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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop engineering projects, ensuring quality and safety standards.
- Company: Dynamic engineering firm with a focus on defence and infrastructure.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape culture, strong growth potential, and supportive leadership.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact while leading a capable team in a pivotal role.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering and strong mechanical background required.
- Other info: Hands-on leadership role with opportunities for continuous improvement and team development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an Engineering Manager to lead and develop our Engineering function at a pivotal stage of the business journey. Recent leadership changes have created a genuine opportunity to reset structure, culture, and capability within a growing engineering organisation of around 45 people. With a new General Manager in place and a strong pipeline of work—particularly within defence, nuclear, and complex infrastructure projects—this role offers the chance to make a visible and lasting impact.
This is a hands-on leadership role, combining strong mechanical engineering credibility with people development, process improvement, and delivery excellence.
The Role
As Engineering Manager, you will be responsible for leading the Engineering team across multiple complex projects—from business winning and concept design through product development, production introduction, and final customer delivery. You will ensure engineering activities are delivered safely, compliantly, and to the highest quality standards, while contributing directly to the commercial performance and future growth of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate complex engineering projects from initiation through to delivery
- Provide technical leadership and act as a senior customer interface
- Lead the resolution of complex technical issues, internally and externally
- Plan and coordinate engineering resources to optimise delivery and capability
- Shape programmes of work using sound engineering judgement
- Provide engineering input into wider project management activities
- Champion quality, health, safety, and environmental standards
- Build, structure, and develop the engineering team
- Foster a high-performance, collaborative engineering culture
- Mentor and develop engineers at all levels
- Drive continuous improvement in tools, processes, and ways of working
Team & Growth
You will inherit a small but capable team and have the opportunity to build and shape an almost entirely new engineering function:
- 2 Design Engineers (graduate and experienced)
- Planned growth to 5–6 engineers, including Design and Project Engineers
You will work closely with the General Manager and benefit from wider group engineering support.
Experience, Skills & Qualifications
Essential
- Degree or HND in Engineering
- Strong mechanical engineering background
- Experience delivering complex engineering projects to time and budget
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
Desirable
- Experience with pipework, skid structures, and pressure systems / small vessels
- Nuclear or defence sector experience (highly desirable)
- Awareness of emerging engineering technologies and best practice
What We’re Looking For
- A technically credible engineering leader, not just a people manager
- Someone comfortable building teams, developing capability, and setting standards
- A forward-thinking, solutions-focused mindset
- Confident engaging directly with customers and stakeholders
- Adaptable, curious, and committed to continuous improvement
Why Join?
- Rare opportunity to shape a function and its culture from the ground up
- Strong enquiry pipeline, including work with BAE Systems and nuclear clients
- Visible leadership role within a smaller, growing organisation
- Supportive senior leadership and momentum for change
- Significant growth potential as operational performance improves
Working Pattern
- Site-critical role
- 4 days on-site (Monday–Thursday)
- Friday half-day
- Hybrid / remote working not suitable
If you are an Engineering Manager who enjoys building teams, leading through change, and delivering complex engineering projects, this role offers both stability and the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.
Engineering Manager employer: The Thrive Team
Contact Detail:
The Thrive Team Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering field, especially those who might know about opportunities in defence or nuclear sectors. A personal recommendation can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led complex projects and developed teams in the past—this is your time to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your adaptability and solutions-focused mindset during interviews. Share examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in high-pressure environments like nuclear or defence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Engineering Manager role. Highlight your mechanical engineering background and any leadership experience you have, especially in complex projects.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and delivered projects successfully, and don’t forget to mention your passion for continuous improvement!
Showcase Your Technical Credibility: We want to see your technical expertise shine through! Include details about your experience with pipework, skid structures, or any relevant projects in the nuclear or defence sectors to make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Thrive Team
✨Know Your Engineering Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your mechanical engineering knowledge and any relevant technologies. Be ready to discuss complex projects you've led, focusing on how you managed timelines and budgets. This will show that you’re not just a people manager but a technically credible leader.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've built and developed teams in the past. Think about specific instances where you fostered a high-performance culture or mentored engineers. This will demonstrate your ability to shape the engineering function and lead through change.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be prepared to talk about your experience engaging with customers and stakeholders. Highlight how you’ve resolved complex technical issues and coordinated resources effectively. This will illustrate your strong communication skills and stakeholder management abilities.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Think about ways you've driven continuous improvement in your previous roles. Whether it’s through process enhancements or adopting new tools, be ready to share your forward-thinking mindset. This aligns perfectly with the company’s focus on delivering excellence and adapting to emerging engineering practices.
