Based in East Lothian, The Head of Electrical Engineering is a key member of the site's multi-disciplinary maintenance leadership team. The role holds full responsibility for the electrical infrastructure, statutory compliance, and long-term asset strategy across a large-scale industrial manufacturing site.
This position plays a critical role in driving engineering excellence, improving plant reliability, supporting sustainability objectives, and ensuring the highest standards of safety and compliance. The successful candidate will lead the electrical function strategically while remaining operationally engaged with plant performance and team development.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering & Asset Management
* Lead and champion engineering best practice and continuous improvement initiatives
* Develop and implement preventative and predictive maintenance strategies
* Identify long-term plant risks and develop mitigation and repair plans
* Manage obsolescence planning and electrical asset replacement strategy
* Oversee high voltage (HV) distribution systems and switchgear management
* Ensure full compliance with electrical statutory inspection requirements and completion of remedial works
* Monitor execution of electrical maintenance activities through audits and performance reviews
Project & Financial Management
* Develop capital investment proposals and associated business cases
* Lead delivery of plant improvement projects from concept through execution
* Manage departmental budgets, including monthly financial oversight and cost control
* Formulate financial plans aligned to operational and strategic objectives
Safety & Compliance
* Ensure the department operates to the highest safety standards
* Conduct regular safety briefings and promote active participation in safety reporting
* Maintain compliance with ATEX/DSEAR requirements
* Drive a strong safety culture across the electrical function
Leadership & People Development
* Lead, develop, and coach a multi-level electrical team including engineers, technicians, and apprentices
* Identify skills gaps and implement development plans including structured 1-2-1s and personal development plans
* Support succession planning and long-term talent retention
* Provide clear direction, remove obstacles, and ensure accountability within the team
Stakeholder Engagement
* Work closely with engineering, production, and health & safety leadership
* Communicate priorities and progress effectively at daily operational meetings
* Align departmental objectives with broader business strategy
Key Competencies
Technical & Functional
* Strong knowledge of high voltage distribution and switchgear
* Experience with ATEX/DSEAR environments (CompEx qualification desirable)
* Deep understanding of engineering and business principles
* Budget management and financial control capability
* Proven project management experience
* Experience using maintenance management systems (e.g., SAP PM)
Leadership
* Ability to direct work and drive delivery through others
* Strong decision-making capability in high-pressure environments
* Situational adaptability
* Effective communicator across multiple audiences
* Talent development and engagement capability
* Inclusive leadership approach
Experience & Qualifications
* Degree/apprenticeship in Electrical Engineering or related discipline
* NEBOSH or IOSH qualification desirable
* Experience within heavy industrial or process manufacturing environments
* Demonstrated experience managing electrical teams
* Experience leading change and delivering business-critical projects
Key Challenges
* Managing crisis or unplanned plant events
* Addressing inherited performance or structural challenges
* Leading through change and continuous improvement initiatives
* Managing complex people situations and team engagement
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