Chief Engineer (Head of Engineering)

The Chief Engineer will provide effective, visible and inspirational leadership as a member of the Senior Leadership Group, with clear accountability for the capability, performance and governance of Engineering. They will create, lead and execute the Eliquo Hydrok Engineering strategy that enables sustainable business growth. Be a champion of health, safety and continuous improvement across the business. Ensuring that all outputs from Engineering meet the specified HSEQ requirements, are on time and at the agreed cost. They will ensure the effective governance, planning, resourcing and quality of all Engineering activities. While inspiring and developing a high performing team within Engineering.

What you'll be doing:

• Ensure all company and customer HSE policies and procedures are followed and embraced to ensure a safe working environment.

• Lead and be accountable for all Engineering disciplines, including Process, Mechanical, EC&I and Technical Support, ensuring capability is aligned to current and future business requirements.

• Accountable for ensuring all Engineering processes and practices are in accordance with relevant standards required by our ISO standard accreditations (including but not limited to ISO9001, 14001, 45001 and BS EN 1090) and industry requirements (e.g. WIMES and UKCA).

• Providing the Engineering approval and sign off for new bids, contracts, technical documentation and other relevant processes and documents. This includes involvement in bid/no-bid decision making and post project reviews.

• Ensure that CAD, Engineering Document Management, ERP, other Engineering tools and all associated processes along with the workplace environment are properly managed and maintained to meet the required output, improve productivity and reduce waste.

• Build and lead a high-performing Engineering team through clear expectations, coaching, development, recruitment and performance management.

• Ensure the organisation is sufficiently skilled to meet our future Engineering demands through the ongoing training and development of colleagues throughout the organisation.

• Set, monitor and deliver clear Engineering performance targets, ensuring progress is visible through relevant metrics, action plans and management review

Who we are looking for:

Essential requirements:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.

• Relevant professional registration, chartered status or equivalent senior technical credibility is advantageous.

• Senior leadership experience within an Engineering function serving a design, manufacturing, OEM or project-based technical business.

• Strong understanding of engineering delivery in regulated, quality-led or safety-critical environments, including ISO management systems and audit requirements.

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary Engineering teams, including technical governance, delivery performance, recruitment, coaching and capability development.

• Experience managing budgets, cost control, operational performance metrics and continuous improvement activity.

• Experience supporting business growth, operational scaling or multi-site working through robust processes, systems and performance management.

Desirable qualifications and experience

• Master’s degree or further qualification in engineering, business management or a related discipline.

• Knowledge of the UK and Ireland municipal water sector, including relevant standards, customer requirements, WIMES and water company asset standards.

• Experience with engineered products involving welded and assembled manufacture, low-volume high-complexity production, NPI or design for manufacture.

• Working knowledge of BS EN 1090, UKCA, UK health and safety legislation and manufacturing compliance requirements.

• Experience using ERP systems, data-led reporting, Lean, Six Sigma or similar methods to improve engineering and manufacturing performance.

Additional Information:

This role can be based from any of our UK locations, which are: our HQ in Cornwall, office in Coventry or manufacturing facility in Barnsley. Regular visits and time will be required at our HQ in Cornwall, with the expectation that this would normally be once or twice per month. The role holder must therefore be capable of travelling regularly and working effectively in a variety of locations.

Expect to travel across the UK and Ireland for meetings with customers, suppliers, colleagues and third parties as required. Site visits to water treatment works and other similar locations will also be required, occasional international travel may also be required.

About us

ELIQUO HYDROK is an award-winning, established and growing, market leader. We provide water treatment solutions that keep seas and rivers clean and drinking water safe. From flood water management to sewage filtration systems, we provide innovative, environmentally considerate, cost-effective, and practical solutions to municipal water companies.

We’re passionate about our people, offering a range of benefits to our valued employees, including hybrid working and a Medicash healthcare plan. You will be part of a team of 180+ colleagues delivering high-quality, essential services underpinning water infrastructure and environmental improvement across the UK.

Inclusion & Diversity

At Eliquo Hydrok, we are committed to fostering a culture of Fairness, Inclusion and Respect across all areas of our business. We actively promote equality and diversity, and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind - whether based on gender, race, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, or employment status. Our goal is to ensure that every individual, regardless of background, feels respected, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. To support fairness in our recruitment process, we ask all applicants to complete an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) survey after applying. This helps us monitor and improve our practices, ensuring equal access to opportunities for everyone.

Benefits

• Flexible/hybrid working options available

• Medicash Health Plan

• Company Pension

• Sick Pay

• On-site parking

• Cycle to Work Scheme

• Company Events

• Appraisal and Personal Development programme