Engineering Manager
- Shiel Buses
- Fort William, Inverness-shire
- Jan 29, 2026
Full time
Engineering
Job Description
The Shiel Buses Management team would like to meet its next Engineering Manager, Fort William.
Shiel Buses is a customer centric, family valued business that operates in the picturesque West Highlands of Scotland. Shiel Buses' modern fleet covers a mixture of Local service, CityLink and Private hires operations demonstrating that it truly encapsulates that transport industry.
Whilst you might have experience of the position and be ready made for this role we would also welcome those looking to make this their next career step. However, as a minimum we would expect you to be a time served engineer with either a PCV or HGV background and have supervisory experience
We inspect, repair, service and prepare our fleet for MOT in a recently constructed, purpose-built facility that we are hugely proud of. We would like to see the new manager lead our onsite team and focus on continuous improvement to the deliver the highest levels of standards and performance of our quality, modern fleet.
Performing in this key Shiel Buses management position, you have full responsibility for the engineering department covering budget control, people management, health and safety compliance as well as managing maintenance of our fleet in line with DVSA standards and guidelines.
In short, the successful candidate will,
Lead, liaise, and motivate an engaged and committed workforce and serve as a key member of the Shiel Buses Senior Leadership team.
Effectively manage the engineering function ensuring department activity is completed on time through efficient practices, in a cost effectively manner whilst maintaining a safe and cordial working environment.
If you think it could be you
Applications and any questions are to be submitted for the attention of Sam Thomson to .
Below is the Job Description
In this role the post holder:
POSITION SUMMARY
A key member of the leadership team and responsible for the day-to-day management of Engineering function acting as first point of contact for all engineering queries, including vehicle allocation management queries relating to fleet.
Actively works alongside and consults with the rest of the management team to ensure business success.
Owner of a set of KPIs and processes that are to be delivered to the highest standard with application of developed plans and actions to ensure continuous improvements are continually strived for.
Level & Type of Knowledge, Experience & Skills Required:
ü Point 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.
ü Accuracy - 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.
ü Forward planning- plan and organise MOTs, inspections, other planned maintenance (Loler, vehicle calibrations), and on the day manpower allocation.
ü Sickness, Absence and Holidays Management - Responsible for engineering rostering in line with requirements including management of holiday allocation, attendance recording and management, covering of work.
ü Reporting - Ensure timely and accurate reporting of required reports and metrics.
ü Management of engineering related issues including Lost Mileage, Incidents, daily logs, repeat defects focused on continuous improvements and improving upon ongoing trends.
ü Stock management- monitor and control parts supply ensuring sufficient resources are available to allow the department to function properly.
ü Audits - Spot checks of defect card process and inspection and repair quality checks.
ü Diagnostics-Investigate trends and patterns with an ability to put actions plans in redress when needed.
ü Staff Development- Identify training needs across the engineering team and coordinate development initiatives focussed on high performance and continuous improvement.
ü Formal procedures - Undertake first line interviews under the respective company procedures and authority includes sanctions up to and including dismissals.
ü External Communications - Liaise with external stakeholders such as local authorities, the police, and schools over such matters as roadworks, tree cutting and emergency closures.
ü Site Inspections - undertake site inspections checks over agreed time periods and feedback into the Safety
ü Main point of contact for engineering matters with external stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and suppliers.
ü Team Working - Work closely with Manager - Service Delivery to ensure correct allocation of buses for service and inspections.
ü Wheel torque drives - Liaise with operations to ensure driver for
ü Cleaning and fuelling of vehicles - ensure equipment and resources are in full working order.
ü Actively promote and adhere to Health & Safety policies including proactive use of risk assessments and act as the responsible person for site safety.
ü Incident support - Deputising as Incident Officer for emergencies and incidents.
ü IT literate with experience using fleet or workshop management systems.
ü Prepare and present regular performance reports to senior management
Personal requirements
ü Confidentiality- You will be interacting with business sensitive information throughout the day. It is a requirement to ensure that this is kept private.
ü Significant 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.
ü As a minimum you must have a current driving licence and no more than 6 points on your licence. A PCV licence is desirable.
ü Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
ü Experience line management responsibilities including discipline, grievance procedures, etc.
ü Pleasant 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.
ü An ability to be thorough and pay attention to detail to complete tasks to a high standard.
ü Able to display patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
ü Awareness of transport ü transport methods, costs, and benefits.
ü Has the confidence to make suggestions on ways to improve current performance levels and improve the business.
Limits of Authority
ü Not to commit to expenditure outside agreed procedures.
ü Not to speak to the press or public media without prior agreement of senior management (normally the Managing Director.)
The above duties and responsibilities must be carried out in compliance with all policies currently in force at Shiel Buses Limited.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £51,500.00-£58,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Company car
Company pension
Free or subsidised travel
Free parking
Store discount
Application question(s):
Do you have at least 5 years experience of working in the PCV/HGV or related transport sector
Do you have proven leadership and supervisory experience?
Work authorisation:
United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
Shiel Buses is a customer centric, family valued business that operates in the picturesque West Highlands of Scotland. Shiel Buses' modern fleet covers a mixture of Local service, CityLink and Private hires operations demonstrating that it truly encapsulates that transport industry.
Whilst you might have experience of the position and be ready made for this role we would also welcome those looking to make this their next career step. However, as a minimum we would expect you to be a time served engineer with either a PCV or HGV background and have supervisory experience
We inspect, repair, service and prepare our fleet for MOT in a recently constructed, purpose-built facility that we are hugely proud of. We would like to see the new manager lead our onsite team and focus on continuous improvement to the deliver the highest levels of standards and performance of our quality, modern fleet.
Performing in this key Shiel Buses management position, you have full responsibility for the engineering department covering budget control, people management, health and safety compliance as well as managing maintenance of our fleet in line with DVSA standards and guidelines.
In short, the successful candidate will,
Lead, liaise, and motivate an engaged and committed workforce and serve as a key member of the Shiel Buses Senior Leadership team.
Effectively manage the engineering function ensuring department activity is completed on time through efficient practices, in a cost effectively manner whilst maintaining a safe and cordial working environment.
If you think it could be you
Applications and any questions are to be submitted for the attention of Sam Thomson to .
Below is the Job Description
In this role the post holder:
POSITION SUMMARY
A key member of the leadership team and responsible for the day-to-day management of Engineering function acting as first point of contact for all engineering queries, including vehicle allocation management queries relating to fleet.
Actively works alongside and consults with the rest of the management team to ensure business success.
Owner of a set of KPIs and processes that are to be delivered to the highest standard with application of developed plans and actions to ensure continuous improvements are continually strived for.
Level & Type of Knowledge, Experience & Skills Required:
ü Point 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.
ü Accuracy - 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.
ü Forward planning- plan and organise MOTs, inspections, other planned maintenance (Loler, vehicle calibrations), and on the day manpower allocation.
ü Sickness, Absence and Holidays Management - Responsible for engineering rostering in line with requirements including management of holiday allocation, attendance recording and management, covering of work.
ü Reporting - Ensure timely and accurate reporting of required reports and metrics.
ü Management of engineering related issues including Lost Mileage, Incidents, daily logs, repeat defects focused on continuous improvements and improving upon ongoing trends.
ü Stock management- monitor and control parts supply ensuring sufficient resources are available to allow the department to function properly.
ü Audits - Spot checks of defect card process and inspection and repair quality checks.
ü Diagnostics-Investigate trends and patterns with an ability to put actions plans in redress when needed.
ü Staff Development- Identify training needs across the engineering team and coordinate development initiatives focussed on high performance and continuous improvement.
ü Formal procedures - Undertake first line interviews under the respective company procedures and authority includes sanctions up to and including dismissals.
ü External Communications - Liaise with external stakeholders such as local authorities, the police, and schools over such matters as roadworks, tree cutting and emergency closures.
ü Site Inspections - undertake site inspections checks over agreed time periods and feedback into the Safety
ü Main point of contact for engineering matters with external stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and suppliers.
ü Team Working - Work closely with Manager - Service Delivery to ensure correct allocation of buses for service and inspections.
ü Wheel torque drives - Liaise with operations to ensure driver for
ü Cleaning and fuelling of vehicles - ensure equipment and resources are in full working order.
ü Actively promote and adhere to Health & Safety policies including proactive use of risk assessments and act as the responsible person for site safety.
ü Incident support - Deputising as Incident Officer for emergencies and incidents.
ü IT literate with experience using fleet or workshop management systems.
ü Prepare and present regular performance reports to senior management
Personal requirements
ü Confidentiality- You will be interacting with business sensitive information throughout the day. It is a requirement to ensure that this is kept private.
ü Significant 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.
ü As a minimum you must have a current driving licence and no more than 6 points on your licence. A PCV licence is desirable.
ü Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
ü Experience line management responsibilities including discipline, grievance procedures, etc.
ü Pleasant 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.
ü An ability to be thorough and pay attention to detail to complete tasks to a high standard.
ü Able to display patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
ü Awareness of transport ü transport methods, costs, and benefits.
ü Has the confidence to make suggestions on ways to improve current performance levels and improve the business.
Limits of Authority
ü Not to commit to expenditure outside agreed procedures.
ü Not to speak to the press or public media without prior agreement of senior management (normally the Managing Director.)
The above duties and responsibilities must be carried out in compliance with all policies currently in force at Shiel Buses Limited.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £51,500.00-£58,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Company car
Company pension
Free or subsidised travel
Free parking
Store discount
Application question(s):
Do you have at least 5 years experience of working in the PCV/HGV or related transport sector
Do you have proven leadership and supervisory experience?
Work authorisation:
United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
About Shiel Buses