Job Description:

Overview:

We are currently recruiting for a knowledgeable and experienced Electrical Panel Assembly Team Leader to supervise the assembly team responsible for manufacturing and testing power distribution boards (PDBs) installed in UK NHS and private ambulance fleets.
This role combines hands-on technical expertise with team leadership. The post-holder ensures all assemblies meet the requirements of BS EN 1789:2020+A1:2023 (road ambulances), relevant wiring regulations (BS 7671), and any applicable IPC-A-610 workmanship standards. Quality, traceability, and build consistency are paramount.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Supervision:

• Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of panel assembly technicians, allocating workload to meet production schedules.
• Conduct toolbox talks, inductions for new starters, and on-the-job training for assembly and wiring techniques.
• Act as first escalation point for technical queries and assembly issues on the shop floor.
• Monitor team performance against output and quality KPIs, reporting to the Production Manager.

Panel Assembly & Wiring:

• Assemble power distribution boards to engineering drawings and wiring schematics, including installation of MCBs, fuses, busbars, relays, contactors, isolator switches, terminal blocks, and cable management trunking.
• Carry out cable preparation including stripping, crimping, ferrule termination, and labelling in compliance with wiring diagrams.
• Build and wire sub-assemblies (power supplies, relay modules, earth bonding systems) for integration into completed boards.
• Ensure correct cable identification by colour coding and circuit labelling throughout build.

Quality & Compliance:

• Ensure all assemblies comply with BS EN 1789:2020+A1:2023.
• Carry out or oversee functional testing, insulation resistance testing, continuity testing, and polarity checks prior to sign-off.
• Complete build records, test sheets, and traceability documentation for every board produced.
• Identify and report non-conformances; implement corrective actions and update work instructions accordingly.
• Champion IPC-A-610 workmanship standards and enforce them consistently across the team.

Production & Process Improvement:

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of assembly work instructions, build procedures, and test specifications.
• Identify inefficiencies in the build process and propose improvements to reduce cycle time and waste.
• Liaise with the engineering team to raise and review ECOs (Engineering Change Orders) affecting panel design or build method.
• Manage component and consumables stock levels at the assembly workstation, raising requests to stores as required.

Health, Safety & Environment:

• Ensure safe working practices are observed at all times, in line with company H&S policy and applicable COSHH/PUWER regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments for new assembly activities and maintain a tidy, organised workspace (5S standards).
• Ensure correct use of PPE and safe handling of tools and electrical test equipment.

Skills & Experience Required:

Essential Qualifications:

• City & Guilds Level 3 (or equivalent) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering, or a recognised apprenticeship in an electrical/electromechanical discipline.
• Demonstrable competency against UK National Occupational Standard SEMPEO122 – Assembling and Wiring Electrical Panels, or equivalent NVQ Level 3 in Engineering Manufacture.
• Solid working knowledge of BS 7671 (IET Wiring Regulations) as it applies to low-voltage DC vehicle electrical systems.

Desirable Qualifications:

• IPC-A-610 Certified Specialist (CIS) or Certified Interconnect Designer (CID).
• First Aid at Work certificate.
• Experience working to BS EN 1789 or vehicle conversion/special purpose vehicle manufacturing standards.
• Supervisory or team leader qualification (e.g., ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership & Management).

Technical Skills:

• Expert-level proficiency in reading and interpreting electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and assembly drawings.
• Hands-on skill in all panel wiring techniques: crimping, ferrule termination, wire lacing, cable trunking, and DIN rail assembly.
• Competent use of hand tools and electrical test instruments (multimeters, insulation testers, PAT testers).
• Understanding of 12V and 24V DC power distribution, circuit protection (MCBs, fuses, electronic protection relays), and earthing/bonding principles in vehicle environments.
• Familiarity with EMC/EMI considerations for electrical assemblies installed in emergency vehicles (IEC (phone number removed)-12 awareness desirable).

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years' hands-on experience in electrical panel assembly or wiring, with at least 2 years in a lead or senior technician capacity.
• Proven experience supervising or mentoring a small assembly team in a production environment.
• Track record of building to tight quality standards with full documentation and test sign-off.
• Experience in a regulated or safety-critical manufacturing environment (vehicle conversion, medical devices, defence, or similar) is strongly preferred.

Personal Attributes:

• Meticulous attention to detail — safety-critical end application demands zero tolerance for wiring errors.
• Strong communication and people management skills; able to lead by example on the shop floor.
• Proactive and methodical approach to problem-solving and fault-finding.
• Comfortable working to production schedules while maintaining quality standards.
• Committed to continuous improvement and staying current with relevant standards and techniques.

What's on Offer:

• Salary up to £40,000, depending on experience
• Opportunity to join a growing and successful organisation
• Company pension
• 30 days of annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Additional annual leave after 1 years service
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Career development and progression opportunities