At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering strategy and oversee multidisciplinary teams on high-value projects.
- Company: Join a specialist M&E contractor known for delivering complex engineering projects in regulated sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car allowance, pension, healthcare, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovation in engineering while making a significant impact in cutting-edge industries.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in senior engineering roles with expertise in manufacturing, pharmaceutical, or semiconductor sectors required.
- Other info: Ideal for those seeking to mentor and develop future engineering leaders.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are a specialist M&E contractor operating across highly technical and regulated sectors, including pharmaceutical, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, and hyperscale data centers. With a reputation for delivering complex, high-value engineering projects, we are entering a new phase of growth and innovation in the UK. To support this, we are seeking a proven and dynamic Head of Engineering to lead our national engineering function.
The Head of Engineering – UK will be responsible for driving engineering excellence across all UK operations. This is a strategic leadership role that combines technical authority with operational oversight to ensure the successful design, coordination, and delivery of projects in some of the world’s most demanding environments. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience from the manufacturing, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical sectors, alongside strong M&E project delivery credentials.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the engineering strategy across all UK projects, ensuring alignment with commercial and operational goals.
- Provide technical leadership across mechanical and electrical disciplines, including cleanroom systems, HVAC, process utilities, power distribution, and BMS.
- Oversee multidisciplinary engineering teams from pre-construction through to commissioning and handover.
- Ensure design compliance with UK building regulations, industry standards (GMP, ISO, IEC), and client specifications.
- Drive innovation in delivery methods, digital engineering (BIM), and energy efficiency.
- Support bid and tender processes with technical insight, resource planning, and value engineering.
- Collaborate closely with project managers, commercial teams, clients, and third-party consultants.
- Champion a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement across engineering teams.
- Mentor and develop engineers and technical managers, ensuring robust succession planning.
- Represent the business at senior client meetings, industry forums, and technical reviews.
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in senior engineering roles within manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and/or semiconductor environments.
- Proven leadership of engineering functions for complex M&E projects (£10M+ value), ideally across multi-site or national operations.
- In-depth technical knowledge of cleanrooms, controlled environments, process systems, and mission-critical infrastructure.
- Degree qualified in Mechanical, Electrical, Building Services, or related engineering discipline (Chartered Engineer status preferred).
- Strong understanding of regulatory compliance including MHRA, FDA, GAMP, and ISO standards.
- Demonstrable experience managing cross-functional design and engineering teams.
- Familiarity with BIM, AutoCAD, Revit, and modern design coordination tools.
- Excellent client-facing and communication skills, with the ability to influence at executive level.
- Chartered membership of CIBSE, IMechE, or IET.
- Experience working on hyperscale data center or high-tech manufacturing projects.
- Exposure to international projects or global engineering standards.
- Competitive salary and executive benefits package.
- Company car allowance.
- Pension and healthcare.
- Opportunity to lead transformative projects in cutting-edge industries.
- Professional development and progression into Group-level leadership.
Engineering Lead UK employer: Mane Contract Services
Contact Detail:
Mane Contract Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Lead UK
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or forums where you can meet potential colleagues and clients. Building these connections can give you insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in engineering excellence, particularly in M&E project delivery. Being knowledgeable about innovations in digital engineering, BIM, and energy efficiency will help you stand out as a candidate who is forward-thinking and aligned with our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams in the past. We value candidates who can demonstrate their ability to mentor and develop others, so think of specific examples that showcase your experience in this area.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our recent projects and understand the challenges we face in highly regulated environments. Being able to speak knowledgeably about our work and how you can contribute to overcoming these challenges will show your genuine interest in the role and the company.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Lead UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in engineering roles, particularly within the manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and semiconductor sectors. Emphasise your leadership skills and any relevant projects you've managed, especially those valued over £10M.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, address how your background aligns with the key responsibilities of the Engineering Lead role. Discuss your technical authority in mechanical and electrical disciplines and your experience with compliance to UK building regulations and industry standards.
Showcase Relevant Projects: Include specific examples of complex M&E projects you have led, detailing your role in driving innovation and ensuring project delivery. Highlight your familiarity with BIM, AutoCAD, and Revit, as well as your ability to manage cross-functional teams.
Prepare for Interviews: If invited for an interview, be ready to discuss your strategic vision for engineering excellence and how you would champion safety, quality, and continuous improvement. Prepare to share insights on how you would support bid processes and collaborate with various stakeholders.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mane Contract Services
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your extensive experience in the manufacturing, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical sectors. Highlight specific projects where you demonstrated technical leadership and compliance with industry standards.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Engineering, you'll need to lead multidisciplinary teams. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams, mentored engineers, and driven a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
✨Align with Company Goals
Understand the company's strategic vision and be ready to explain how your engineering strategy can align with their commercial and operational goals. This shows that you're not just technically proficient but also business-savvy.
✨Prepare for Client Interaction Scenarios
Since you'll represent the business at senior client meetings, practice articulating your ideas clearly and confidently. Be ready to discuss how you would handle client concerns and foster strong relationships with stakeholders.