Head of Mechanical Engineering

Head of Mechanical Engineering

If you are an experienced Mechanical Engineering Leader who thrives on solving real-world problems and you care just as much about developing people as you do developing great products, then this could be the role for you.

This is a key leadership position within a growing technology business, where you will guide the mechanical function responsible for designing and delivering high-performing, durable products used globally across diverse environments, from concept to validation, from process to people.

Strengthening the team’s cohesion and ways of working will be central to this role, calling for the maturity and emotional intelligence to navigate complex dynamics, build trust and set clear expectations as the department continues to evolve.

What you will be doing:

This role takes ownership of the Mechanical Engineering function, ensuring the team has the clarity, capability and support needed to deliver exceptional products.

You should expect to:

• Lead and develop the mechanical engineering team, setting direction, mentoring, coaching and creating a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Oversee end-to-end mechanical development across a diverse product portfolio.
• Champion robust design and validation, including submersion testing, vibration, drop testing, plastics/materials selection, and the realities of delivering reliable products that meet customer needs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure mechanical requirements integrate seamlessly with broader product goals.
• Maintain high standards of process, documentation, KPIs and engineering best practice.
• Balance delivery with strategic thinking, identifying opportunities to optimise, innovate and improve.

This is a fully office-based role with occasional long-haul and short-haul overseas travel.

What we need from you:

You will be a technically strong Mechanical Engineering Leader with a deep understanding of how to build products that perform reliably in real-world use.

You will also be an excellent people manager with a demonstrable track record of leading and motivating engineering teams.

• Proven leadership experience within a complex mechanical engineering environment.
• Extensive background developing complex, plastic-enclosed products such as handheld consumer devices, wearables or medical/healthcare equipment, including plastics, injection moulding and high-volume manufacture.
• Strong knowledge of validation for demanding environments, including submersion, drop, vibration, shock and durability testing.
• Proficiency in CAD (e.g. Creo, SolidWorks) and mechanical simulation tools (e.g. ANSYS).
• Someone who is structured, organised and able to deliver at pace without compromising on quality.
• A collaborative leader who sets high standards, communicates clearly and brings others with them.
• A calm, analytical thinker with the tenacity to push through complex challenges.
• A degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Full UK driving licence.

What you can expect in return:

• Salary up to £90,000, depending on experience
• Private health and dental care
• Subsidised onsite restaurant
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Flexible working hours
• Employee assistance programme
• Free onsite parking
• Regular social events

Interested?

If this sounds like the kind of leadership role where you could make a real impact, I’d welcome a confidential conversation. Get in touch to find out more.