Astute's Renewables Team is partnering with an established business who own and operate an impressive portfolio of anaerobic digestion plants. They are looking for a Head of Engineering to lead all engineering and technical aspects of their food waste AD operations. The ideal candidate will be located within Lincolnshire or the Cambridge area.
The strategically important Head of Engineering role comes with a very competitive salary, car allowance and excellent benefits package.
If you're an experienced Engineering Manager with a background in either anaerobic digestion, biogas or a similar processing environment, then submit your CV to apply today.
Responsibilities and duties of the Head of Engineering role
Reporting to the Chief People & Transformation Officer, you will:
Develop and implement the overall engineering strategy for current operations and future AD plant developments
Provide technical leadership to mechanical, electrical, civil, and process engineering teams.
Align engineering efforts with company objectives on energy output, sustainability, and regulatory compliance
Assist Group Projects Manager in design and engineering of new AD plants and major retrofit or expansion projects.
Oversee front-end engineering design (FEED), detailed engineering, and commissioning phases.
Establish engineering standards, design specifications, and quality control procedures across all sites utilising engineering software system, timely and with accuracy
Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and industry regulations (e.g., ATEX, DSEAR, UK EA permitting, etc.).
Prepare and manage engineering budgets for capital projects and long-term asset replacement plans.
Ensure cost-effective engineering design while maintaining technical performance and reliability
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of engineers and field engineers
Other duties as required
Professional qualifications
We are looking for someone with the following:
Degree in Mechanical, Process, Chemical, or Environmental Engineering (Master's preferred).
Chartered Engineer status (CEng) or equivalent is desirable.
IOSH/NEBOSH certificate
Full UK Driving Licence
Personal skills
The Head of Engineering role would suit someone who has:
5+ years' engineering experience, including at least 2 years in anaerobic digestion, biogas, wastewater treatment, or a related field.
Proven experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Deep understanding of AD process design, CHP systems, gas upgrading, feedstock pre-treatment, and digestate handling.
Strong knowledge of industry codes, safety standards (ATEX/DSEAR), and environmental compliance requirements
Ability to read and interpret schematics and blueprints
Experience of use of industry specific software (AutoCAD, Scada, Shire)
Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
Ability to explain technical information clearly to stakeholders
Salary and benefits of the Head of Engineering role
A competitive salary depending on experience
Car allowance or company car
Private Medical
Additional benefits discussed at interview
The chance to join an established business within the biogas sector
INDREN
Astute People are acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and comply with all relevant UK legislation. We encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Astute is also committed to the government's Disability Confident Employer initiative. We endeavour to get back to everyone, however, if you have not heard anything after 7 days, please consider your application unsuccessful