1,845 Lead Engineer jobs in the United Kingdom

Location: UK-Wide (Travel & Lodge Away Required)
Rate: 380-400 per day
Contract Type: Freelance
Engagement: Outside IR35 / CIS / Umbrella

We are currently seeking an experienced Freelance Lead Engineer to oversee multiple earthworks projects across the UK. This is a field-based leadership role requiring the coordination and supervision of engineers across several live sites. You must bring a strong earthworks, surveying, and machine control background, coupled with hands-on leadership experience.

This is a long-term freelance opportunity , working on a day rate basis. Travel and lodging will be required depending on project location.

• Lead engineering operations across multiple concurrent earthworks projects.

• Manage and mentor a team of engineers and site surveyors.

• Provide technical input on earthworks design, machine control, and site setup.

• Ensure adherence to quality, health & safety, and project deadlines.

• Oversee GPS/machine control use and setup on construction plant.

• Conduct regular site visits, audits, and reporting to project managers.

• Coordinate logistics and resources efficiently across multiple sites.

• Liaise with clients, subcontractors, and stakeholders professionally.

• Strong background in civil engineering or land surveying.

• Minimum 5 years' experience in Earthworks.

• In-depth knowledge of machine control systems (Trimble, Leica, Topcon, etc.).

• Experienced in site engineering, setting out, and surveying practices.

• Previous experience leading or managing engineering teams on-site.

• Clean UK driving licence and own transport.

• Must hold relevant industry certifications (e.g., CSCS, SMSTS, HNC/HND or equivalent).

• Able to travel and lodge away as required.

• High level of self-management, leadership, and site presence.

• Daily Rate: 380-400 (depending on experience)

• Engagement: Outside IR35 / CIS / Umbrella

• Expenses: Travel & accommodation covered

• Duration: Ongoing projects with long-term potential

If you're a skilled Lead Engineer looking for flexible freelance work across major UK infrastructure and earthworks projects, we want to hear from you.

Founded in 2003 Wasabi's vision is to lovingly create and serve delicious Asian food for a busy nation.  

Wasabi now has 40 thriving restaurants across London and major UK cities and 4 in New York and in 2019, we introduced Wasabi Home Bento, launched exclusively in Sainsbury’s. Building on that success, the grocery business broadened its reach to Tesco in September 2022, followed by exciting launches in Co-op and Morrisons in 2024. Today, Wasabi proudly stands as the No. 2 chilled ready-meal brand, setting new standards for quality and innovation. 

Wasabi’s menu is celebrated for its unique character, exceptional freshness, and bold flavours. Our diverse range is designed to delight a wide audience, delivering both comfort and excitement with every bite.

We have an ambitious 5-year growth strategy, focusing on new restaurants, franchise partnerships, and international expansion.

As we embark on our next phase of growth and innovation, we’re thrilled to offer an exciting opportunity for a Lead Engineer  to join our Engineering  Team  based in Park Royal .

The Role:

We are seeking a hands-on and experienced Lead Engineer to manage and guide our shift engineering team in delivering both reactive and planned electrical and mechanical maintenance. You will be responsible for ensuring the reliability and performance of our production unit, fabrication equipment, machinery, and site services.

This is a key role that ensures the smooth day-to-day running of our operations, combining technical expertise with strong leadership. The role requires Out of hours 24/7 on call duty in rotation with Engineering managers (7 day cover every 2 weeks).

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead daily team of maintenance engineers, assigning PPMs, work orders and breakdowns as they arise.

• Manage contractors & site service providers as defined in the maintenance plan.

• Manage breakdowns to minimise lost time in manufacturing and communicate effectively with Managers in Manufacturing, Technical & Supply Chain teams

• Together with Engineering Managers responsible for deciding when to utilise contractors for breakdowns

• Conduct daily team huddles and report on team performance at daily site meetings.

• Supervise the maintenance team to ensure all assigned activities are carried out in a safe manner, on time and to the required quality.

• Responsible for signing off tool checks

• Train team members on Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) routine delivery

• Support creation and documentation of Safety Risk Assessments in line with company Health & Safety requirements

• Ensure all maintenance activities are carried out in accordance with company Safety, Quality & Environmental standards.

• Raise near misses and report all unsafe conditions observed via the company safety management system.

• Responsible for ensuring machines / areas worked on are handed back to manufacturing in a controlled manner.

• Out of hours 24/7 on call in rotation with Engineering managers. On call 1 week every 2 weeks. Monday to Sunday. Responsible for managing engineering duties as required during out of hours.

• Support implementation of new machinery & equipment.

• Attend, prioritise and solve machine breakdowns to minimise lost time in manufacturing.

• Complete Machine Breakdown Reports (MBRs) as required to prevent recurrence of major breakdowns using root cause analysis.

• Design out recurring breakdown issues using 8 Step Practical Problem Solving.

• Create & continuously improve PPM routines to increase equipment reliability

 Our Requirements: 

• The ideal candidate is a multi-skilled engineer with strong electrical, mechanical & PLC control capabilities.

• Qualified to one of these or equivalent is essential.

  § HNC or HND Electrical BIAS

  § NVQ Level 3 in Electrical maintenance or electrical engineering,

  § BTEC Electrical Engineering, or

  § City & Guilds in Electrical Engineering

• Experience of working with Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) is preferential, with experience in short

  shelf-life chilled manufacture being ideal.

• Previous experience in leading teams

• Strong communication skills for collaborating and working effectively across different departments and teams

  record of taking a systematic and iterative approach to enhance processes, products, and overall operations.

• Experience of using CCMS is advantageous

• A great working environment
• Pension scheme
• Target Bonus
• Refer A Friend Scheme
• Free Sushi or hot food (vegan options available)
• 50% discount in our Branches
• Employee Assistant Programme
•  (a service providing health and wellbeing support)
• Long Service Awards
• Wagestream - a financial wellbeing benefit that lets you access your pay as you earn it in real time and manage savings
• Life Assurance
• Cycle To Work
• Free on-site parking
• A variety of discounts (shopping, food & drink, entertainment and health & fitness) through Perkbox and
• The opportunity to develop your skills within a growing company.

Our people make us who we are. If you're looking for an exciting challenge and this sounds like the job for you please apply today as we can't wait to hear from you.

COME ROLL WITH US!

Location: Central London

Salary: 52,000 per annum + Excellent Overtime & Call-Out Allowance (1 in 16)

Hours: Monday - Friday, 40 hours per week

Role: Static, Single-Person Site

Are you an experienced, Electrical or mechanical biased multi-skilled engineer with a strong understanding of HVAC systems, seeking a role with real autonomy?

We are looking for a dedicated and proactive Lead Engineer to take full responsibility for all hard services at a key static site in London. This is a unique opportunity to 'own' your site, working independently in a hands-on role where your expertise will be valued and rewarded.

As the sole engineer on site, you will be the go-to technical expert for all building services maintenance. This is a hands-on position, with approximately 80% of your time spent on the tools, ensuring the site runs smoothly and efficiently.

Key Responsibilities:

• Carrying out all planned preventative maintenance (PPM) and reactive repairs across the site in line with SLAs.

• Performing electrical fault-finding and repairs on single and three-phase systems, distribution boards, control panels, and circuits.

• Conducting routine electrical maintenance, including emergency light testing, statutory checks, and replacements of lamps, ballasts, and other components.

• Managing and troubleshooting the building's power and lighting systems, and undertaking minor electrical installations such as replacing sockets, switches, and fused spurs.

• Providing expert fault-finding, diagnostics, and repair on a wide range of HVAC plant, including Air Handling Units (AHUs), Fan Coil Units (FCUs), VRV/VRF systems, splits, and ventilation.

• Managing general electrical and mechanical plant, including pumps, motors, and basic lighting and power systems.

• Undertaking minor fabric and plumbing repairs as required.

• Overseeing and managing specialist sub-contractors for services such as lifts and fire safety systems.

• Ensuring all work is completed to the highest standard and all site documentation is kept up to date.

Essential Requirements:

• Proven experience in a commercial building services maintenance role.

• An electrical or mechanical engineering qualification (e.g., City & Guilds Level 3, 18th Edition, NVQ in Mechanical Engineering, F-Gas certification).

• Strong, demonstrable knowledge of HVAC systems , with proven experience in diagnostics and repair.

Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.

We are seeking two Lead Engineers with project experience to join our clients Engineering Department at a leading food manufacturing facility. In this pivotal role, you will:

* Lead and mentor the engineering team.
* Support the successful delivery of capital projects.
* Collaborate with production, planning, and engineering teams to optimise operations.
* Drive improvement plans alongside the Engineering Manager.
* Maintain CMMS systems.

Qualifications & Skills

* Competency in both electrical and mechanical disciplines.
* Experience delivering capital projects.
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and motivate engineering teams.
* Time-served engineer with a formal electrical/mechanical qualification.
* Experience in continuous improvement.
* Ability to interpret schematic and design drawings.
* Familiarity with CMMS systems and stock control.
* Experience managing contractors.

Desirable:

* Understanding of food/fmcg industry
* Experience with CAD or similar systems.
* 18th Edition Electrical Regulations.
* Testing and inspection qualifications.

This role will be working on a days based shift pattern with a 3 on 4 off pattern.

To apply for this role, please click the link.

• Able to manage own time and allocate works to other team members
• Able to manage cost related to delivery of maintenance activities (specialist and self-perform)
• Ensuring all client services, computer rooms, data networks, manufacturing and revenue earning services meet client requirements or appropriate SLAs
• Operate dilapidation and update plans relating to critical environments
• Operate change control process covering business critical areas
• Provide technical management reports as required
• Provide emergency response standby/call-out
• Monitor utilities management and environmental programmes
• Support critical environment related technical audits
• Support cost-effective procurement of engineering maintenance services.
• Operate within annual engineering budgets for the maintenance and repair of the services
• Responsibility for ensuring all critical related engineering maintenance documentation/records are kept in clearly identified and retrievable systems
• Advise the Facilities Management Team of changes in critical environment requirements
• Plan Statutory Compliance Maintenance and Testing and report as required the Statutory Compliance Audit Report to the Technical Services Manager
• Ensure all PPM's and Critical Facility PPM's are carried out to schedule
• Monitor and analyse environmental conditions, review the loading and working conditions of critical equipment regularly
• Liaise with the CBRE EHS specialist to ensure audit compliance at all times
• Ensure maintenance is carried out in line with CBRE H&S procedures, using the permit to work system where applicable and action improvements identified during the building and workplace inspections and reviews
• Escalate urgent issues identified through to the Technical Services Manager

• Electrician with recognised qualifications (apprenticeship, HND, C&G)
• 18th Edition Electrical Wiring Regulations - essential
• Previous experience in operating data centres/critical environments - desirable
• Knowledge of emergency response/standby/call out activities and protocols
• Understand the monitoring of utilities and environmental programmes
• IOSH or equivalent H&S training
• Excellent contract/supplier management skills
• Excellent facilitation, communication skills at all levels
• Self-motivated, resourceful and pro-active
• Confident decision maker
• Understanding of water hygiene (L8) - desirable
• BMS Controls experience / HVAC experience - desirable
• Operational experience of UPS, Standby Power and Critical Environment Cooling
• Operational experience of managing Environmental, Health & Safety and Quality Systems
• PC and MS office skills

• Competitive salary - to be discussed & experience dependent
• Pension scheme
• 25 days annual leave, plus Bank Holidays
• Impressive staff discounts!

• Team Leadership: Supervise and mentor a small team of Engineers, ensuring safe and efficient work practices.
• Equipment Maintenance: Lead preventive and reactive maintenance activities on production and packaging equipment to minimize downtime.
• Troubleshooting: Provide support for electrical, mechanical, and automation systems.
• Compliance & Safety: Ensure engineering practices meet food safety, health & safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Process Optimisation: Analyse production processes and identify opportunities for efficiency, waste reduction, and cost control.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate records of maintenance activities.

• Relevant Engineering degree (essential )
• Electrical engineering bias (essential )
• 5+ years of engineering experience in a senior role (desirable )
• Food manufacturing background (desirable )
• Excellent communication & cross-functional collaboration skills
• Hands-on, adaptable, and comfortable in a dynamic, small-team environment
• Full UK driving license and access to own vehicle

Lead Engineer | City of London | Monday to Friday (8am-5pm)

Maintenance | Fit Outs | Permits to Work

55,000/annum + bonus | Exceptional client-side benefits | Client Side

13 Month Fixed-Term-Contract

GH Engage are currently seeking an experienced Lead Engineer with a background in electrical / mechanical engineering maintenance for a role in the City of London.

As a Lead Engineer, you will support the maintenance team and Fit-Out Supervisor in managing tenant and landlord fit-out projects, as well as performing maintenance, diagnostics, and fault finding on HVAC and electrical plant.

Duties as Lead Engineer:

• You will work closely with tenants, contractors, and consultants to monitor maintenance works on landlord plant and equipment, including electrical, mechanical, water treatment, and HVAC systems.
• Review contractor and tenant risk assessments and method statements, monitor permits to work, and control access to plant areas.
• Monitoring tenant fit-out works, identifying any potential impacts on the base build infrastructure.
• Carry out fault-finding, diagnostics, and rectification/maintenance on HVAC and other building systems, ensuring all works are completed to the highest standards.

Lead Engineer Package:

• Salary: 55,000
• 5% Bonus (2,250)
  • Total take home pay: 57,500
• Monday to Friday; 8 am to 5 pm.
• Client-side
• 25 days annual leave
• 9% pension (7.5% employer contribution)
• Private healthcare, dental, and optical insurance
• Death in service
• Income protection
• Training and progression opportunities on offer

Requirements:

• C&G, Level 3 or similar qualifications in electrical, mechanical or plumbing and heating.
• HVAP or Mechanical AP is preferable but not essential.
• Proficient in the use of CAFM systems to complete reactive work orders.
• Experience of working in engineering maintenance teams and/or fit out teams.

If this role could potentially be of interest, then please submit a full CV.

Maintenance | Fit Out | Supervisor | Installations | Projects | Mechanical | Electrical | Plumbing | commercial maintenance | commissioning

Join one of the world's largest privately owned food manufacturers, supplying globally recognised restaurant chains and retailers. With over 100 years of operational excellence and innovation, the business operates a global network of modern production facilities focused on quality, safety, and sustainability.

This site continues to see investment and growth, offering long-term opportunities for skilled engineers to progress and thrive in a high-performing environment.

We're looking for a proactive, hands-on Lead Engineer to take responsibility for leading a small team of engineers on a shift rota that includes weekend work. Reporting directly to the Maintenance Manager , you'll ensure day-to-day maintenance is carried out effectively, machinery uptime is maximised, and all team members operate safely and efficiently.

This is a predominantly tool-based role , where you'll remain involved on the tools while also managing shift organisation, team performance, and maintenance priorities. You'll also be responsible for overseeing team breaks and supporting minor disciplinary matters as needed.

• Lead a team of 2-3 engineers on shift, managing their workloads, breaks, and performance.

• Carry out hands-on mechanical and electrical maintenance, working on a variety of factory equipment.

• Respond quickly and effectively to breakdowns, keeping unplanned downtime to a minimum.

• Report directly to the Maintenance Manager and support delivery of site maintenance strategy.

• Ensure health & safety standards and engineering best practices are upheld across the shift.

• Maintain and troubleshoot production equipment including:

  • Grinding machines

  • Formax machines

  • Freezers

  • Compressors and factory infrastructure

• Communicate effectively with production teams, contractors, and leadership.

• Handle shift reporting, task completion records, and handover documentation.

• Encourage a positive team environment, focused on accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

• Time-served, qualified engineer with strong mechanical expertise (multi-skilled background preferred).

• Experience in food production, FMCG, or fast-paced manufacturing essential.

• Confident leading and motivating a small team - previous supervisory experience desirable.

• Excellent problem-solving and fault-finding skills under pressure.

• Strong communicator, well-organised, and safety-conscious.

• Able to balance hands-on work with people management and shift coordination.

• Comfortable working within a structured rota that includes weekend shifts.

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)

• 21 days annual leave , rising to 27 days with length of service

• Private healthcare (3% employer contribution, rising to 5% if matched)

• Pension contribution

• Death in Service (DIS) - 4x salary

• Free secure on-site parking

• Free on-site canteen , including tea and coffee

• Genuine career development opportunities into Maintenance or Engineering Management

Job title:

Lead Engineer

Location:

Central London

Terms:

Monday - Friday, 08:00 - 17:00

Salary/rate:

Salary is paying 51,000-52,000 depending on qualifications and experience.

Requirements:

Qualifications needed consist of the below -

NVQ/City in Guilds Electrical Installations Level 2/3

17th/18th Edition

Electrical or Mechanical qualified

2391 - desired

About the company:

A well-established maintenance provider who are renowned for their prestigious contracts are currently recruiting for an Lead Engineer on a blue-chip building for a mobile position based around Central London. This reputable company are big believers in promoting staff internally and are currently looking to add a strong Lead Engineer to their team.

Responsibilities:

• Responsible for the H&S of the sites and engineers.
• On site HV and LV Authorised Person when qualified and on Shift.

Ensure that sub-contractors perform to meet the requirement of the contract.

Administer subcontractor work approvals and safe operation while repair or service is carried out on site.

• Undertake other tasks as defined and requested by site management.
• Ensure an awareness and compliance to the contractual KPI's/SLA's.
• Ensure the Computer Based Maintenance system, e.g. Maximo, Concept, etc is kept up to date and that PPM and reactive tickets are closed out with accurate data captured.
• Work closely with the Area Contract Manager to ensure that the service levels are maintained to a consistently high level.
• Support the Contract Support in achieving high levels of customer satisfaction
• Responsible for Statutory & Code compliance of sites. Ensure engineers are fully equipped to carry out daily tasks.
• Plan PPM schedules for sites to ensure an even workload in conjunction with the Area Contract Manager
• Ensure PPM is carried out in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines.
• Responsible for the return of PPM and work related documentation. Man Management of Day Engineers and Shift team members.
• Ensure all sites have accurate asset registers and are labelled accordingly.
• Responsible for the fast and effective procurement of materials and services. Proactively source additional works and raise quotations.
• Provide technical support to engineers, helpdesk and clients.
• Investigate and report on major Operational incidents.
• Ensure all callouts are attended to, in conjunction with the helpdesk.
• Promote H&S culture across the whole team.

Candidate requirements:

The ideal candidate is client facing (job activities that involve direct interaction or contact with a client or customer)

The ideal candidate has experience leading a team within the facilities maintenance industry or a very strong Engineering background

At least three years' experience in as an Engineer

Contact us to apply.

If this role sounds of interest and please don't hesitate to drop me a call on - (phone number removed) or alternatively drop me an email on - (url removed)