Head of Engineering

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

Job summary

A leading UK manufacturing group is seeking a Head of Engineering to lead multi-site operations in Essex. The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on direction of capital projects, ensuring engineering excellence underpins production. The ideal candidate will have a degree in engineering, proven leadership in manufacturing, and a track record of managing engineering teams. Excellent salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Benefits

Comprehensive Healthcare Plan

Enhanced Pension Contributions

Life Assurance & Employee Assistance Programme

Professional Training & Development

Generous Holiday Allowance

Flexible Working Options

Qualifications

• Proven success in leading diverse engineering teams in manufacturing environments.
• Experience with high-value CAPEX portfolios.
• IOSH / NEBOSH certification highly advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead engineering and maintenance teams at manufacturing facilities.
• Deliver CAPEX and continuous improvement programs.
• Develop asset care strategy to enhance safety and efficiency.

Skills

Leadership of engineering teams

Stakeholder management

Asset care

Project delivery

Change management

Education

Degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, or related)

Job description

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.

Role Overview

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