At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engineering, develop innovative products, and drive continuous improvement.
- Company: Fast-paced UK manufacturer focused on impactful engineered products.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Ideal for driven individuals who thrive in a fast-moving environment.
- Why this job: Shape the engineering function and make a real impact in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Strong 3D CAD skills and experience in leading engineering projects.
Location: West-Kent (drivers with own transport only due to location)
Salary: Competitive + excellent benefits
Lead Engineering. Build Products That Actually Matter.
We’re working with a growing, fast-paced UK manufacturer designing and delivering engineered products used in high-profile environments—think infrastructure, public sector and commercial projects where performance, durability and compliance really matter.
This is not a “sit behind a desk” leadership role. This is for someone who wants to own engineering, shape products, and build a team around them.
THE OPPORTUNITY
You’ll take full ownership of the engineering function—leading a small but capable team and driving:
- New product development from concept through to production
- Continuous improvement of existing product ranges
- R&D projects that genuinely push the business forward
- Collaboration with commercial and operations teams to turn ideas into real-world solutions
The products themselves? They need to perform. Structurally sound, compliant, and designed to withstand real-world environments.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We’re not looking for someone from one specific industry—we’re looking for synergy. You could come from:
- Construction products / building products
- Structural steel / fabricated metal
- Automotive or mechanical manufacturing
- Rail, infrastructure or utilities
- Any environment where products must meet technical, structural or safety standards
You’ll likely have:
- Strong 3D CAD experience (SolidWorks, Inventor or similar)
- Experience leading engineering or NPD projects
- A hands-on mindset—you’re comfortable getting into the detail
- Understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and product performance
- The ability to balance technical excellence with commercial reality
The Type of Person Who Thrives Here
- Driven, energetic and naturally curious
- Not afraid to challenge and improve
- Wants ownership, not just responsibility
- Enjoys working in a business where things move quickly
WHY JOIN?
- Genuine opportunity to shape the engineering function
- A business that values loyalty, ideas and people who get stuck in
- Real variety—no two projects are the same
- Growing SME environment where you can make a visible impact
This role will move quickly for the right person – please apply online with your up-to-date CV for immediate consideration.
Head of Engineering in Kent employer: Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Engineering in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their engineering challenges and think about how your experience can help solve them. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings—create opportunities! If you see a company you admire, reach out directly. Share your passion for engineering and how you can add value to their team. Sometimes, the best roles aren’t advertised!
✨Tip Number 4
When you apply through our website, make sure your CV highlights your hands-on experience and leadership skills. Tailor it to showcase how you can drive new product development and continuous improvement in engineering. We want to see your impact!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Engineering in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Engineering role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've worked on that showcase your ability to drive new product development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your passion for engineering and how your background in various industries can bring synergy to our team. Don't forget to mention your hands-on mindset!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since we're looking for someone with strong 3D CAD experience, make sure to include specific examples of your work with tools like SolidWorks or Inventor. This will help us see your technical prowess right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s quick and easy, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your 3D CAD skills and be ready to discuss your experience with engineering projects. They’ll want to see that you can not only lead but also get into the nitty-gritty of product development.
✨Show Your Hands-On Mindset
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. This isn’t just about theory; they want to know how you’ve rolled up your sleeves and made things happen in real-world environments.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with commercial and operations teams, think of instances where you’ve successfully collaborated across departments. Highlight your ability to turn ideas into practical solutions.
✨Demonstrate Your Drive
They’re looking for someone energetic and curious. Be ready to share what motivates you and how you’ve challenged the status quo in past positions. Show them you’re not just looking for a job, but a chance to make a real impact.