Project Engineer

Whitehall Recruitment LTD; Croydon; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment specialist in engineering is looking for a Principal Project Engineer to manage a high-value commissioning project involving extensive international travel. The role includes technical leadership, budget management, and the installation of specialized machinery across various sites. Ideal candidates should have a relevant engineering degree and a proven track record in complex projects. This position offers a salary of £60,000 - £70,000 with potential bonuses totaling up to £100,000.

Benefits

Life insurance (£10k)

Pension

Wellbeing support

Performance bonus up to £30,000

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex engineering projects with international logistics.
• Ability to commit to extensive international travel between locations.
• Proven track record in machinery relocation and facility setup.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical immersion and project coordination in the Netherlands.
• Manage project budget and logistics from Croydon.
• Ensure commissioning and operation of production lines in Germany or Wales.
• Recruit and train operational teams for 24/7 production.

Skills

Technical leadership

Cross-cultural competence

Project management

Complex problem-solving

Education

Degree in Engineering or related discipline

Job description

Location: Croydon | Extensive International Travel Required (Netherlands / Germany) 37.5 hours per week

• Contract: Fixed-Term (18 Months)
• Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 per annum
• Performance Bonus: Up to £30,000 Completion Bonus (Total potential package up to £100,000)
• Additional Benefits: Life insurance (£10k), pension, and wellbeing support.

A High-Impact Engineering Mission: Lead A Multi-Site Commissioning Project.

Out Client is launching a critical, high-value strategic expansion and seeks a top-tier Principal Project Engineer to deliver it. This pivotal role reports directly to the Group Managing Director. This is a demanding, high-reward opportunity for an engineer who thrives on technical leadership, complex international logistics, and total project ownership.

If you are an experienced Principal Project Engineer ready to take full technical and project ownership of this international launch, we want to hear from you.

The experienced Principal Project Engineer will manage a multi-site relocation and commissioning project across the UK and Continental Europe. As the Principal Project Engineer, the successful candidate will be the definitive technical authority and project lead for the entire relocation and commissioning of specialized slitting machinery from the current facility in Holland to either Germany or Wales. The Principal Project Engineer will lead the setup of a brand-new manufacturing line(s) which will require deep technical expertise, meticulous international planning, and hands‑on execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Immersion (Netherlands, 3 Months): Spend an initial period working closely with the team in the Netherlands to become the expert on the machinery, technical documentation, and production processes.
• Central Coordination (Croydon): The successful candidate will manage the project budget, coordinate complex international logistics, track technical timelines, and provide direct status reports to the Group MD.
• Commissioning & Operations (UK/Germany): The successful candidate will personally lead the physical installation, technical commissioning, and validation of the new production line(s) in the assigned location(s).
• The Principal Project Engineer is also responsible for recruiting and training the initial production team(s), ensuring the 24/7 operation is established before a successful operational handover.

Requirements

• A Degree in a relevant Engineering discipline (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering) or related discipline (e.g., Material Science or Chemistry).
• A verifiable track record of successfully leading complex engineering projects, specifically involving international machinery relocation, facility setup, or new line commissioning.
• Strong technical leadership skills, cross‑cultural competence, and the determination required to overcome engineering and logistical challenges in multiple jurisdictions.
• The essential ability and flexibility to commit to extensive travel between Croydon, the Netherlands, Swansea, and Germany.

Whitehall is the Recruitment Specialist for the Chemical, Polymer, Coatings and Life Science Industries.