David Bentley

Solutions-focused Engineering Maintenance Manager and Lifting Equipment Examiner with over 20 years' experience ensuring the safety and compliance of lifting, plant and mechanical assets. Combines deep technical knowledge with a strong understanding of regulatory compliance, documentation, auditing and assurance. Skilled in conducting hands-on statutory examinations, producing high-quality inspection reports, and advising stakeholders on equipment safety, risk management and remedial actions.

Renowned for professionalism, integrity and a methodical approach to inspection work, with a proven ability to communicate clearly with both technical teams and non-technical clients.

Currently Engineering Maintenance

Manager & Lifting Equipment Examiner for a newly-formed flagship organisation, maintaining strict compliance with LOLER, PUWER, Health & Safety Regulations. Managed the transformation of a fleet of 200+ armoured vehicles in an organisation that had not traditionally been equipment-focused, overcoming resistance to change, and optimising reliability through robust equipment support. Led the planning and delivery of 14,000+ vehicle and equipment audits and inspections across 23 assurance regimes worldwide, assuring compliance with regulatory frameworks.

Engineering Maintenance Manager & Lifting Equipment Examiner - British Army: Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME) - Northern and Eastern Europe

(2020-11)

Leading and managing the delivery of safe, well-maintained lifting and recovery equipment, vehicles, plant machinery, generators and other assets to a newly-formed flagship organisation operating in Northern and Eastern Europe, in strict compliance with LOLER, PUWER, Health & Safety Regulations.

• Led and developed a team of 10 engineers and technicians, driving performance against challenging KPIs to maximise equipment and ES materiel availability.
• Conducted hands-on statutory inspections for a range of lifting equipment, including shackles, eyebolts, eye plates, steel wire rope, hooks, chain and chain slings, ensuring compliance with exacting standards and relevant legislation.
• Compiled detailed electronic reports following MOTs, LOLER and PUWER examinations, and Power Inspections.
• Drove service excellence, repairing historically difficult relationships between the department and end customer.
• Resourced the MOT Testing facility with the correct tooling and test equipment, trained all personnel, conducted inspections against set criteria, and commissioned the procurement installation of bespoke lifting equipment.
• Selected as one of 20 Lead Engineering Supervisors due to expert technical knowledge and experience, bridging the gap between the shop floor and senior management, whilst training and assessing future engineers.
• Enhanced Knowledge, Skills and Experience (KSE), increasing the quality of lifting equipment inspections, record keeping, safety, compliance and equipment availability, by implementing new training pathways for Examiners.
• Achieved 100% compliance after stepping up to manage the engineering department for 6 months, due the absence of the Engineering Operations Manager, whilst also covering another gapped post.
• Passed all audits, increased vehicle inspection efficiency, and reduced incident-related costs by over 15%.
• Collaborated with industry partners to resolve infrastructure, tooling, and equipment gaps, including the introduction of overhead cranes, and devised engineer and driver training, following the introduction of complex vehicle platforms.
• Introduced lean practices and digitalised antiquated processes, enabling remote collaboration and reskilling of inexperienced technicians via targeted online training.
• Boosted staff retention and established clear career development pathway for future talent by embedding a culture of continuous professional development and revitalising the qualification framework, achieving a 95% participation rate.

Quality Assurance Manager/Auditor - British Army: Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME)

(2017-09 - 2020-11)

Assured compliance with ISO 9001 quality framework by coordinating and managing a programme of 14,000+ audits and inspections for HGVs, vehicles, trailers, plant equipment, generators, garage, workshop, and off road equipment across 23 assurance regimes, and hundreds of global Ministry of Defence sites.

• Brought the audit programme under control, and standardised procedures underpinned by robust policies, ensuring teams worked inside their remit, whilst improving visibility of organisations that historically resisted oversight.
• During assurance visits to British Gurkha HQ in Kathmandu, closed policy gaps and built trust with in-country teams, fostering compliance and continuity for the maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
• Regular keynote speaker at national roadshows to audiences of several hundred senior leaders; communicated strategic direction, debated key issues, and gathered feedback that informed future programmes.

Fleet Engineering Manager - British Army: Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME)

(2013-01 - 2017-09)

Principal engineering lead for the scheduled and reactive maintenance, servicing and repair of a fleet of 200+ armoured vehicles.

• Transformed organisational performance, professionalism, and best practice by coaching and mentoring team leaders, ultimately increasing fleet availability from 70% to 95%.
• Led the department in a 9-week project to prepare and test vehicles in extreme conditions.

Engineering Maintenance Manager - Power Pack Repair Shop - British Army: Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME)

(2009-01 - 2013-12)

Engineering Technician 🡪 Engineering Manager - British Army: Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (REME)

(2004-02 - 2009-12)

Level 7 Diploma - Leadership & Management 8617-31 - ILM

BSc (Hons) - Engineering Management - Lincoln University

Lifting Equipment Examiner - ADLEE

Lead Auditor - ISO 45001 (Occupational Safety & Health) - IRCA Approved

Lead Auditor - ISO 9001 (Quality Certification) - IRCA Approved

Level 5 Certificate - Leadership & Management 600/6107/08 - City & Guilds

Level 5 Affliateship - Engineering 9200-02 (HND) - City & Guilds

Level 5 Professional Recognition Award - Engineering 9200-02 (HND) - City & Guilds

Mobile Air-Conditioning Maintainer - 7543 01/02 - City & Guilds

Level 3 Certificate - Engineering Installation, Commissioning & Maintenance 100/2987/4 - City & Guilds

NVQ Level 3 - Engineering maintenance (Mechanical) 98302328 - EAL Awards

Advanced Apprenticeship - Engineering 1425663/001 - Apprenticeships & Skills

Counterbalance FLT - ITSSAR

CPC (HGV class 1, class 2)