We are a specialist M&E contractor operating across highly technical and regulated sectors, including pharmaceutical, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, and hyperscale data centers. With a reputation for delivering complex, high-value engineering projects, we are entering a new phase of growth and innovation in the UK. To support this, we are seeking a proven and dynamic Head of Engineering to lead our national engineering function.
The Head of Engineering – UK will be responsible for driving engineering excellence across all UK operations. This is a strategic leadership role that combines technical authority with operational oversight to ensure the successful design, coordination, and delivery of projects in some of the world’s most demanding environments. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience from the manufacturing, semiconductor, and pharmaceutical sectors, alongside strong M&E project delivery credentials.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead the engineering strategy across all UK projects, ensuring alignment with commercial and operational goals.
* Provide technical leadership across mechanical and electrical disciplines, including cleanroom systems, HVAC, process utilities, power distribution, and BMS.
* Oversee multidisciplinary engineering teams from pre-construction through to commissioning and handover.
* Ensure design compliance with UK building regulations, industry standards (GMP, ISO, IEC), and client specifications.
* Drive innovation in delivery methods, digital engineering (BIM), and energy efficiency.
* Support bid and tender processes with technical insight, resource planning, and value engineering.
* Collaborate closely with project managers, commercial teams, clients, and third-party consultants.
* Champion a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement across engineering teams.
* Mentor and develop engineers and technical managers, ensuring robust succession planning.
* Represent the business at senior client meetings, industry forums, and technical reviews.
1. Required Experience & Qualifications:
* Minimum 10 years’ experience in senior engineering roles within manufacturing, pharmaceutical, and/or semiconductor environments.
* Proven leadership of engineering functions for complex M&E projects (£10M+ value), ideally across multi-site or national operations.
* In-depth technical knowledge of cleanrooms, controlled environments, process systems, and mission-critical infrastructure.
* Degree qualified in Mechanical, Electrical, Building Services, or related engineering discipline (Chartered Engineer status preferred).
* Strong understanding of regulatory compliance including MHRA, FDA, GAMP, and ISO standards.
* Demonstrable experience managing cross-functional design and engineering teams.
* Familiarity with BIM, AutoCAD, Revit, and modern design coordination tools.
* Excellent client-facing and communication skills, with the ability to influence at executive level.
Desirable:
* Chartered membership of CIBSE, IMechE, or IET.
* Experience working on hyperscale data center or high-tech manufacturing projects.
* Exposure to international projects or global engineering standards.
What We Offer:
* Competitive salary and executive benefits package.
* Company car allowance.
* Pension and healthcare.
* Opportunity to lead transformative projects in cutting-edge industries.
* Professional development and progression into Group-level leadership.