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Head of Engineering

Why Encompass Engineering

At Encompass Engineering, we believe our people are the reason for our success. As a growing engineering consultancy, we combine technical excellence with a collaborative, people-first culture, giving our team the opportunity to make a genuine impact for our customers and the wider industry.

If you’re looking for a senior leadership role where you can influence strategy, shape engineering excellence, build lasting customer relationships and help drive business growth, this is an opportunity to make a real difference.


About Encompass Engineering

Encompass Engineering is a specialist engineering consultancy providing technical assurance and quality support for new build rolling stock and rolling stock modification programmes. We work with owners, operators and manufacturers across the UK and internationally, supporting projects from design and requirements management through to testing, manufacturing, acceptance and entry into service.

As Encompass Engineering continues to grow, we are looking to strengthen our leadership team to support the next phase of our development and help deliver our long-term ambitions.


The Role

We are seeking a commercially minded Head of Engineering to lead our engineering team, support the delivery of key customer projects and play a key role in business growth. This is a leadership position for someone who combines strong engineering expertise with the ability to develop customer relationships, identify opportunities and secure new business.

Alongside leading our engineering team, you will work closely with the senior leadership team to shape strategy, expand our market presence and contribute to the continued growth of the company.


Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

  • Help define the strategic direction of the company.
  • Develop and deliver the engineering and technical strategy.
  • Work with the wider leadership team to deliver the company’s strategic objectives.
  • Identify areas for improvement to enhance technical and engineering performance.
  • Work with the wider leadership team to develop and monitor meaningful business and engineering performance measures.

Engineering Leadership

  • Lead, develop and manage the engineering team.
  • Enhance and expand the company’s engineering and technical capabilities.
  • Provide technical leadership and oversight across projects and internal initiatives.
  • Support the successful delivery of key customer projects, providing technical guidance and expertise where required.
  • Lead and support the development of engineers through mentoring and coaching.
  • Foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation and continuous improvement.

Business Development & Market Growth

  • Develop existing customer relationships while identifying new business opportunities.
  • Build strong relationships with customers, partners and industry stakeholders.
  • Identify, pursue and secure new work opportunities across rail and related markets.
  • Support and contribute to tender submissions, proposals and bids.
  • Arrange and lead meetings with prospective customers and strategic partners.
  • Promote the company’s services, anticipating customer needs and market trends.
  • Provide ongoing customer support and relationship management following project delivery.
  • Enhance Encompass Engineering’s profile within the UK and international markets.
  • Support marketing and business development initiatives to increase brand awareness.


Key Skills

Leadership & Commercial Experience

  • A minimum of 10 years’ experience in engineering functions, including proven experience in a senior engineering leadership role.
  • Proven experience leading and developing multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Experience developing engineering capability, technical strategy and business growth initiatives.
  • Strong commercial awareness, with proven experience in customer relationship management, business development and winning new business.
  • Ability to influence and build relationships with customer and industry stakeholders.
  • Excellent communication, presentation and negotiation skills.

Technical & Industry Knowledge

  • Degree qualified in an engineering discipline.
  • Chartered Engineer (CEng) status required.
  • Knowledge of at least one of the following sectors: UK rail, defence or aerospace.
  • Knowledge of the Canadian and US rail markets desirable.
  • Knowledge of related engineering sectors advantageous.

Personal Attributes & Skills

  • Excellent planning, organisational and time management abilities.
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • Self-motivated with a strong work ethic.


Additional Information

  • Location: Derby.
  • Travel as required to fulfil the requirements of the role.
  • Flexible working arrangements with a minimum of three days per week in the office.


Remuneration

  • Salary: £65,000 – £75,000, dependent on qualifications and relevant experience.
  • Annual bonus linked to company performance.
  • Pension contribution.
  • 21 days’ annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 23 days with length of service.


Interested?

If you’re an experienced engineering leader looking for an opportunity to shape strategy, develop high-performing teams and help drive the growth of an ambitious business, we’d love to hear from you.

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and suitability for the role to jobs@encompass-engineering.com.

The closing date for applications is 14 August, 2026.