Manager - Engineering Recruitment

Fifteen West; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Fifteen West is seeking a high-impact leader to launch and scale the US Permanent Engineering division within the Life Sciences sector. This greenfield opportunity requires building from the ground up, owning revenue streams, and shaping a national engineering recruitment footprint.

You will leverage existing client relationships, hire and lead a fast-growing team, and partner with internal delivery and contracting teams to drive multi-six-figure billing years in a dynamic market.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years recruitment experience
• Experience building or scaling a desk, market or team
• Strong 360 recruitment background

Responsibilities

• Build a high-performing Engineering Perm desk
• Develop and grow strategic client relationships
• Drive new business activity across the US market
• Leverage existing global accounts and agreements
• Partner with internal contract teams
• Create a long-term growth strategy for the division
• Hire and lead a team as the function scales

Skills

360 recruitment

Engineering recruitment

Business development

Leadership

Desk building

Job description

I'm currently retained on a unique leadership opportunity with an established global recruitment business looking to launch and scale their US Permanent Engineering division focused on the Life Sciences sector.

This is not a replacement hire. This is not inheriting a struggling desk.

This is a genuine opportunity to build, own and lead a new revenue stream within one of the fastest-growing markets globally.

Why This Opportunity?

The US Life Sciences market is experiencing unprecedented growth.

Driven by major onshoring initiatives, pharmaceutical manufacturers are investing billions into new facilities, production sites and engineering infrastructure across the country.

The result?

A huge demand for engineering talent across manufacturing, production, automation, validation and capital projects.

My client already has:

• Active MSAs with major pharmaceutical organisations
• Strong contract and delivery teams
• Proven infrastructure and support functions
• A highly reputable brand within STEM markets

What they don't have is someone leading Engineering Perm in the US.

That's where you come in.

The Role

You’ll be responsible for building and scaling the US Engineering Perm function, leveraging existing client relationships whilst developing your own market presence.

Key responsibilities include:

• Building a high-performing Engineering Perm desk
• Developing and growing strategic client relationships
• Driving new business activity across the US market
• Leveraging existing global accounts and agreements
• Partnering closely with internal contract teams
• Creating a long-term growth strategy for the division
• Hiring and leading a team as the function scales

What We’re Looking For

We’re interested in speaking with ambitious recruiters who have:

• A strong 360 recruitment background
• Experience within Engineering recruitment
• A proven track record of business development
• Experience building or scaling a desk, market or team
• A desire to move into a genuine leadership role

Sector experience could include:

• Life Sciences
• Pharmaceuticals
• Medical Devices
• Energy
• Oil & Gas

Typically, this role will suit someone with around 3-5 years' recruitment experience, although we’re open to considering exceptional individuals outside of that range.

The Market

Focus areas include:

• Manufacturing Engineering
• Production Engineering
• Capital Projects
• Facility Build & Expansion
• Automation Engineering
• Process Engineering
• Mechanical & Electrical Engineering
• Validation & Qualification

The Commercial Opportunity

This is a high-value market with:

• Typical fees ranging from $40,000 - $80,000
• Average placement fees of approximately $56,000
• Significant scope for multiple six-figure billing years

Top performers within the wider business are billing $900,000+ annually.

This role has a clear growth trajectory:

Year 1: Build the desk and establish market presence

Year 2: Begin hiring and scaling the team

Year 3+: Lead a significant Engineering division across the US

Long-term potential to build a team of 10-12+ consultants.

Why This Role Stands Out

• True greenfield opportunity
• Massive market demand and long-term stability
• Existing client relationships and infrastructure
• Strong internal support and collaboration
• Clear pathway into leadership
• Backed by an established, high-performing business
• Opportunity to own and shape a major strategic revenue stream

If you're an Engineering recruiter looking for the chance to build something meaningful, create your own market and significantly accelerate your career, I'd be happy to share more details.