Shiel Buses is a respected family-owned transportation company based in the Scottish Highlands, with over 40 years of success. Operating a fleet of 50 vehicles and employing around 80 staff, the company serves local communities with town and regional bus services and provides luxury transport for UK and international tours, cruise excursions, and private groups. With modern facilities at its bases in Acharacle and Fort William, Shiel Buses ensures high standards in fleet maintenance. Situated at the foot of Ben Nevis, the company is uniquely positioned to offer transport for travellers exploring the region, including the Jacobite Steam Train transfers. The company is well-known for its dedication to service excellence and community ties.
Role Description
This is a full-time, on-site role for an Engineering Manager at Shiel Buses, based in Fort William. The Engineering Manager will be responsible for leading the engineering team, overseeing the maintenance of the fleet, coordinating vehicle servicing schedules, supervising workshop operations, and ensuring optimal performance and reliability of all vehicles. Additional duties include daily collaboration with other departments, project management for engineering improvements, and maintaining safety and compliance standards.
Qualifications
* Proven skills in Engineering Management and Team Leadership, with the ability to guide and motivate a skilled maintenance team.
* Familiarity with Software Development related to maintenance tracking or vehicle systems.
* Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with the capacity to handle operational challenges in a fast-paced environment.
* A background in transport, automotive, or mechanical engineering is highly advantageous.
* Formal qualifications in Engineering or a related discipline are preferred.
* Commitment to safety standards, compliance, and continuous improvement practices.
Level & Type of Knowledge, Experience & Skills Required:
üPoint of contact - Owner of engineering functions including its performance and delivery. Responsible for all engineering staff whilst on duty and serves as first point of contact for the company.
üAccuracy - Ensures that all work allocated represents the most efficient and cost-effective way of working. Ensure that all vehicle records and maintenance programs are accurately maintained and compliant with regulatory standards.
üForward planning- plan and organise MOTs, inspections, other planned maintenance (Loler, vehicle calibrations), and on the day manpower allocation.
üSickness, Absence and Holidays Management - Responsible for engineering rostering in line with requirements including management of holiday allocation, attendance recording and management, covering of work.
üReporting – Ensure timely and accurate reporting of required reports and metrics.
üManagement of engineering related issues including Lost Mileage, Incidents, daily logs, repeat defects focused on continuous improvements and improving upon ongoing trends.
üStock management- monitor and control parts supply ensuring sufficient resources are available to allow the department to function properly.
üAudits – Spot checks of defect card process and inspection and repair quality checks.
üDiagnostics-Investigate trends and patterns with an ability to put actions plans in redress when needed.
üStaff Development- Identify training needs across the engineering team and coordinate development initiatives focussed on high performance and continuous improvement.
üFormal procedures – Undertake first line interviews under the respective company procedures and authority includes sanctions up to and including dismissals.
üExternal Communications - Liaise with external stakeholders such as local authorities, the police, and schools over such matters as roadworks, tree cutting and emergency closures.
üSite Inspections – undertake site inspections checks over agreed time periods and feedback into the Safety
üMain point of contact for engineering matters with external stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and suppliers.
üTeam Working - Work closely with Manager – Service Delivery to ensure correct allocation of buses for service and inspections.
üCleaning and fuelling of vehicles – ensure equipment and resources are in full working order.
üActively promote and adhere to Health & Safety policies including proactive use of risk assessments and act as the responsible person for site safety.
üIncident support - Deputising as Incident Officer for emergencies and incidents.
üIT literate with experience using fleet or workshop management systems.
üPrepare and present regular performance reports to senior management
Personal requirements
üConfidentiality- You will be interacting with business sensitive information throughout the day. It is a requirement to ensure that this is kept private.
üSignificant experience in engineering management within the PCV/HGV or related transport sector.
ü Proven leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to motivate and develop teams.
ü A hand on, can do attitude to work.
ü Man management skills with an ability to engage and motivate workforce.
ü Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
ü In-depth knowledge of vehicle maintenance, compliance, and safety standards.
üAs a minimum you must have a current driving licence and no more than 6 points on your licence. A PCV licence is desirable.
üAbility to work independently or as part of a team.
üExperience line management responsibilities including discipline, grievance procedures, etc.
üPleasant approachable personality with a can-do attitude.
ü Able to develop effective relationships with those above and below you in the management structure.
ü Highly organised, and capable of working in a structured way.
ü Flexibility and reliability are important for the role.
üAn ability to be thorough and pay attention to detail to complete tasks to a high standard.
üAble to display patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
üAwareness of transport methods, costs, and benefits.
üHas the confidence to make suggestions on ways to improve current performance levels and improve the business.
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