tools”, delivering the planned and reactive services, with the other 20% coaching and coordinating activity for the team. This may include supporting technician recruitment activity, managing probationary reviews, on-job coaching, and first stage welfare support for the team.

As a subject matter expert, you will ensure that all technical and compliance paperwork, both for yourself and your team, is accurately completed and up to date. All work will be completed to the highest standards, in an efficient and cost-effective manner, whilst complying with the laid-down Company Health and Safety policy.

This role will require out of hours standby cover, as part of a rota. The lead engineer will be responsible for arranging & communicating any resourcing gaps to their line manager.

Key Accountabilities:

Complete the Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) schedule within agreed timescales and to ensure all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and in accordance with company procedures.

Respond promptly and positively to service call requests from the Helpdesk and to assess the requirements of the job and carry out repairs as and where necessary.

Ensure the client is kept fully updated on task completion status, prior to leaving site.

Prioritise maintenance and repair work to achieve agreed timescales and response times.

Order spares, in accordance with the company procedures.

Identify non-repairable faults in plant and machinery and promptly advise the line manager of findings, with recommendations regarding suitable replacements.

Ensure that compliance documentation is always completed and up to date.

Carry out surveys and complete reports, as required.

Carry out minor alterations and installations within the individual’s technical competence in accordance with current specifications.

Provide technical support for refrigeration engineers within the team.

Provide on-job coaching & training where required, e.g. toolbox talks, H&S training.

Complete and document initial return to work interviews / welfare meetings.

Complete probationary and check-in reviews for refrigeration engineers in the team.

Support the Operations Manager in the recruitment of new refrigeration engineers.

Act as first point of contact and support the Operations Manager for escalations within your allocated stores.

Financial Responsibilities:

This role has little by way of financial responsibility, other than ensuring tasks are completed in the most efficient manager and within pre-defined budgets on key lines, e.g. parts spend, gas spend.

People Responsibilities:

Team leadership responsibility for the engineers in your allocated stores c 15 engineers

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

NVQ Level 2 and City & Guilds 2078/207+ are essential.

NVQ Level 3, CO2 And CARE Qualifications Are Preferred.

Previous team leadership / supervisor experience would be advantageous.

Previous experience delivering planned and reactive refrigeration services within a multi-site retail environment is essential.

Strong track record of working efficiently on your own and as part of a team.

Excellent communication skills (both written and verbally).

Basic PC literacy, with experience of a CAFM system to manage task completion.

Full driving licence is essential.

This role is physically demanding and may involve working at height, in confined spaces and lifting / carrying heavy equipment.

This role will involve working out of hours as part of a standby rota. Flexibility is, therefore, a key requirement of the role