Head of Engineering

As an Engineering Manager, you will lead the design engineering team and oversee the delivery of engineering solutions from feasibility through to production. You will be responsible for ensuring technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and adherence to budget and schedule constraints. This role involves direct engagement with customers, suppliers, and cross‑functional internal teams, while taking responsibility for technical governance, team development, and continuous improvement.

About the Role

As an Engineering Manager, you will lead the design engineering team and oversee the delivery of engineering solutions from feasibility through to production. You will be responsible for ensuring technical excellence, regulatory compliance, and adherence to budget and schedule constraints.

Responsibilities

Key responsibilities are listed below:

Team Leadership

• Manage, support, and develop the design engineering team.
• Set clear objectives, conduct performance reviews, and identify training needs.
• Allocate resources effectively according to project workload and staff expertise.
• Provide technical and methodological support to team members.
• Ensure a safe working environment for the team.

Design & Development

• Oversee the development of engineering design solutions from concept through to production.
• Review and validate technical studies, ensuring alignment with industry standards and company procedures.
• Carry out engineering analysis using appropriate software tools and engineering calculations.
• Prepare detailed drawings, Bills of Materials (BoMs), and maintain technical documentation.

Project Management

• Collaborate with Project Managers to deliver projects on time, to specification and within budget.
• Manage technical, functional and programme requirements for each project.
• Plan and monitor project progress, mitigating risks and resolving issues proactively.
• Prepare and present project reports and technical documentation for stakeholders.

Technical Oversight

• Ensure all designs comply with current legislation, safety standards and company policies.
• Provide technical guidance and make key engineering decisions where required.
• Conduct site surveys and attend site, design and project review meetings.
• Coordinate and manage the work of external design providers.
• Act as the primary technical contact for customers, suppliers and internal departments.
• Support sales and commercial teams with technical proposals and quotations.
• Prepare O&M manuals, technical specifications and supporting documentation.
• Support production and delivery teams by resolving technical issues and ensuring designs are practical and buildable.

Compliance & Governance

• Monitor and implement changes to relevant legislation, standards and industry best practice.
• Maintain and improve internal engineering procedures and documentation.
• Oversee compliance with applicable technical standards and accreditation requirements.
• Lead engineering standardisation and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Conduct post-project reviews and share lessons learned across the team.
• Promote innovation and remain up to date with industry developments and emerging technologies.
• Facilitate regular engineering and project meetings to encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong understanding of engineering principles, design processes and product lifecycle management.
• Proficient in CAD and engineering analysis software.
• Demonstrable experience leading engineering teams and delivering projects.
• Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management skills.

Required Skills

• Chartered Engineer status (or working towards).
• Experience within rail, infrastructure, heavy engineering or other safety‑critical industries.
• Knowledge of industry standards and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with Sentinel requirements and safety‑critical working environments.