Head of Engineering, South Coast, Up to c£85,000
| 37.5 hours | Early finish Friday | Permanent, Full-time
A rare opportunity for an experienced Mechanical Engineering Manager / Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to take technical ownership of a small, highly experienced engineering function within an established engineering and manufacturing business in Poole.
This is a genuinely hands-on Head of Mechanical Engineering Manager position. You'll lead the engineering team while remaining heavily involved in mechanical design, CAD, problem-solving and technically complex engineering projects.
The role would suit an experienced mechanical engineer who has built significant 3D CAD and mechanical design capability and is now looking to take the next step into engineering leadership without losing the technical side of the role.
The business operates across both defence and commercial markets, with a strong forward order book and major programmes providing excellent long-term visibility.
The Opportunity
This appointment forms a key part of the company's long-term engineering succession strategy.
Two highly experienced engineers, each with decades of knowledge within the business, are approaching retirement. You'll have a unique opportunity to work alongside them, gain an in-depth understanding of the company's products and engineering solutions, and capture knowledge that would otherwise be difficult to replace.
You'll then have the opportunity to bring your own modern mechanical design, CAD and engineering management experience to develop the function for the future.
This is not a role where you'll simply manage from a distance. You'll be expected to remain technically credible and close to the detail of the engineering, contributing to designs, reviewing CAD, solving problems and supporting engineers when complex technical challenges arise.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate the day-to-day mechanical engineering and design function
- Remain hands-on with mechanical design, 3D CAD and engineering projects
- Develop and review detailed mechanical designs, assemblies, drawings and engineering solutions
- Provide technical leadership and design authority across projects
- Support engineers with complex mechanical design and problem-solving challenges
- Review and improve existing designs, products and engineering solutions
- Manage engineering workload, priorities, resources and project delivery
- Capture and transfer critical product and engineering knowledge from experienced team members
- Mentor and develop engineers, helping build the next generation of technical capability
- Work closely with Production, Quality, Sales and other functions to ensure designs are manufacturable, robust and commercially effective
- Introduce improved engineering processes, design standards and ways of working
- Support future recruitment and development of the engineering team
- Contribute to continuous improvement, product development and the longer-term engineering strategy
About You
We're looking for a strong mechanical engineer first and an engineering manager second.
You'll ideally be someone who has spent a significant part of their career designing engineered products and is highly confident working within a CAD environment.
You’ll bring:
- Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals and mechanical design experience
- Extensive experience using 3D CAD to develop complex mechanical products and assemblies
- The ability to take designs from concept through development, detailing and manufacture
- Experience producing and interpreting engineering drawings and technical documentation
- Strong understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, tolerancing and design for manufacture
- Experience leading, mentoring or technically guiding other engineers
- The credibility to work effectively with experienced mechanical engineers
- A hands-on approach and genuine enjoyment of solving engineering problems
- The ability to review and challenge existing designs and introduce better engineering solutions
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability
- The confidence to make technical decisions and take ownership of engineering outcomes
- An interest in developing your career towards broader Engineering Management and technical leadership
Experience with hydraulics, fluid power, pumps, motors, valves, motion control, pneumatics or similar mechanical systems would be particularly valuable.
Why Consider It?
This is an opportunity to join a successful engineering business at an important point in its development and take genuine ownership of its mechanical engineering capability.
You'll have access to an exceptional depth of engineering knowledge from experienced colleagues, while also being given the freedom to introduce modern CAD, mechanical design and engineering management practices.
For an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer who is ready to step into management — or an existing Engineering Manager who doesn't want to lose the technical side of the role — this offers an unusual combination of:
Hands-on mechanical design + advanced CAD + technical leadership + team management + long-term succession.
The long-term opportunity is significant, with the potential to develop beyond the initial Mechanical Engineering Manager remit into a broader engineering and operational leadership position.
Interested in finding out more?
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Head of Engineering in Poole employer: Sectora Group
As a Field Service Director with us, you'll join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and excellence in customer service. We offer a flexible working environment with opportunities for international travel, competitive compensation, and a culture that fosters professional growth and collaboration among diverse teams. Our commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence ensures that you will have the resources and support needed to thrive in your role and make a meaningful impact on our global operations.
