Deputy Head of Engineering Reading £55,000 – £60,000 per annum (dependent on experience) We’re looking for a Deputy Head of Engineering to support the Head of Engineering in leading day-to-day operations, maintenance activities, and team development across a busy, high-performance site. This is a hands-on leadership role offering the perfect blend of technical responsibility, team supervision, and strategic development—ideal for someone aiming to step into a Head of Engineering position in the near future. Key Responsibilities Support the Head of Engineering in leading and organising the department Oversee planned and reactive maintenance across plant and equipment Monitor equipment performance and minimise unplanned downtime Supervise external contractors, audits, and permit systems Ensure health, safety, and compliance protocols are met (e.g. COSHH, LOLER) Manage parts inventory, budget control, and accurate maintenance reporting Support recruitment, onboarding and upskilling of engineering staff Lead meetings and represent engineering during audits or improvement forums Contribute to capex planning, energy efficiency and CI initiatives Promote a clean, safe and efficient working environment What We’re Looking For 5 years’ experience in a hands-on engineering or maintenance role Strong leadership, mentoring or supervisory experience Experience in a fast-paced environment such as manufacturing, production, logistics, food, or facilities Practical knowledge of plant machinery, utilities, and industrial systems Proactive, improvement-focused, and collaborative in approach Ambition to progress into a more senior leadership role Desirable Qualifications NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering 18th Edition (for electrical engineers) Exposure to steam or gas systems (e.g. BOAS, CDGA1) IOSH or NEBOSH Health & Safety certification – beneficial but not essential Familiarity with CMMS or asset management software Key Competencies Leadership – Leads by example, supports team development Communication – Works cross-functionally with clarity and influence Problem Solving – Tackles root causes, not just symptoms Customer Focus – Minimises disruption to operations Safety-First Mindset – Champions safe systems of work Commercial Awareness – Keeps costs efficient and value-focused Growth-Oriented – Invests in personal and team progression Why Join Us? Key leadership role in a supportive, forward-thinking organisation Clear pathway to future progression into Head of Engineering Competitive salary up to £60,000 on-call pay High-impact role in a dynamic, varied working environment Be part of a collaborative team that values innovation and growth Shift Pattern: Week 1: 05:00 – 14:00 Week 2: 07:30 – 16:30 Week 3: 14:00 – 23:00 Apply today or get in touch with (url removed) for a confidential conversation