Head of Engineering

Zenith Training; North East; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent training organization is seeking a Head of Engineering to lead and develop the engineering function across multiple sites in County Durham and Yorkshire. This pivotal leadership role requires strong technical and managerial skills, focusing on driving engineering excellence, equipment reliability, and continuous improvement in a dynamic manufacturing setting. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership experience, a hands-on approach to mentoring teams, and relevant engineering qualifications. Competitive salary and career development opportunities are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Dynamic and supportive working environment

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical understanding alongside electrical engineering knowledge.
• Experience leading engineering teams in a multi-site manufacturing environment.
• Hands-on, proactive approach to team motivation and problem resolution.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop multi-disciplinary engineering teams across sites.
• Oversee maintenance and capital projects in engineering.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety and quality standards.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives and lean principles.

Skills

Leadership

Problem-solving

Communication

Mentoring

Technical understanding

Education

Relevant engineering qualifications (HNC / HND / Degree or equivalent)

Job description

Zenith People are working with our client who are recruiting for a Head of Engineering to lead and develop their engineering function across 2 sites based in County Durham and Yorkshire. This is a pivotal leadership role requiring a blend of strategic oversight and practical involvement in day-to-day operations. The successful candidate will drive engineering excellence, ensure equipment reliability, and support continuous improvement in a fast-paced, 24 / 7 manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop a multi-disciplinary engineering team across both sites.
• Oversee all engineering activities including maintenance, reliability, and capital projects.
• Support and develop the Planned Maintenance (PPM) schedule, ensuring full preventative maintenance is carried out effectively.
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, environmental, and quality standards.
• Drive root cause analysis and implement corrective actions to reduce downtime.
• Collaborate with production and operations teams to optimise equipment performance.
• Manage engineering budgets, spare parts inventory, and contractor relationships.
• Lead site engineering strategy aligned with group objectives and sustainability goals.
• Support and lead initiatives in extrusion, thermoforming, and injection moulding processes.
• Champion continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles.
• Manage contractors on site and ensure they meet legal and company requirements.

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Electrically biased engineer with strong mechanical understanding.
• Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, ideally multi-site.
• Hands-on approach with the ability to mentor and motivate technical teams.
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive mindset.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Relevant engineering qualifications (HNC / HND / Degree or equivalent).

What We Offer

Competitive salary and benefits package.

A dynamic and supportive working environment.

Career development within a forward-thinking organisation.

Click Apply now