Head of Engineering and Projects

Our international manufacturing client is a long-established manufacturing business based in Sheffield. They are seeking an experienced and professionally qualified Head of Engineering and Projects.

Role Overview

Effective leadership of the engineering function and capital project portfolio to support safe, reliable and efficient operations. Develop the engineering strategy, strengthen asset reliability and deliver investment projects that improve capacity, product quality, productivity and environmental performance. Work closely with Operations, Health and Safety, Quality, Finance and Procurement to translate business priorities into practical engineering solutions, with clear accountability for technical standards, expenditure and delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain a prioritised engineering and capital investment roadmap aligned with business objectives, asset condition and operational risk. Set engineering standards for plant, equipment, utilities, automation and infrastructure, ensuring consistent technical governance across the agreed site portfolio. Provide technical leadership for relevant metals processing equipment, such as melting and casting plant, furnaces, rolling mills, extrusion presses, heat treatment equipment, cutting and finishing lines, and material handling systems. Assess equipment obsolescence, capacity constraints and opportunities for modernisation, process improvement and automation. Maintain effective engineering documentation, including drawings, specifications, asset records and controlled technical changes.

Asset reliability and maintenance

Lead the maintenance and reliability strategy, balancing preventive, predictive and corrective maintenance according to asset criticality. Improve plant availability and reduce unplanned downtime through structured root cause analysis and sustainable corrective actions. Oversee use of the computerised maintenance management system, maintenance planning, backlog control and critical spare parts arrangements. Plan shutdowns and major overhauls with Operations, ensuring appropriate resources, contractor controls and safe return to service. Ensure maintainability, accessibility and whole-life cost are considered in equipment selection and project design.

Capital projects and investment delivery

Lead projects from feasibility and business case development through design, procurement, installation, commissioning and operational handover. Define project scope, specifications, budgets, schedules, acceptance criteria and expected benefits, securing approval through agreed governance processes. Manage the project portfolio, including resource allocation, dependencies, risks, change control and progress reporting.

Safety, environmental performance and compliance

Champion safe engineering practices and ensure safety is embedded in equipment design, maintenance activities and project delivery. Work with competent specialists to identify and meet applicable legal, regulatory and company requirements for plant and engineering activities. Ensure robust arrangements for engineering risk assessment, machinery safeguarding, safe isolation, permits to work and contractor management. Maintain arrangements for required plant inspections, examinations and timely completion of remedial actions.

People leadership and financial management

Lead and develop a multidisciplinary engineering and projects team, with clear responsibilities, effective communication and a culture of accountability. Build technical capability through training, knowledge sharing, succession planning and appropriate apprenticeship or graduate development opportunities.

Candidate Profile

We are seeking an individual who is:

Degree, HND or equivalent qualification in mechanical, electrical, manufacturing or another relevant engineering discipline, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience. Substantial engineering leadership experience in metals processing or a comparable asset-intensive manufacturing environment. Proven experience delivering capital projects involving production plant, equipment installation and commissioning in an operational industrial setting. Strong understanding of maintenance strategy, asset reliability, engineering risk management and continuous improvement. Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, external contractors and equipment suppliers.

Skills & Experience

Direct experience with the company's principal metals, processing routes and production equipment. Recognised project management qualification, such as APM, PRINCE2 or PMP, or equivalent practical experience. Experience with industrial automation, control systems, condition monitoring and manufacturing data systems. Experience delivering energy efficiency, decarbonisation or environmental improvement projects. Working knowledge of Lean manufacturing, overall equipment effectiveness and structured problem-solving methods.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: ££55,000 - £60,000 per annum, depending on experience, qualifications, and relevant background. In addition, the role includes:

Company pension scheme Health scheme Company mobile phone and laptop

Shillito Group is a specialist recruitment and executive search partner, working with ambitious businesses to secure high-impact talent across commercial and engineering markets. Our reputation is built on deep expertise, trusted relationships and delivering results that go beyond the brief