Lead Maintenance Technician

Lead Maintenance Technician Sector: Onshore Gas Storage & Energy Infrastructure Location: Hampshire (Near Basingstoke / Alton area) Position Type: Full-time, Permanent (Monday - Friday, 7:30am - 4:30pm + Senior Escalation/Call-out) About the Company: We are partnering with a premier operator of critical UK energy infrastructure, specialising in large-scale underground gas storage and high-pressure processing facilities. Operating a top-tier COMAH asset, they play a vital role in national energy security. The company is highly regarded for its world-class safety culture, long-term asset stability, and an exceptional benefits package designed to reward and retain top-tier technical leaders. The Opportunity: We are seeking a Lead Maintenance Technician to spearhead the day-to-day maintenance execution on-site. This is a crucial leadership position where you will bridge the gap between engineering strategies and hands-on technician activities. It's a perfect role for a senior multi-skilled technician or supervisor looking to take ownership of a major processing facility, optimise asset reliability, and mentor a skilled team. Key Responsibilities: Team Leadership: Coordinate, schedule, and oversee the daily activities of the on-site technician team and specialist maintenance contractors. Asset Reliability: Lead preventive, corrective, and predictive maintenance campaigns across complex mechanical, electrical, and instrumentation systems to ensure maximum plant availability. Planning & Execution: Review work packs, allocate resources effectively, and ensure that all technical documentation, permits, and materials are staged ahead of execution. Safety & Compliance: Enforce strict compliance with Top-Tier COMAH, ATEX, and hazardous area regulations. Lead toolbox talks, risk assessments (RAMS), and ensure the team maintains an uncompromising safety culture. Incident Response & Call-outs: Act as a senior point of escalation for complex fault diagnosis and participate in the emergency call-out rota to protect asset integrity. What We're Looking For: Technical Background: NVQ Level 3, HNC/HND, or a formal apprenticeship in an engineering discipline (Mechanical, Electrical, or Instrumentation). Proven Leadership: Experience acting as a Lead, Senior, or Supervisory Technician on a live process asset. Industry Experience: A strong track record in high-compliance processing environments-ideally Onshore Oil & Gas, Petrochemical, Chemicals, Power Generation, or heavy utilities. Logistics: Due to the emergency response and call-out elements of the role, you must live within a 1-hour travelling distance of the Hampshire facility and hold a full UK driving licence. What's on Offer (Package & Benefits): Salary: Highly competitive base salary (dependent upon experience). Premium Call-Out Structure: Highly lucrative standby and call-out terms: Weekdays: Paid at 5 hours base rate standby, plus a minimum of 5 hours at 1.5x base rate per call-out. Weekends & Bank Holidays: Minimum of 5 hours at 2.0x base rate per call-out. Bonus: Short-Term Incentive Plan (STIP) with a potential of up to 15% of salary based on targets. Pension: Premium 10% employer company contribution. Time Off: 25 days annual leave. Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance (PMI) and a £600/year Gym Allowance. Protection: Group Income Protection and Group Life Assurance (8x base salary)