Head of Engineering

Lead the Future of Engineering at SMC Group

For more than 65 years, SMC Group has designed and manufactured specialist masts, antennas and RF communication equipment for customers operating in some of the world's most demanding environments.

Our reputation is built on engineering excellence, quality and reliability, and we're now looking for an experienced Head of Engineering to lead our Engineering function and help shape the next stage of our growth.

This is a rare opportunity to join our team, influence business strategy, and make a tangible impact on both product development and operational performance.

The Opportunity

We're seeking a commercially minded engineering leader who enjoys remaining involved in the technical detail whilst providing strategic direction to a talented engineering team.

You will lead engineering activities across the business, driving innovation, product development, compliance and continuous improvement, while ensuring projects are delivered effectively and in line with business objectives.

This role offers the opportunity to influence the future direction of the Engineering function and play a key role in supporting the continued success of SMC Group.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and inspire the Engineering team.
• Provide technical leadership across product design and development activities.
• Drive new product development from concept through to manufacture.
• Manage engineering projects, priorities and resource planning.
• Lead engineering compliance, certification and regulatory activities.
• Support the modernisation and digitisation of engineering processes and systems.
• Work collaboratively with Operations, Production, Quality, Sales and Procurement teams.
• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and external stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation.

About You

You'll be an experienced engineering professional with a proven track record of leadership within a manufacturing, product development or engineering environment.

You'll have the credibility to engage confidently with engineers, customers and senior stakeholders, and be equally comfortable discussing technical challenges as contributing to wider business strategy.

We'd Love to Hear From You If You Have:

• A degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Significant experience within engineering, manufacturing or product development.
• Previous experience leading engineering teams.
• Strong mechanical design and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience taking products from concept through to manufacture.
• Experience using CAD systems, ideally SolidWorks.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Commercial awareness and a focus on delivering business results.
• Experience within defence, RF communications, aerospace, electronics or other highly regulated industries would be advantageous.

Why Join SMC Group?

• Be part of a long-established and respected UK manufacturing business.
• Lead exciting engineering projects and product innovation.
• Work on products used in critical communications worldwide.
• Play a key role in shaping the future of our Engineering function.

Benefits

• Salary circa £80k
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Christmas shutdown
• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Free onsite parking

Additional Information

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK and be able to satisfy BPSS screening requirements.

Unfortunately, visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

No agencies please.

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person