Head Engineer - Domestic Appliances
Location: London
Contract: Full-time
Salary: £35,000-£40,000 DOE
Start: ASAP
Company
Smarter Appliances LTD is an established London provider of domestic appliance repairs and installations. We work across the capital for estate agents, property managers and private households.
Role purpose
The Head Engineer is a senior, hands-on position combining complex diagnostics with day-to-day technical leadership. The post holder sets and maintains standards, supports engineer development, and works with the Service Manager to improve quality, safety and first-time fix rates.
Working pattern
Three days field-based: complex diagnostics, premium-brand work, and escalations.
(Typically up to six appointments per day to protect quality and coaching time; field engineers remain capped at eight .)
Two days office-based: admin, case reviews, training/toolbox talks, van stock/parts review, and a scheduled meeting with the Service Manager.
Key responsibilities
Technical leadership
Lead diagnostics and repair across multi-brand and premium-brand appliances (laundry, dishwashing, cooking, refrigeration).
Provide second opinions and site support on challenging faults.
Standards, quality and compliance
Set methodical fault-finding practice and workmanship standards; ensure tidy, safe working on all jobs.
Drive KPI improvements: lower recall rate, higher first-time fix percentage, reduced unnecessary "parts required".
Ensure accurate notes, photographs and reports are completed on the live system.
People development
Coach and shadow engineers, especially new starters; deliver short training sessions/toolbox talks.
Give clear, constructive feedback and contribute to weekly performance reviews.
Parts and readiness
Work with the Parts team on correct identification for premium brands; maintain effective van stock profiles.
Support three-times-weekly part drops and verify fitted parts and returns.
Safety
Champion electrical testing, meter checks and site safety requirements.
Gas work is occasional; Gas Safe registration is advantageous and supported where applicable.
Collaboration and reporting
Liaise with Service/Admin on scheduling, SLAs and customer updates.
Escalate risks promptly and provide concise trend feedback from field to office.
Person specification
Experience: Minimum 5 years ' domestic appliance repair in a multi-brand environment, including premium brands .
Technical: Strong diagnostic approach; careful documentation; confident with integrated/built-in units.
Leadership: Able to coach, set expectations and hold standards calmly and fairly.
Customer: Professional communication and tidy, respectful working practice on site.
Licence: Full UK driving licence; willing to cover South London and wider London as required.
Desirable: Gas Safe registered (or willing to work towards it).
Package
Salary £35,000-£40,000 DOE
28 days' holiday including Bank Holidays
Pension scheme and staff discount
Company van and uniform
Ongoing training and clear progression
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Company car
Flexitime
Application question(s):
Are you happy to carry out repairs around all of London?
Experience:
Domestic Appliance repair: 5 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
Gas Safe Register (preferred)
Work Location: On the road