Head of Engineering in Glasgow

Head of Engineering in Glasgow

Glasgow Full-Time 85000 - 95000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
FirstGroup Internal

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead engineering performance and build a customer-centric culture across multiple locations.
  • Company: Dynamic public transport company focused on innovation and excellence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary up to £95,000, career growth, and a supportive team environment.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to improving public transport for everyone.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the public transport sector while driving major change.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in service sector, strong analytical skills, and experience in engineering.

The predicted salary is between 85000 - 95000 £ per year.

The Head of Engineering is accountable for driving and supporting regional leadership teams' engineering performance across their designated B2C region. Operating as part of the Central Engineering leadership team, with a dotted line into the Regional Director, and supporting teams across multiple locations, the role holder will build a customer‑centric culture whilst ensuring statutory, legal, and regulatory compliance. The role works in close partnership with Service Delivery Directors, Senior General Managers and General Managers to embed the divisional governance framework set by the Director of Engineering Excellence, ensuring that standard operational policies and procedures are adopted within the LBU.

About you

  • Strong track record as a credible leader in the service sector.
  • A team player, committed to working with and supporting their peer group and other colleagues to achieve the First Bus Strategy.
  • A strong analytical insight and financial literacy skills, able to quickly assess viability of business opportunities, with a “can-do” attitude to solving issues.
  • Extensive knowledge of all relevant legislations including PSV Operator License Compliance, with a good awareness and practical experience of improvement techniques.
  • Demonstrable record of achievements showing delivery of major change or sustained improvement in an engineering environment.
  • Able to challenge the status quo and influence thinking of experienced colleagues resistant to change.
  • A confident communicator and inspirational leader, able to effectively engage with and influence key internal & external stakeholders and colleagues at all levels of the business.
  • Results-driven and strategically focused, with a strong ability to get into the detail when necessary.
  • Bus experience is not a pre-requisite, but an appreciation of the key challenges facing the public transport sector and its customers is essential.

Key Performance Indicators / Measures of Success

  • Maintain MOT pass rate
  • Ensure 100% service schedule compliance
  • Ensure all apprentice throughcare plans are on target
  • Prevent engineering absence levels of total available days
  • Spend per bus benchmarking
  • Hours per bus benchmarking
  • Reliability ratio benchmarking
  • Engineering audit score
  • Spare fleet %

Head of Engineering in Glasgow employer: FirstGroup Internal

As an employer, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and customer-centric culture that empowers our employees to excel in their roles. Located in Scotland, we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth within the dynamic public transport sector. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values innovation and is committed to making a positive impact in the community.

FirstGroup Internal

Contact Details:

FirstGroup Internal Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering in Glasgow

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 FirstGroup Internal.

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 FirstGroup Internal 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 FirstGroup Internal.

Apply Through Company Websites

When you spot a role like Head of Engineering at FirstGroup Internal, 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 in Glasgow

Leadership Skills
Analytical Insight
Financial Literacy
Business Viability Assessment
Problem-Solving Skills
Knowledge of PSV Operator License Compliance
Improvement Techniques

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 FirstGroup Internal 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 FirstGroup Internal 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 FirstGroup Internal

Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles

Before heading into the interview with FirstGroup Internal, 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 FirstGroup Internal 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.