Group Head of Engineering

Searchandselect; Douglas; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Unknown is seeking a Group Head of Engineering to set strategic direction for the engineering function and lead by example in delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer service. You will be a member of the senior leadership team, guiding innovation, overseeing product development, and ensuring efficient delivery from concept to manufacture and customer support.

The role requires strategic and operational leadership with governance and continuous improvement across engineering

Qualifications

• Senior engineering leadership experience in a design and manufacturing setting.
• Strong technical background in Mechanical or Electronic Engineering.
• Proven ability to translate strategy into delivery across multiple disciplines.
• Financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the engineering strategy aligned to business objectives.
• Lead product innovation, technology road mapping, and IP management.
• Oversee full product lifecycle from concept through manufacturing.
• Develop a high-performing, multi-disciplinary engineering team.
• Ensure governance, risk management and regulatory compliance across activities.
• Collaborate with Product, Marketing and Commercial to inform strategy and pricing.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Budgeting & forecasting

Stakeholder management

Job description

Our client seeks a Group Head of Engineering to set the strategic direction for the Engineering function, leading by example to uphold the Company's reputation for delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer service. You will play a key role as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to the overall business strategy and ensuring engineering capabilities align with long-term organisational goals. You will provide leadership to a multi-disciplinary engineering function comprising mechanical, electronics, embedded, and manufacturing engineering teams. With a strong background in Electronic or Mechanical Engineering, you will bring strong technical expertise alongside the ability to operate at both a strategic and operational level, guiding innovation, overseeing product development, and ensuring efficient delivery from concept through to manufacture and customer support. Accountable for driving engineering excellence across all activities, ensuring robust processes, strong governance, and a culture of continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the engineering strategy aligned to business objectives, growth plans, and market opportunities.
• Lead product innovation, technology road mapping, and the management and protection of company intellectual property.
• Identify and evaluate new market opportunities and technological advancements to drive competitive advantage and profitability.
• Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing, multi-disciplinary engineering team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the team has the appropriate capability, structure, and succession plans in place to meet current and future business needs.
• Establish clear performance metrics and standards, ensuring delivery against agreed targets.
• Oversee the full product lifecycle from concept design through development, validation, and transition into manufacturing.
• Ensure effective prioritisation of engineering activities to meet commercial, operational, and customer requirements.
• Implement best-in-class engineering processes, tools, and governance frameworks aligned with industry standards.
• Partner closely with Product Management, Marketing, and Commercial teams to provide technical insight, support product strategy, and inform pricing and budgeting decisions.
• Work collaboratively with Manufacturing and Operations teams to ensure engineering outputs are optimised for production efficiency, quality, and cost.
• Engage with customers and key stakeholders to understand requirements and ensure solutions meet expectations.
• Own and manage the Engineering budget, including forecasting, cost control, and capital expenditure planning.
• Ensure engineering contributes to overall business profitability through effective resource management, product cost optimisation, and value creation.
• Ensure all engineering activities comply with regulatory, legal, and customer requirements.
• Maintain oversight of technical documentation including Declarations of Performance (DoP), Declarations of Conformity (DoC), and Engineering Change processes.
• Provide regular, accurate reporting to the Senior Leadership Team on performance, risks, and key KPIs.
• Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with suppliers, including international partners, to ensure quality, reliability, and alignment with company standards.
• Represent the engineering function in supplier engagements, including travel as required to support international operations.
• Establish and maintain robust internal controls, engineering standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, promoting a safe and responsible workplace.
• Champion ethical practices, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility across engineering activities.

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven leadership experience in a senior engineering role, ideally within a design and manufacturing environment.
• Strong technical background in Mechanical or Electronic Engineering, with the ability to guide complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
• Demonstrated strategic thinking combined with strong execution capability.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at executive level.
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and commercial decision-making.
• Experience of operating in fast-paced, innovation-driven environments.

Quote job ref: 16841