Head Of Engineering

Martin Veasey Talent Solutions; Braintree; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Head of Engineering to oversee operations across multiple manufacturing sites in Essex. The ideal candidate will have engineering expertise, experience leading large teams, and a track record of successful capital investment projects. The position offers a competitive salary, bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including healthcare and flexible working options.

Benefits

Comprehensive Healthcare Plan

Enhanced Pension Contributions

Life Assurance

Professional Training & Development

Generous Holiday Allowance

Flexible Working Options

Qualifications

• Proven success leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams in manufacturing environments.
• Strong knowledge of plant maintenance and automation technologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for engineering teams.
• Manage engineering budgets and development plans.
• Ensure compliance with engineering standards and regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic direction

Stakeholder management

Asset care

Change management

Education

Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related)

IOSH / NEBOSH certification

Job description

Overview

Head of Engineering - Essex

Salary: c.£85,000 - £90,000 + Bonus + Blue-Chip Benefits

Location: Essex

Commutable Locations: Tilbury, Grays, Southend-on-Sea, Basildon, Dartford, Chelmsford, Medway, Maidstone, and surrounding areas.

An outstanding opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and strategic Head of Engineering to lead multi-site engineering operations across two major manufacturing facilities in Essex. This is a senior leadership position that combines strategic oversight with hands-on direction of capital investment, maintenance performance, and reliability excellence. As Head of Engineering, you will shape the long-term engineering roadmap, develop a high-performing team, and deliver complex CAPEX projects (up to £5m) that drive plant safety, productivity, and efficiency. You\'ll work in close partnership with operations, projects, and senior management to ensure engineering excellence underpins every aspect of production.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for the engineering and maintenance teams across both sites.
• Deliver a rolling CAPEX and continuous improvement programme, ensuring all projects are completed on time, within budget, and to world-class standards.
• Develop and implement a proactive asset care and reliability strategy, driving uptime, safety, and long-term sustainability.
• Manage engineering budgets, resources, and development plans for a multi-skilled workforce.
• Build strong relationships with operations and SHE teams to maintain a culture of safety and accountability.
• Lead compliance and governance for engineering standards, ensuring full adherence to statutory and company requirements.
• Identify and implement innovative solutions that enhance operational efficiency and support site modernisation.

Required Skills & Experience

• Qualifications: Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related). IOSH / NEBOSH certification highly advantageous.
• Experience: Proven success leading multi-disciplinary engineering teams in heavy industrial or manufacturing environments (cement, aggregates, building products, glass, packaging, or FMCG).
• Leadership: Track record of managing large teams and high-value CAPEX portfolios; strong stakeholder management at senior level.
• Technical: Comprehensive knowledge of plant maintenance, asset care, automation, and project delivery.
• Attributes: Visionary leader who can inspire teams, manage change, and deliver measurable improvement in reliability, efficiency, and safety.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary c.£85,000 - £90,000 DOE
• Annual performance bonus
• Blue-chip benefits package, including
  • Comprehensive Healthcare Plan
  • Enhanced Pension Contributions (with company match)
  • Life Assurance & Employee Assistance Programme
  • Professional Training & Development
  • Generous Holiday Allowance
  • Flexible Working Options
• Excellent long-term career prospects within a major UK manufacturing group undergoing continued investment and growth