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- Tasks: Lead engineering teams and drive innovation in defence engineering projects.
- Company: Join a respected defence engineering and manufacturing organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering in a dynamic and impactful industry.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in engineering with strong leadership and governance experience.
- Other info: Full-time role based in Poole with excellent career advancement potential.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ 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.
Head of Engineering in London 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 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the defence engineering sector. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your leadership skills and technical knowledge. Be ready to discuss how you've driven innovation and managed complex projects in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers, highlight specific examples of how you've improved processes or led successful teams in engineering.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Head of Engineering role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've led in defence or similar sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for engineering and how your background in DFMA and FMEA can drive innovation in our organisation.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your achievements! Quantify your successes, like budget management or cost reductions, to demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
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, especially in regulated environments like defence or aerospace.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership skills and how you've successfully managed teams and projects. Think about specific instances where you drove innovation or led continuous improvement initiatives.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with the company's mission and recent projects. Be prepared to discuss how you can align engineering strategies with business goals, particularly around budget management and ROI.
✨Prepare for Technical Governance Questions
Expect questions about design reviews, change control, and technical assurance. Have clear examples ready that demonstrate your ability to chair these processes effectively and ensure compliance with engineering standards.
