Head of Engineering

Daytona Motorsport; Esher; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Daytona Sandown Park in Esher invites applications for Head of Engineering. You will lead the engineering team, oversee fleet maintenance, and ensure kart fleet safety and high standards. This is a hands‑on leadership role combining technical excellence with people management.

Daytona operates in a fast-paced motorsport environment; you will manage budgets, stock, and compliance while developing a culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical, vehicle maintenance or engineering experience.
• Proven experience managing or supervising a workshop, maintenance or engineering team.
• Solid understanding of maintenance schedules and safety‑critical systems.
• Confident communicator, able to lead teams and liaise with suppliers.
• Good IT skills (Word, Excel, email).
• Organised, reliable, and able to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for the technical and safety performance of the kart fleet.
• Ensure all vehicles are maintained in line with manufacturer or internal specs.
• Manage budgets and stock related to engineering operations.
• Oversee maintenance schedules, repairs, and testing of the fleet.
• Lead, manage and motivate the engineering team to high standards.

Skills

Mechanical experience

Workshop supervision

Maintenance schedules

Safety systems

Communication

IT skills

Organisation

Motorsport/karting experience

Job description

Head of Engineering

Location: Daytona Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey
Department: Engineering
Reporting to: General Manager
Hours: Full‑time (flexible, including evenings and weekends)

Are you an experienced mechanic, vehicle technician or workshop supervisor looking for the next step in your career? As Head of Engineering at Daytona Sandown Park, you'll lead the engineering team, oversee fleet maintenance and workshop operations, and ensure our kart fleet operates safely, reliably, and to the highest standards.

Why Join Us

• Lead the engineering function at a busy outdoor motorsport venue
• Take ownership of safety‑critical systems and fleet performance
• Manage and develop a skilled team of engineers and mechanics
• Work closely with venue management and senior leadership
• Varied role combining hands‑on engineering and team leadership
• Opportunity to influence standards, processes, and continuous improvement

About Daytona & Sandown Park

Daytona is the UK's leading karting operator, delivering one of the most authentic motorsport experiences available in arrive-and-drive karting. From championship-winning DMAX race karts and iconic endurance events to corporate experiences and junior driver development, Daytona provides unrivalled racing opportunities for drivers of all levels.

Daytona Sandown Park is a long-established outdoor karting venue operating in a fast-paced, customer-focused environment. Quality, consistency, and teamwork are at the heart of everything we do, ensuring every customer receives a safe, professional, and memorable experience.

The Role

As Head of Engineering, you will be responsible for all technical and safety aspects of the venue’s engineering operation. You will lead the engineering team, ensure the kart fleet is maintained to required standards, manage budgets and stock, and ensure full compliance with statutory, manufacturer, and company requirements.

This role requires a hands‑on engineering professional who can lead by example, make sound decisions, and maintain high standards across safety, performance, and presentation.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Fleet Operations

• Take full responsibility for the technical and safety performance of the kart fleet
• Ensure all vehicles are maintained in line with manufacturer or internal specifications
• Ensure the correct number of vehicles are available, clean, and serviceable for operations
• Oversee maintenance schedules, repairs, and testing of the fleet
• Ensure all engineering records, worksheets, and documentation are accurate and up to date

People Management & Rotas

• Lead, manage, and motivate the engineering team to achieve high standards
• Ensure fair and effective shift and duty rotas, including early and late cover
• Monitor team performance and support development in line with HR guidance
• Promote teamwork, professionalism, and a strong safety culture

Safety, Compliance & Standards

• Ensure full compliance with health & safety legislation and company policies
• Ensure safe use, storage, and maintenance of tools, equipment, and machinery
• Maintain a clean, organised, and safe workshop environment at all times
• Ensure confidentiality and data protection requirements are upheld

Budget, Stock & Administration

• Manage departmental budgets, expenditure, and cost control
• Oversee the stores system and maintain appropriate stock levels
• Obtain quotes and approvals for repairs and expenditure where required
• Support forecasting and financial reporting as requested

What We’re Looking For

• Strong mechanical, vehicle maintenance or engineering experience (essential)
• Proven experience managing or supervising a workshop, maintenance or engineering team
• Solid understanding of maintenance schedules and safety‑critical systems
• Strong attention to detail and pride in high standards
• Confident communicator, able to lead teams and liaise with suppliers
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and internet use
• Organised, reliable, and able to work under pressure
• Flexible to work across a rota including early starts and late finishes

Experience within motorsport, karting, or similar operational environments is highly desirable.