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