Head of Mechanical Engineering

Job type: Permanent Location: Wrightbus Closing date: Tuesday 06 Jan 2026 08:00 We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications from suitably qualified and experienced candidates. We therefore encourage early applications." All applicants must hold valid right to work in the UK. Please be aware that we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position now or in the future. The Job Summary: Wrightbus is the fastest-growing production company in Europe. We are seeking someone to lead and manage the Mechanical Engineering function, ensuring the delivery of innovative, cost-effective, and high-quality engineering solutions that align with the strategic objectives of Wrightbus. This role will champion technical excellence, foster continuous improvement, and promote cross-functional collaboration across both engineering and manufacturing teams. The Role: Lead the mechanical engineering team (body & chassis) in the design, development, and validation of vehicle systems and components. Oversee project planning, resource allocation, and performance management within the department. Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards, safety regulations, and company policies. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Quality Assurance. Drive innovation in mechanical design, materials selection, and manufacturing processes. Manage supplier relationships and technical evaluations of outsourced components. Support new product development and continuous improvement initiatives. Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineers and technicians. Monitor KPIs and report on departmental performance to senior leadership. The Requirements: Degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline- Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or equivalent Minimum 10 years in mechanical engineering- Proven leadership in engineering teams- Experience managing large-scale engineering projects Strong technical expertise in all mechanical systems associated with bus body & chassis design Budget and resource management Knowledge of regulatory standards and compliance Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills The Benefits: 4% discretionary bonus Life Insurance Medicash scheme Discount with local businesses e.g. Galgorm Spa Resort and McAtamney's. Free car parking Canteen Career progression Professional development Flexitime #wrightbus To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process click the Continue to Application or Login/Register to apply button below.