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 jon@cvbay.co.uk for a confidential conversation.
