Deputy Head of Engineering
Deputy Head of Engineering

Deputy Head of Engineering

Reading Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
C

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support daily operations and maintenance in a dynamic engineering environment.
  • Company: Join a leading Industrial Laundry organisation focused on innovation and teamwork.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career progression, and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a thriving operation.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in hands-on maintenance with proven leadership experience required.
  • Other info: Opportunity for structured succession planning towards an Engineering Manager role.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.

Industrial Laundry
Deputy Head of Engineering
Reading
£55,000 – £65,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Overview:

A leading Industrial Laundry organisation is seeking a Deputy Head of Engineering to support the Head of Engineering in managing plant operations, maintenance, and utilities. This is an ideal opportunity for a senior-level engineer with hands-on maintenance experience and leadership capability who is looking to step into a strategic, people-focused position with a clear path toward progression into an Engineering Manager role.

We’re prepared to wait for the right candidate who is motivated to grow and contribute to a high-performing engineering team.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Support and co-manage the day-to-day operations of the Engineering Department.
  • Drive Health & Safety compliance across the department and wider site.
  • Assist in planning, scheduling, and implementing all planned preventative maintenance (PPM) activities.
  • Monitor and analyse plant and machinery performance, proactively addressing issues to reduce downtime.
  • Help maintain and develop safe systems of work in collaboration with the Head of Engineering and H&S team.
  • Supervise and support engineering personnel, contractors, and shift engineers.
  • Oversee contractor activity, including permit issue and auditing of works.
  • Participate in and lead machinery inspections and emergency repairs.
  • Maintain oversight of spare parts management and storage systems.
  • Assist with asset register development and key equipment installation reviews.
  • Support the execution of CAPEX projects, including energy improvements and facility upgrades.
  • Play a key role in recruitment, training, and mentoring of engineering staff.
  • Contribute to and support audits, risk assessments, COSHH, and regulatory documentation.
  • Attend and contribute to operational and safety meetings, stepping in for the Head of Engineering when required.
  • Be available to support out-of-hours issues as part of a call-out rota.
  • Provide budget-conscious quotations and cost control support for engineering activities.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement and development across the engineering team.

What We’re Looking For:

  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in a hands-on maintenance engineering role in a fast-paced industrial laundry environment.
  • Proven leadership or mentoring experience , with the ability to inspire and develop others.
  • A collaborative team player with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
  • Strong understanding of engineering safety regulations, compliance, and maintenance best practices.
  • Ambition to grow into an Engineering Manager position through structured succession planning and personal development.
  • Excellent communication and planning skills, with the ability to manage both strategic and hands-on tasks.

What’s on Offer:

  • A competitive salary of £55,000 – £65,000 (DOE)
  • Long-term career progression and training towards an Engineering Manager role
  • Involvement in impactful projects and department leadership
  • A structured shift pattern to support work-life balance
  • A supportive team culture with a focus on development, safety, and continuous improvement

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced engineer with leadership ambition to make a real impact and grow their career. If you have the skills, mindset, and drive to help shape the future of engineering within a thriving operation — we want to hear from you.

Apply today or get in touch with for a confidential conversation.

#J-18808-Ljbffr

Deputy Head of Engineering employer: CV Bay

Join a leading Industrial Laundry organisation in Reading, where you will not only advance your engineering career but also play a pivotal role in shaping a high-performing team. With a strong emphasis on employee development, safety, and work-life balance, we offer a competitive salary and structured progression towards an Engineering Manager role, making this an ideal environment for motivated engineers looking to make a meaningful impact.
C

Contact Detail:

CV Bay Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in industrial laundry engineering. This will not only help you stand out during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement, which is highly valued in this role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the industrial laundry sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others in the field. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the Deputy Head of Engineering position.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership experiences in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully mentored or developed team members, as this aligns closely with the expectations for the role and shows your readiness for a strategic position.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the company’s current projects and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their operations and challenges will allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews, showcasing your proactive approach and genuine interest in contributing to their success.

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

Hands-on Maintenance Experience
Leadership Skills
Health & Safety Compliance
Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM)
Plant and Machinery Performance Monitoring
Contractor Management
Emergency Repair Management
Spare Parts Management
CAPEX Project Execution
Recruitment and Training
Audit and Risk Assessment Support
Communication Skills
Strategic Planning
Continuous Improvement Mindset

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your hands-on maintenance experience and leadership capabilities. Use specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to manage operations and support engineering teams.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your ambition to grow into an Engineering Manager role. Discuss how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities listed in the job description, particularly in health and safety compliance and team supervision.

Highlight Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your experience in fast-paced industrial environments, especially in laundry or similar sectors. Mention any specific projects or initiatives you led that resulted in improvements or efficiencies.

Showcase Soft Skills: Emphasise your communication and planning skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with teams or mentored others, as these are crucial for the Deputy Head of Engineering role.

How to prepare for a job interview at CV Bay

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Deputy Head of Engineering, demonstrating your leadership experience is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, focusing on your ability to inspire and develop others.

✨Understand Health & Safety Regulations

Given the emphasis on Health & Safety compliance in the role, brush up on relevant regulations and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you have implemented safety measures in previous positions and how you would approach this in the new role.

✨Prepare for Technical Questions

Expect technical questions related to maintenance engineering and plant operations. Review key concepts and be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with machinery performance monitoring and preventative maintenance strategies.

✨Demonstrate a Continuous Improvement Mindset

The company values a culture of continuous improvement. Think of specific instances where you've contributed to process enhancements or efficiency gains in your previous roles, and be ready to share these during the interview.

Deputy Head of Engineering
CV Bay
C
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>