Deputy Head of Engineering
Deputy Head of Engineering

Deputy Head of Engineering

Reading Full-Time 47000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead daily operations and team development in a high-performance engineering environment.
  • Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on innovation and growth.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, on-call pay, and a clear progression pathway.
  • Why this job: Perfect for aspiring leaders wanting hands-on experience and a dynamic work culture.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in engineering, strong leadership skills, and a proactive mindset required.
  • Other info: Flexible shift patterns and a collaborative team atmosphere await you.

The predicted salary is between 47000 - 60000 £ per year.

We’re looking for a Deputy Head of Engineering to support the Head of Engineering in leading day-to-day operations, maintenance activities, and team development across a busy, high-performance site.

This is a hands-on leadership role offering the perfect blend of technical responsibility, team supervision, and strategic development—ideal for someone aiming to step into a Head of Engineering position in the near future.

Key Responsibilities
  • Support the Head of Engineering in leading and organising the department
  • Oversee planned and reactive maintenance across plant and equipment
  • Monitor equipment performance and minimise unplanned downtime
  • Supervise external contractors, audits, and permit systems
  • Ensure health, safety, and compliance protocols are met (e.g. COSHH, LOLER)
  • Manage parts inventory, budget control, and accurate maintenance reporting
  • Support recruitment, onboarding and upskilling of engineering staff
  • Lead meetings and represent engineering during audits or improvement forums
  • Contribute to capex planning, energy efficiency and CI initiatives
  • Promote a clean, safe and efficient working environment
What We’re Looking For
  • 5+ years’ experience in a hands-on engineering or maintenance role
  • Strong leadership, mentoring or supervisory experience
  • Experience in a fast-paced environment such as manufacturing, production, logistics, food, or facilities
  • Practical knowledge of plant machinery, utilities, and industrial systems
  • Proactive, improvement-focused, and collaborative in approach
  • Ambition to progress into a more senior leadership role
Desirable Qualifications
  • NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering
  • 18th Edition (for electrical engineers)
  • Exposure to steam or gas systems (e.g. BOAS, CDGA1)
  • IOSH or NEBOSH Health & Safety certification – beneficial but not essential
  • Familiarity with CMMS or asset management software
Key Competencies
  • Leadership – Leads by example, supports team development
  • Communication – Works cross-functionally with clarity and influence
  • Problem Solving – Tackles root causes, not just symptoms
  • Customer Focus – Minimises disruption to operations
  • Safety-First Mindset – Champions safe systems of work
  • Commercial Awareness – Keeps costs efficient and value-focused
  • Growth-Oriented – Invests in personal and team progression
Why Join Us?
  • Key leadership role in a supportive, forward-thinking organisation
  • Clear pathway to future progression into Head of Engineering
  • Competitive salary up to £60,000 + on-call pay
  • High-impact role in a dynamic, varied working environment
  • Be part of a collaborative team that values innovation and growth
Shift Pattern:
  • Week 1: 05:00 – 14:00
  • Week 2: 07:30 – 16:30
  • Week 3: 14:00 – 23:00

Apply today or get in touch with (url removed) for a confidential conversation.

Deputy Head of Engineering employer: CV Bay Ltd

Join a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation as the Deputy Head of Engineering in Reading, where you will play a pivotal role in leading a high-performance team. With a competitive salary and clear pathways for career progression, this position offers a collaborative work culture that prioritises innovation and employee development, making it an excellent choice for those looking to advance their engineering careers in a supportive environment.
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Contact Detail:

CV Bay Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of Engineering

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the engineering field, especially those who have experience in leadership roles. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and the company culture.

✨Tip Number 2

Research StudySmarter's values and recent projects to understand what we prioritise in our engineering department. Tailor your conversations during interviews to reflect how your experience aligns with our goals and how you can contribute to our ongoing success.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of your leadership and problem-solving skills. Think of situations where you've successfully led a team or improved processes, as these will demonstrate your capability to support the Head of Engineering effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in engineering management and maintenance practices. Being knowledgeable about current technologies and methodologies will show that you're proactive and ready to bring innovative ideas to our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of Engineering

Leadership Skills
Team Development
Technical Knowledge of Plant Machinery
Maintenance Management
Health and Safety Compliance
Budget Control
Inventory Management
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Project Management
Collaboration Skills
Proactive Improvement Focus
Commercial Awareness
Experience with CMMS or Asset Management Software
Understanding of COSHH and LOLER Regulations

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in engineering and maintenance roles. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific achievements that align with the responsibilities of the Deputy Head of Engineering position.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for engineering and your ambition to progress into a senior leadership role. Mention how your experience aligns with the company's goals and values, and express your enthusiasm for the opportunity.

Highlight Key Competencies: In your application, clearly demonstrate your competencies such as leadership, problem-solving, and communication. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you embody these traits.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a leadership role.

How to prepare for a job interview at CV Bay Ltd

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Deputy Head of Engineering, strong leadership is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in leading teams, mentoring staff, and how you've successfully managed projects or operations in a fast-paced environment.

✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge

Make sure you can talk confidently about your practical knowledge of plant machinery and industrial systems. Highlight any relevant qualifications, such as NVQ Level 3 or experience with CMMS, to show you're technically equipped for the role.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and safety mindset. Prepare examples of how you've tackled root causes of issues in past roles, particularly in maintenance or engineering contexts, to demonstrate your proactive approach.

✨Express Your Ambition

Since this role is a stepping stone to a Head of Engineering position, convey your ambition to progress. Discuss your career goals and how you see this role fitting into your long-term plans, showing that you're growth-oriented and committed to personal development.

Deputy Head of Engineering
CV Bay Ltd
Location: Reading
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  • Deputy Head of Engineering

    Reading
    Full-Time
    47000 - 60000 £ / year (est.)
  • C

    CV Bay Ltd

    50-100
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