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- Tasks: Lead engineering teams and drive innovation in defence projects.
- Company: Respected defence engineering organisation with a focus on quality and safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering in a dynamic and impactful industry.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in engineering, with strong leadership and project delivery experience.
- Other info: On-site role in Poole with potential for significant career growth.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Fortress Recruit are working with a leading defence engineering and manufacturing organisation in the recruitment of a Head of Engineering to join their growing business. As Head of Engineering, you will lead and be accountable for the performance of the Engineering function, shaping strategy and driving delivery across complex NRE and product development programmes. Reporting into senior leadership, you will ensure engineering outputs meet quality, safety, regulatory, cost, and performance requirements from concept through to production.
Key responsibilities:
- Own engineering budgets, resourcing plans, and capital expenditure proposals
- Drive innovation, technology adoption, and continuous improvement across engineering processes
- Chair design reviews and ensure robust governance, change control, and technical assurance
- Lead value engineering, cost reduction, and feasibility studies across R&D initiatives
- Lead continuous improvement, value engineering, and cost optimisation
- Define engineering standards, design guidelines, and best practices
- Develop engineering capability, leadership, and succession
To be successful, you’ll have:
- 15+ years’ engineering experience with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role
- Proven track record delivering complex engineering and product development programmes
- Strong background in DFMA, FMEA, and engineering governance
- Experience working within defence, maritime, aerospace, or similarly regulated environments
- Strong commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and driving ROI
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Eligibility for SC clearance (5 years' UK residency without visa or sponsorship requirement)
This is a senior leadership opportunity shaping the engineering direction within a respected defence organisation. This is a full-time, permanent role based on-site in Poole, with competitive salary and benefits on offer.
For a confidential conversation or to request the full job description, please click apply and send a full copy of your CV to Becki.
Head of Engineering employer: Fortress Recruit Ltd
Contact Detail:
Fortress Recruit Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence engineering sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Sometimes, it's all about who you know, so don’t be shy about asking for introductions or advice.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their projects, values, and challenges they face in the industry. This will help us tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in leading their engineering function.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've driven innovation and continuous improvement in past roles. We want to hear about your successes in managing budgets and delivering complex programmes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for top talent to join our team, so make sure you put your best foot forward!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your 15+ years of engineering experience and any leadership roles you've held, especially in defence or regulated environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Engineering role. Share examples of how you've driven innovation and continuous improvement in past positions, and don’t forget to mention your experience with budgets and engineering governance.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior leadership position, make sure to emphasise your leadership style and achievements. Talk about how you've developed engineering capabilities and led teams to success in complex projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker!
How to prepare for a job interview at Fortress Recruit Ltd
✨Know Your Engineering Fundamentals
Brush up on your knowledge of DFMA, FMEA, and engineering governance. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these principles in past projects, as they are crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership skills and how you've successfully managed teams in complex engineering environments. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the defence sector and the specific organisation's goals. Be prepared to discuss how you can drive innovation and cost optimisation while aligning with their strategic objectives.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect in-depth technical questions related to engineering processes and project management. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, as effective communication is key in a senior leadership role.
