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- Tasks: Lead engineering operations, ensuring safe and reliable performance of rides and vehicles.
- Company: Join the exciting team at Chessington World of Adventures Resort!
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days holiday, Merlin passes, bonuses, and discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on guest experiences while leading a dynamic engineering team.
- Qualifications: Significant engineering experience and proven leadership skills required.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities in a fun, fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Chessington World of Adventures Resort, Leatherhead Road, Chessington, Surrey, KT9 2NE
Here at Chessington World of Adventures, we are recruiting for a Head of Engineering to join our Technical Services team! In this key leadership role, you will be responsible for the safe, reliable, and compliant performance of our ride assets and associated vehicles. You will oversee day-to-day engineering operations, drive continuous improvement, and play a vital role in delivering an exceptional guest experience while leading and developing a high-performing team.
You will provide clear leadership and accountability for the engineering function, ensuring alignment with company values while delivering operational plans and projects. The role includes overseeing all aspects of ride maintenance, from annual and planned programmes through to reactive works, alongside ownership of the maintenance budget. As the escalation point for engineering issues, you will ensure effective resolution of technical challenges and drive performance improvements through Lean and 5S methodologies.
Working collaboratively with cross-functional teams, you will optimise operations, enhance guest throughput, and manage workforce planning in partnership with the collective bargaining unit. You will also ensure full compliance with Health & Safety and engineering standards, while supporting wider business needs as required.
Qualifications & Experience
- Significant experience in Planned Preventative Maintenance within an engineering environment, including developing and implementing maintenance strategies.
- Proven experience leading and engaging technical teams to deliver results in a time-critical operation.
- Demonstrated experience managing change and employee relations.
- Minimum HND (or equivalent) in an engineering or maintenance-related discipline.
- Project management experience (PMP, APM, or PRINCE2 preferred).
- Recognised management or leadership qualification, or equivalent experience.
- Energetic, dynamic, and motivational leader with the ability to drive performance and get the best from large teams.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly to a range of audiences using data and relevant software tools.
- Working knowledge of the ADIPS scheme and HSE guidance (HSG175) is desirable.
- Strong understanding of health and safety legislation, with experience implementing procedures in safety-critical environments.
- Highly analytical and numerate, with the ability to develop and interpret management information; strong IT skills, including spreadsheets.
- Experience managing budgets, forecasting resources and materials, and maintaining cost control.
Benefits
- A competitive annual salary
- 33 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- ‘Enjoy the Ride’ Merlin Annual Passes - 6 in total per year, 1 for you, plus 5 to gift to loved ones!
- Merlin Magic Pass - 20 free tickets for you, your family and friends to enjoy all of our Merlin Attractions across the world rising to 40 after a year’s service
- Company bonus
- Private pension scheme
- 40% discount online off LEGO
- 25% discount in our on-site retail shops and restaurants
- Ongoing training and development opportunities
- Plus, many more…
Head of Engineering in Ewell employer: Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Contact Detail:
Chessington World of Adventures Resort Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering in Ewell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Engineering role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've driven performance improvements and managed teams in past roles. We want to see that you can bring your A-game to our Technical Services team!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges and implemented Lean methodologies. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the technical issues we face at Chessington World of Adventures.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to an exceptional guest experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering in Ewell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Engineering role. Highlight your experience in Planned Preventative Maintenance and leadership skills, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your ability to manage teams and drive performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for our Technical Services team. Mention your experience with Lean methodologies and how you’ve successfully led engineering teams in the past.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you’ve improved operations or enhanced guest experiences. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chessington World of Adventures Resort
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially around Planned Preventative Maintenance and the specific engineering standards relevant to ride assets. Be ready to discuss your experience with Lean and 5S methodologies, as well as any project management frameworks you've used.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead and engage technical teams. Think about times when you've driven performance improvements or managed change effectively. This role is all about leadership, so be ready to demonstrate how you can motivate a large team.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice presenting complex information in a straightforward way. You might be asked to explain technical challenges or operational plans, so make sure you can convey your ideas clearly and confidently, using data and relevant software tools.
✨Understand Health & Safety Regulations
Familiarise yourself with health and safety legislation, particularly in safety-critical environments. Be prepared to discuss how you've implemented procedures in the past and how you would ensure compliance in this role.