Head Of Engineering

Total Staff Services; Birkenhead; On-site; GBP 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Engineering near Birkenhead to lead a multi-disciplinary team and drive strategic improvements across operations. The ideal candidate is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt with a proven record in engineering leadership, capable of overseeing complex projects and fostering a culture of innovation. Competitive salary up to £90k offered along with various benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary and bonus structure

25 days annual holiday + 1 company day

Pension plan

Professional development opportunities

Cycle to work scheme

Qualifications

• Proven track record in engineering leadership roles.
• Extensive experience managing large engineering projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a large engineering team.
• Drive Lean Six Sigma and CI initiatives.
• Oversee delivery of complex projects.
• Develop and implement engineering strategies.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Skills

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification

Project management

Leadership

Continuous Improvement (CI)

Communication

Job description

Total Staff Services are recruiting for our client based near Birkenhead for a Head Of Engineering - Champion of Excellence & Continuous Improvement

Are you an experienced engineer from the manufacturing sector? Are you Black Belt certified Lean Six Sigma leader with a proven track record of delivering transformational change through engineering excellence and continuous improvement? Do you thrive in complex, large-scale project environments, and are you passionate about developing high-performing teams and driving a culture of innovation?

If yes, we want to hear from you.

About the Role

We're seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking Head of Engineering to lead our engineering division and spearhead strategic improvements across our operations. This is a pivotal leadership role responsible for embedding CI (Continuous Improvement) methodologies, optimizing project execution, and fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and innovation.

? Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and inspire a large multi-disciplinary engineering team across multiple functions and locations.
• Drive enterprise-wide Lean Six Sigma and CI initiatives, leveraging your Black Belt certification to deliver measurable outcomes.
• Oversee delivery of large, complex projects with multi-million-pound budgets and high visibility.
• Shape and implement engineering strategies aligned to business goals.
• Embed a continuous improvement mindset at every level - from operational efficiency to team culture.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with project management, operations, and executive leadership.
• Build capability within the engineering team through robust coaching, succession planning, and performance management.

• Lead the enhancement of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) across manufacturing operations through the application of Lean principles and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodologies.
• Develop and execute a roadmap for delivering a step change in manufacturing asset's performance, this would include targeted refurbishment and investment plans, new line proposals and new facilities.
• In partnership with the Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) team, ensure full compliance with legislative and ATEX requirements in a facility focused on chemical processing, blending, and VOC pressurised filling.
• Design and implement a structured program for both Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Preventive Maintenance (PM) to support equipment reliability and operational uptime.
• Oversee production line changeovers by introducing and embedding standardised line setup procedures and applying Single-Minute Exchange of Die (SMED) techniques to minimise downtime.
• Lead the development and execution of a restructured reactive maintenance strategy, focused on efficiency, root cause analysis, and a 'Right First Time' (RFT) approach to unplanned downtime.

What You Bring

• Black Belt certification in Lean Six Sigma - a non-negotiable.
• Proven track record of success in engineering leadership roles.
• Extensive experience managing large, complex projects and delivering them on time and on budget.
• Demonstrable success in leading people, developing high-performing teams, and driving cultural change.
• Strong foundation in project management methodologies.
• Deep understanding of Continuous Improvement (CI), Lean, and operational excellence.
• Excellent communicator, strategic thinker, and hands-on leader.

Why Join Us?

• Be at the forefront of shaping our engineering future.
• Work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment that values innovation and execution.
• Lead transformational projects that have real impact.
• Join a culture that rewards bold ideas, continuous learning, and leadership at every level.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and bonus structure
• Factory close-down at Christmas
• 25 days annual holiday entitlement + 1 gifted company day
• Option to purchase 3 additional days annual leave
• Pension plan
• Accident insurance
• Simply health and Unum Help at hand
• Free parking
• Professional development and training opportunities
• Cycle to work scheme

Salary up to £90k