Our client seeks an Engineering Director to set the strategic direction for the Engineering function, leading by example to uphold the Company's reputation for delivering high-quality products and exceptional customer service. You will play a key role as a member of the senior leadership team, contributing to the overall business strategy and ensuring engineering capabilities align with long-term organisational goals. You will provide leadership to a multi-disciplinary engineering function comprising mechanical, electronics, embedded, and manufacturing engineering teams. With a strong background in Electronic or Mechanical Engineering, you will bring strong technical expertise alongside the ability to operate at both a strategic and operational level, guiding innovation, overseeing product development, and ensuring efficient delivery from concept through to manufacture and customer support. Accountable for driving engineering excellence across all activities, ensuring robust processes, strong governance, and a culture of continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and execute the engineering strategy aligned to business objectives, growth plans, and market opportunities.
- Lead product innovation, technology road mapping, and the management and protection of company intellectual property.
- Identify and evaluate new market opportunities and technological advancements to drive competitive advantage and profitability.
- Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing, multi-disciplinary engineering team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Ensure the team has the appropriate capability, structure, and succession plans in place to meet current and future business needs.
- Establish clear performance metrics and standards, ensuring delivery against agreed targets.
- Oversee the full product lifecycle from concept design through development, validation, and transition into manufacturing.
- Ensure effective prioritisation of engineering activities to meet commercial, operational, and customer requirements.
- Implement best-in-class engineering processes, tools, and governance frameworks aligned with industry standards.
- Partner closely with Product Management, Marketing, and Commercial teams to provide technical insight, support product strategy, and inform pricing and budgeting decisions.
- Work collaboratively with Manufacturing and Operations teams to ensure engineering outputs are optimised for production efficiency, quality, and cost.
- Engage with customers and key stakeholders to understand requirements and ensure solutions meet expectations.
- Own and manage the Engineering budget, including forecasting, cost control, and capital expenditure planning.
- Ensure engineering contributes to overall business profitability through effective resource management, product cost optimisation, and value creation.
- Ensure all engineering activities comply with regulatory, legal, and customer requirements.
- Maintain oversight of technical documentation including Declarations of Performance (DoP), Declarations of Conformity (DoC), and Engineering Change processes.
- Provide regular, accurate reporting to the Senior Leadership Team on performance, risks, and key KPIs.
- Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with suppliers, including international partners, to ensure quality, reliability, and alignment with company standards.
- Represent the engineering function in supplier engagements, including travel as required to support international operations.
- Establish and maintain robust internal controls, engineering standards, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental regulations, promoting a safe and responsible workplace.
- Champion ethical practices, sustainability, and corporate social responsibility across engineering activities.
Key Skills & Experience
- Proven leadership experience in a senior engineering role, ideally within a design and manufacturing environment.
- Strong technical background in Mechanical or Electronic Engineering, with the ability to guide complex, multi-disciplinary projects.
- Demonstrated strategic thinking combined with strong execution capability.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to influence at executive level.
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and commercial decision-making.
- Experience of operating in fast-paced, innovation-driven environments.
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Director in Douglas
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Searchandselect, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Searchandselect specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Searchandselect
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Searchandselect, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Searchandselect value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
