Maintenance Team Leader

Job Description

The Role

Are you ready to step into a true leadership role and shape the performance and culture of a high‑performing maintenance function? We’re looking for an inspiring people leader to lead, coach and develop a team of Field Service Engineers, driving reliable, safe and compliant operations across a diverse operational area.

This is not a hands‑on, on‑the‑tools role. Instead, you’ll focus on setting direction, prioritising and delegating work, managing resources effectively and delivering results against key performance indicators. You’ll work closely with multiple departments to ensure alignment, collaboration and consistent performance.

As a champion of continuous improvement and defect elimination, you’ll embed best practice, coach your team to excel and foster a strong culture of accountability, reliability and performance. From leading employee relations to driving operational outcomes, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact through effective leadership, mentorship and strategic oversight.

Role Accountabilities

• Champion a culture of safety and compliance by ensuring your team consistently follows health, safety, and environmental standards—creating a workplace where everyone feels safe and supported.
• Lead proactive maintenance planning by managing the area’s backlog, developing a weekly schedule for preventative and corrective work, and providing final sign-off. Drive schedule compliance of over 70% to keep operations running smoothly and reduce asset downtime.
• Protect asset health and performance by achieving over 95% preventative maintenance compliance. Promote accurate PM yield and ensure all tasks meet the highest standards—helping identify issues early and prevent failures.
• Maintain exceptional workshop standards to provide a clean, safe, and efficient environment. Ensure all equipment meets statutory compliance and certification requirements, from lifting gear to gas monitors and power tools.
• Keep critical resources ready by identifying essential stock, maintaining high local store standards, and achieving over 95% stock audit compliance—so the right parts are always available when needed.
• Collaborate and make strategic decisions on outsourced work, partnering with Maintenance Sourcing for quick turnaround and identifying opportunities to eliminate future defects for improved asset performance.
• Foster teamwork and knowledge sharing by regularly connecting with leaders across regions and Maintenance Services teams—celebrating successes and driving consistency across the organization.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Technical Expertise: Time-served in a maintenance discipline with ONC/HNC or equivalent technical competencies in Mechanical, Electrical, or Instrumentation. Strong analytical skills to diagnose faults and understand root causes of asset failure.
• Driving: Full UK driving license and the ability to travel between operational sites when required.
• Leadership & People Skills: Ability to motivate, coach, and lead a team, driving high standards in safety, quality, and maintenance performance. Skilled communicator who can adapt their approach to different audiences and situations.
• Organisational & Problem-Solving Skills: Highly organised with the ability to plan and prioritise workloads effectively in fast-changing operational environments. Comfortable making decisions under pressure while maintaining focus on safety and compliance.
• Digital & Data Capability: Proficient in IT systems and able to generate and analyse data to report on team performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Continuous Improvement Mindset: Self-motivated to develop professionally and stay up to date with maintenance best practices. Committed to coaching and mentoring team members to enhance overall performance.
• Driving Requirement: A full UK driving licence is essential, as the role involves travel across operational areas.
• Desirable Certifications: CMRT, CMRP, CRL, or CMM certifications are beneficial but not essential. Successful candidates may be supported to undertake additional training in maintenance and reliability principles.

Qualifications

• Level 3 NVQ (or equivalent) in Mechanical, Electrical, or Multi-Skilled Engineering.
• HNC (Higher National Certificate) in Engineering or working towards completion.
• IOSH Managing Safely (or willingness to obtain within an agreed timeframe).

About Us

Salary - £51,233
Work Type - Onsite
Job Location - Davyhulme Wastewater Treatment Works, Trafford Way, Urmston, Manchester, M17 8DD
Role Type - Permanent
Employment Type - Full Time
Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week

United Utilities’ (UU) purpose is to deliver great water for a stronger, greener and healthier North West of England. We are committed to providing our services in a way that respects the environment, supports the economy, and benefits society.

We value diversity, inclusion and innovation in our workplace, and we foster a culture where our people can grow, excel, and be themselves.

We uphold our ethics, values and business model to fulfil our mission and, by setting clear goals and objectives, we create sustainable long-term value for our colleagues, customers and communities. Whether you work with a team that shares your vision or join a network of peers with similar interests, you will find a welcoming and supportive organisation to be part of.

We’ve got a lot to offer. You’ll be part of a thriving FTSE 100 company and will enjoy a range of core benefits that reflect your value and value contribution.

Benefits

• A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
• A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
• Up to 7.5% performance-related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
• A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company-funded scheme
• MyGymDiscounts - gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
• Best Doctors
• Salary Finance
• Wealth at Work courses
• Deals and discounts
• EVolve Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Plan
• Mental health first aiders
• ShareBuy
• MORE Choices flexible benefits
• Enhanced parental leave schemes

We rely on every employee to ensure our customers receive the best possible service, day in, day out. In return, we ensure that you will be well rewarded for your efforts, from an excellent salary through to development opportunities that will really kick start a thriving career here at UU.