Head of Engineering

A growing design and manufacturing business is seeking a Head of Engineering to lead its multi-disciplinary engineering function through an exciting phase of product innovation and international growth. This strategic role sits within the senior leadership team and offers a clear pathway to Engineering Director.

About the Role

As Head of Engineering, you will own the long-term technical direction of the company while managing the day-to-day performance of the engineering team. You will drive product innovation, ensure machinery meets modern safety and compliance standards, and elevate engineering capability across design, documentation, and customer delivery.

This role combines leadership, technical oversight, and cross-functional collaboration — including close interaction with production, service, and commercial teams. It suits a hands-on engineering leader who thrives in a design-led OEM environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a multi-skilled engineering team.
• Drive innovation by identifying opportunities for new technologies, improved safety, cost reduction and better performance.
• Oversee the design, improvement and update of machinery and systems.
• Ensure technical compliance with CE/UKCA/UL and other relevant standards.
• Supervise the creation of technical documentation, risk assessments and design FMEAs in line with modern health & safety legislation.
• Support customer-facing technical functions including spares, service, installation and commissioning.
• Contribute to strategic direction, succession planning and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering (or related discipline).
• Proven experience in an OEM design and manufacturing environment.
• Track record of delivering engineered products or capital equipment to international customers.
• Minimum 5 years in a senior engineering leadership role.
• Strong communication, supervisory and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Skills

• Experience delivering capital projects to global clients.
• Background as an Engineering Manager (or equivalent senior technical role).
• Exposure to production, installation or service environments.

What’s Offered

• Senior leadership role with defined progression to Engineering Director.
• Influence over long-term product and technology strategy.
• Opportunity to modernise and grow an established engineering function.
• Collaborative environment within a forward-thinking manufacturing business.