At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the engineering team and ensure the kart fleet operates safely and reliably.
- Company: Join Daytona Sandown Park, a top UK karting operator with a focus on safety and performance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £34,000 plus KPI bonus and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced motorsport environment while leading a skilled team.
- Qualifications: Strong mechanical experience and proven leadership skills in engineering.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 34000 £ per year.
Location: Daytona Sandown Park
Department: Engineering
Reporting to: Venue Manager
Salary: Up to £34,000 + KPI bonus
Are you an experienced engineering leader with a strong focus on safety and performance? As Head of Engineering at Daytona Sandown Park, you will take full responsibility for the technical operation of the venue, leading the engineering team and ensuring the kart fleet and facilities operate safely, reliably, and to the highest standards.
Why Join Us
- Lead the engineering function at a busy outdoor motorsport venue
- Take ownership of safety‑critical systems and fleet performance
- Manage and develop a skilled team of engineers and mechanics
- Work closely with venue management and senior leadership
- Varied role combining hands‑on engineering and team leadership
- Opportunity to influence standards, processes, and continuous improvement
About Daytona & Sandown Park
Daytona is one of the UK’s leading karting operators, delivering professionally run race events with a strong focus on safety, consistency, and customer experience. Daytona Sandown Park is a long‑established outdoor karting venue hosting arrive‑and‑drive sessions, corporate events, championships, and endurance racing. This creates a technically demanding, fast‑paced working environment where reliability, attention to detail, and strong leadership are essential.
The Role
As Head of Engineering, you will be responsible for all technical and safety aspects of the venue’s engineering operation. You will lead the engineering team, ensure the kart fleet is maintained to required standards, manage budgets and stock, and ensure full compliance with statutory, manufacturer, and company requirements. This role requires a hands‑on engineering professional who can lead by example, make sound decisions, and maintain high standards across safety, performance, and presentation.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering & Fleet Operations
- Take full responsibility for the technical and safety performance of the kart fleet
- Ensure all vehicles are maintained in line with manufacturer or internal specifications
- Ensure the correct number of vehicles are available, clean, and serviceable for operations
- Oversee maintenance schedules, repairs, and testing of the fleet
- Ensure all engineering records, worksheets, and documentation are accurate and up to date
People Management & Rotas
- Lead, manage, and motivate the engineering team to achieve high standards
- Ensure fair and effective shift and duty rotas, including early and late cover
- Monitor team performance and support development in line with HR guidance
- Promote teamwork, professionalism, and a strong safety culture
Safety, Compliance & Standards
- Ensure full compliance with health & safety legislation and company policies
- Ensure safe use, storage, and maintenance of tools, equipment, and machinery
- Maintain a clean, organised, and safe workshop environment at all times
- Ensure confidentiality and data protection requirements are upheld
Budget, Stock & Administration
- Manage departmental budgets, expenditure, and cost control
- Oversee the stores system and maintain appropriate stock levels
- Obtain quotes and approvals for repairs and expenditure where required
- Support forecasting and financial reporting as requested
What We’re Looking For
- Strong mechanical and engineering experience (essential)
- Proven experience managing or supervising an engineering team
- Solid understanding of maintenance schedules and safety‑critical systems
- Strong attention to detail and pride in high standards
- Confident communicator, able to lead teams and liaise with suppliers
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and internet use
- Organised, reliable, and able to work under pressure
- Flexible to work across a rota including early starts and late finishes
- Experience within motorsport, karting, or similar operational environments is highly desirable.
Head of Engineering employer: Daytona Motorsport
At Daytona Sandown Park, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the motorsport industry, offering a dynamic and fast-paced work environment where safety and performance are paramount. As Head of Engineering, you will not only lead a skilled team but also have the opportunity to influence engineering standards and processes, ensuring continuous improvement while enjoying competitive benefits and a strong focus on employee development. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to delivering exceptional karting experiences in a vibrant outdoor setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head of Engineering role you’re after at Daytona Motorsport.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Daytona Motorsport a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Daytona Motorsport.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Head of Engineering at Daytona Motorsport, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head of Engineering, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Daytona Motorsport a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Daytona Motorsport specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Daytona Motorsport
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Daytona Motorsport, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Daytona Motorsport want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
