Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of 35 engineers in developing avionics products from concept to delivery.
- Company: Join a global leader in aerospace engineering, known for innovative electronic solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonuses, and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Be part of a culture that values intellectual curiosity and offers career progression.
- Qualifications: Seeking a commercially savvy leader with strong communication and problem-solving skills.
- Other info: On-site role in Buckinghamshire with some flexibility; international travel required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Chief Engineer
Automotive Design Engineering
West Midlands, UK
Competitive Package
Company
A leading manufacturer of niche vehicles in the UK, this business is dedicated to the exceptional design, production, and support of innovative chassis, bodies, and lifting solutions.
A trusted partner for both public and private sectors around the world, their specialist knowledge ensures vehicles are purpose-built to meet every operational need. With a heritage spanning over 100 years, the company’s products are optimised for safety, reliability, and efficiency, delivering unrivalled refuse collection capability across the many communities you serve.
Job Purpose
To create and maintain the capability to design, build and deliver safe and reliable control systems, software and electrical distribution systems for the company’s niche vehicles, overseeing and leading an expert team of engineers.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in the creation of the Product Portfolio Plan
- Contribute towards the construction of the plan, develop and recruit the resource to support the delivery
- Delighting customers by bringing new products and features to market first by delivering an agile and responsive capability
- System Specification, Design & Development
- Generating the requirements for how the vehicle systems are expected to function, for use by internal customers
- Ensure systems meet Compliance & Safety industry standards and regulatory requirements
- Using good leadership & teambuilding to guide engineering teams, coordinating with stakeholders, and delivering our plans
Objective / Subjective Fit
- Knowledge of bringing products to market, productionisation & production release
- People development, building and motivating a strong and flexible team
- Control systems development toolchain experience
- Functional Safety ISO26262 and Cyber Security ISO21434 expertise
- Understanding of legal requirements for vehicle design
- Demonstrable Electric vehicles & drivelines hardware & software design experience
- Department planning and budget management responsibility
- Delivery of systems for automotive, truck, yellow goods, agriculture or related products
- Commercial vehicle, off-highway, specialist vehicle, or experience of Truck, or related product, systems
- Min qualification degree in Electrical, Electronics or Mechanical Engineering
- Significant experience in relevant industries using the relevant engineering systems
- Development tools knowledge including MatLab & Simulink
- Member of a recognised engineering institution, e.g. IET, IMechE
- Agile, PRINCE2 or other project management qualifications and experience
Head of Engineering employer: Novo Executive Search
Contact Detail:
Novo Executive Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the aerospace and defence sectors. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential colleagues or clients, as this will help you understand the current trends and challenges in avionics.
✨Tip Number 2
Demonstrate your leadership skills by sharing examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Be prepared to discuss specific strategies you've implemented to foster a culture of innovation and ownership among your team members.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in avionics technology and electronic warfare capabilities. Showing that you are up-to-date with industry developments will position you as a knowledgeable candidate who can contribute to the company's innovative goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your commercial acumen and how it has influenced your decision-making in past roles. Highlight any experience you have in managing budgets or driving profitability, as this aligns with the company's focus on commerciality.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in engineering leadership, particularly in R&D and project management. Emphasise your problem-solving skills and any experience in the aerospace or defence sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for engineering and innovation. Discuss how your leadership style aligns with the company's culture of intellectual curiosity and collaboration. Mention specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead teams effectively.
Highlight Communication Skills: Given the importance of communication in this role, provide examples of how you've successfully communicated with diverse teams and clients. This could include leading meetings, presenting projects, or negotiating with stakeholders.
Showcase International Experience: If you have experience travelling for work or collaborating with international clients, make sure to highlight this. The role requires some international travel, so demonstrating your adaptability and willingness to engage globally will be beneficial.
How to prepare for a job interview at Novo Executive Search
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As the Head of Engineering, you'll be leading a team of around 35 engineers. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
This role requires a strong technical background, particularly in avionics or related fields. Brush up on relevant technologies and be ready to discuss your experience with R&D processes and product development cycles.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating complex engineering concepts in a way that is understandable to non-technical stakeholders, as well as how you would engage with clients at various levels.
✨Emphasise Problem-Solving Abilities
The company values natural problem solvers. Prepare to share specific examples of challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you approached solving them, particularly in an engineering context.