Mechanical Foreman Surface

THE ROLE

The Mechanical Foreman (Surface) is responsible for supervising mechanical maintenance, repairs and installations across the surface operations at ICL Boulby. The role ensures safe, compliant and efficient operation of mechanical plant and equipment, overseeing both ICL personnel and contractors.

Key aspects of the role include:

• Leading and coordinating mechanical maintenance activities.
• Ensuring compliance with HASWA, PUWER, LOLER, Mining Regs 2014 and other legislative requirements.
• Maintaining plant integrity in line with quality, time and budget expectations.
• Prioritising work and deploying appropriate resources in collaboration with the Line Manager.
• Supporting and enforcing company policies, including safety and environmental responsibilities.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES

Safety

• Ensure the safety, health and welfare of all personnel within the area of responsibility.
• Maintain compliance with ISO 45001and drive continual improvement.
• Ensure risk assessments and method statements are completed, issued and reviewed.
• Supervise contractors and ICL employees to ensure compliance with HASWA, PUWER, LOLER, MASHAM and Managers’ Rules.

Planning

• Coordinate resources to meet short- and mid‑term project plans.
• Plan, lead and supervise work to meet specific objectives.
• Manage resources, stocks and budgets effectively.
• Work with the Planning Department to prioritise zonal and major maintenance tasks.
• Assist with selecting contract personnel based on skills and job requirements.

Decision Making & Problem Solving

• Undertake hazard and risk assessments prior to work.
• Prioritise tasks and allocate resources daily.
• Apply judgement and experience to solve problems and meet deadlines.

Operational Delivery

• Plan, organise and control mechanical maintenance, repairs and installations.
• Supervise contract personnel.
• Liaise with other internal departments to prioritise work.
• Ensure all installations are completed safely, within time and budget constraints.

Communication

• Communicate clearly with ICL teams and contractors to support smooth operational flow.
• Participate in meetings and liaise with vendors/contractors.
• Provide accurate information for reports and maintain daily logs.
• Keep line management informed of work status, issues and progress.

Information Management

• Use internal systems including email, Intranet and SAP.
• Review outstanding SAP notifications, raise work orders and requisitions, track budget expenditure.

Financial Management

• Review budgets weekly and report monthly.
• Manage materials and consumables cost‑effectively.
• Ensure responsible use of plant equipment.

THE REQUIREMENTS

Experience & Knowledge

• Time‑served apprenticeship in a Mechanical discipline.
• Strong knowledge of Mining Regs 2014, HASWA, PUWER, LOLER.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and technical data.
• Working knowledge of SAP (Planned Maintenance Module).
• Proficiency with Outlook, Word and Excel.
• In‑depth understanding of heavy engineering plant equipment.

Qualifications & Certificates

• Level 2 Skills for Life (Numeracy, Literacy, ITQ) or equivalent GCSEs/higher.
• ONC/HNC or equivalent in a Mechanical discipline.
• Risk Assessment certification.
• IOSH Managing Safely.
• Communication Skills for Managers.
• Managing People training.
• Applicants must hold, be working towards or be prepared to work towards all required qualifications within a reasonable timeframe.

Reporting Lines

• Reports to: Mechanical Operations Engineer (Process)
• Accountable to: Mechanical Operations Engineer (Process)

Key Working Relationships

• Engineering teams, Projects, Drawing Office, Planning, Shift Managers, Senior Operators, Environmental, Safety, Training, Purchasing and Stores departments.