The Engineering Chargehand provides day-to-day technical supervision and support within the workshop, ensuring maintenance, servicing, inspections and repairs are completed safely, efficiently and to the required company, DVSA and operator licence standards.
The role supports workshop performance, fleet availability and first-time quality by allocating work, providing technical guidance, completing quality checks and acting as a key link between engineering management and the engineering team.
Working hours
The role will operate in line with the agreed depot shift pattern, which may include AM/PM shifts, weekend working and rostered rest days. The specific working pattern will be confirmed contractually and may be subject to reasonable change following appropriate consultation.
Key responsibilitiesLeadership and supervision
- Allocate and prioritise daily workloads to ensure scheduled maintenance, inspections and defect repairs are completed safely and efficiently.
- Provide day-to-day supervisory and technical direction to engineers, technicians and apprentices on the workshop floor.
- Act as the first point of contact for technical escalation and provide hands-on diagnostic support where required.
- Monitor workshop progress, productivity and quality of work, escalating concerns to the Engineering Manager where standards, timescales or behaviours require management intervention.
- Deputise for the Engineering Manager or Assistant Engineering Manager during absences or out-of-hours shifts, within the limits of delegated authority.
Technical maintenance and diagnostics
- Oversee and actively participate in the inspection, diagnosis, maintenance and repair of the depot fleet.
- Support maximum fleet availability to meet daily run-out requirements and wider operational needs.
- Ensure vehicles are prepared to DVSA MOT standards and that first-time quality standards are consistently maintained.
- Lead by example on technical standards, including complex mechanical, electrical and diagnostic fault-finding.
Safety, quality and compliance
- Promote and enforce a strong health, safety and compliance culture within the workshop.
- Ensure all work is undertaken in line with company policies, safe systems of work, risk assessments, standard operating procedures and relevant legislation.
- Ensure statutory inspections are completed within required timescales and that any defects or compliance risks are escalated promptly.
- Conduct quality control checks on completed work to ensure repairs are safe, reliable and compliant with Arriva engineering standards.
Operational coordination
- Liaise with the operations team to communicate vehicle availability, potential shortages, estimated repair times and operational constraints.
- Support effective planning of workshop activity to minimise vehicle downtime and maintain service reliability.
- Assist with workshop inventory, parts ordering where required, and accurate booking out of materials to the appropriate vehicle assets.
Records, systems and escalation
- Maintain accurate and timely records of maintenance, inspection and repair activity on the relevant fleet management systems.
- Ensure records provide full traceability and support legal, operator licence and audit requirements.
- Escalate employee relations, disciplinary, grievance, absence or formal performance matters to the Engineering Manager in line with company policy, unless specific authority has been delegated.
Qualifications and experienceTechnical qualification — Essential
Minimum NVQ Level 3, City & Guilds or equivalent qualification in Heavy Vehicle Maintenance and Repair.
PSV/HGV background — EssentialProven background as a skilled PSV/HGV mechanic with strong diagnostic capability.
Compliance knowledge — EssentialStrong understanding of DVSA standards, operator licence requirements and relevant vehicle inspection/manual requirements applicable to PSV/HGV operations.
Supervisory experience — DesirablePrevious supervisory or team-leading experience within a commercial workshop environment.
PCV licence — DesirableValid PCV Category D driving licence, where required for operational purposes.
Accreditation — DesirableActive IRTEC accreditation.
Key competenciesDecisiveness
Makes timely, safe and commercially sound decisions under pressure.
CommunicationCommunicates clearly, confidently and supportively with engineering colleagues, operations stakeholders and management.
Technical authorityLeads by example on the tools, particularly in complex electrical, mechanical and diagnostic fault-finding.
Standard settingMaintains high standards in vehicle safety, quality of work, housekeeping and workshop discipline.
Respectful leadershipPromotes a professional and inclusive working environment and addresses issues fairly, consistently and in line with company values and procedures.
Equal opportunities and reasonable adjustments
Arriva is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment. Reasonable adjustments will be considered throughout the recruitment process and in role, where appropriate, in line with business needs and legal obligations.
Additional informationThis job description describes the main duties and responsibilities of the role. It is not intended to be exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time to reflect business, operational or legislative requirements.
INDBY
Skills Required
- NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in PSV or Heavy Vehicle Maintenance
- Previous experience as a PSV Engineer, HGV Technician, Bus Mechanic, Vehicle Technician, Mechanical Engineer, or Heavy Vehicle Engineer
- Strong diagnostic and fault-finding experience in a workshop or fleet environment
- Experience using engineering tools, workshop equipment, and vehicle diagnostic systems
- Ability to work independently and as part of an engineering team
- Understanding of health and safety procedures in engineering and transport environments
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality workmanship
- Full UK driving licence
- Flexibility to work shifts, weekends, and public holidays
Arriva Group Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Arriva Group and has not been reviewed or approved by Arriva Group.
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Retirement Support — Pension schemes and life assurance are presented as reliable components of the package, with access to workplace pensions such as Standard Life in the UK.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Employee assistance programs, cycle-to-work schemes, and retail discount platforms are commonly cited as part of the offering that helps reduce everyday costs.
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Flexible Benefits — Travel concessions for employees and eligible family members are highlighted, with regional variations that can include discounted or free bus travel.
Arriva Group Insights
What We Do
Arriva is a leading passenger transport operator in Europe, delivering approximately 1.5 billion passenger journeys annually. The company operates across 11 European countries, providing a diverse range of services including local buses, inter-urban commuter coaches, and regional and national train services. Arriva is dedicated to connecting people safely, reliably, and sustainably through its extensive public transport network.






