At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop engineering projects while building a high-performance team.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on defence, nuclear, and complex infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape culture, strong growth potential, and supportive leadership.
- Why this job: Make a visible impact in a pivotal role with exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Engineering, strong mechanical background, and leadership skills.
- Other info: Hands-on role with a chance to build a new engineering function.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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 / Scrum Manager, Home Based employer: The Thrive Team
Contact Detail:
The Thrive Team Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Engineering Manager / Scrum Manager, Home Based
✨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 friendly chat can often lead to job leads that aren’t even advertised.
✨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 teams and delivered complex projects. We want to see your passion for engineering and people development shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong online presence. Update your LinkedIn profile to reflect your engineering expertise and leadership experience. Engage with relevant content and connect with industry leaders to boost your visibility.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our growing engineering team. Let’s make an impact together!
We think you need these skills to ace Engineering Manager / Scrum Manager, Home Based
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match 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 engineering processes, project management, and any relevant technologies or sectors, like nuclear or defence.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. 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 challenges and delivered results.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've built and developed teams in the past. Think about specific instances where you fostered a collaborative culture or mentored engineers at different levels.
✨Understand the Business Context
Research the company’s recent changes and their impact on the engineering function. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to shaping the team and driving continuous improvement in processes and delivery.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Practice how you'll communicate with both internal teams and external customers. Think of ways to demonstrate your stakeholder management skills and how you’ve successfully resolved technical issues in previous roles.