Head of Engineering

Job DescriptionAre you a visionary leader with a passion for engineering and sustainability? We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Head of Engineering to spearhead our UK Engineering function. This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future by developing innovative, industry-leading solutions that maximise value and minimise waste.As the Head of Engineering, you will be at the forefront of our engineering efforts, driving the development of cutting-edge processes and systems that will transform end-of-life products and waste materials into valuable resources. Your leadership will ensure that our engineering function not only meets but exceeds industry standards, delivering excellence at every stage of the engineering lifecycle.Key Responsibilities:Engineering Innovation & Leadership: Lead the engineering function to develop sustainable solutions, adopting practices from various industries to ensure our processes are at the forefront of innovation. You will be responsible for taking R&D concepts from initial testing through to full-scale implementation, transforming ideas into operational plants and systems.Process & System Development: Create and implement consistent and reliable methodologies to process materials, ensuring predictable quality and output that meets precise specifications. Work closely with the Commercial and Operations teams to identify new markets and develop processes that meet evolving customer needs.Project Management Excellence: Establish and oversee a comprehensive project management process, complete with gate reviews, that guides projects from R&D through design, build, installation, and handover. Your oversight will ensure that all projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest safety and performance standards.Operational Efficiency: Ensure that new processes and plants are designed with a focus on operational efficiency, including ergonomics, maintenance, and energy use. Collaborate with Operations & Maintenance teams to guarantee a smooth transition from installation to ongoing operations, ensuring long-term success.Supplier & Contractor Governance: Manage preferred supplier arrangements and oversee the performance of external contractors, ensuring that all partnerships align with our high standards of quality and efficiency.Talent Development: Build and lead a highly capable engineering team, focusing on the development of talent across all levels. You will establish an engineering early careers framework to ensure a strong pipeline of future leaders, fostering a culture of learning, collaboration, and continuous improvement.Key Deliverables:A high-performing, innovative engineering function that sets the standard for the industry.Formalised engineering policies and processes, including a robust project management framework with clear handover criteria.Successful delivery of all projects, on time, within budget, and meeting or exceeding performance and safety standards.Comprehensive project documentation, including operating and maintenance instructions, ensuring long-term operational success.A forward-looking workforce plan that addresses current and future engineering capabilities.An effective Engineering Development Programme that includes structured placements for graduates and early careers, promoting cross-discipline learning and growth.A well-networked, collaborative engineering team that shares knowledge and best practices across the group.What You Bring:Proven Leadership: Demonstrable experience leading an engineering function, with a strong track record of guiding projects from R&D through to full implementation and handover.Project Management Expertise: Exceptional cradle to grave project management skills, with experience in delivering complex, multi-project initiatives on time and within budget.Technical Acumen: Deep knowledge of plant and equipment specification, purchase, and maintenance, with the ability to manage operational costs effectively.Talent Development: A history of developing and nurturing talent, with experience in supporting early careers and creating a pipeline of future engineering leaders.Strategic Communication: Strong communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage and inspire diverse audiences.Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills: A sharp analytical mind with the ability to quickly identify and resolve complex issues.Personal Characteristics:Collaborative & Trustworthy: A leader who values collaboration and fosters a culture of trust across organisational boundaries.Honest & Accountable: Straightforward and honest, with a strong sense of accountability and a commitment to delivering results.Visionary & Strategic: Able to formulate and communicate a clear vision and strategy, open to new and disruptive ideas that drive innovation.Empowering & Supportive: Creates an environment where others can succeed, providing the necessary support while maintaining a personal connection.Why Join Us? This is your chance to lead a key function in an organisation that is dedicated to sustainability, innovation, and excellence. As our Head of Engineering, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of our organisation, making a real impact on our operations and contributing to a more sustainable world. Who We Are: European Metal Recycling is a global leader in sustainable materials with physical operations in the UK, USA, Germany and the Netherlands. Our core business is the recycling of metal and plastics from a range of public, commercial and industrial waste streams. Our recycling activities generate around 10 million tonnes of sustainable materials every year, saving over 10 million tonnes of CO2.Our mission is to have great people serving our customers with dependable recycling solutions. EMR is still privately owned, with family values at its core. It’s a place where we care about our people, our customers, our workplace and our communities. We offer diverse and exciting career opportunities where individuals can make a difference and are recognised and rewarded for their hard work.Find out more about us at www.emrgroup.com It goes without saying that you will need the correct licences or certificates for a variety of our roles.However, at EMR we value the way we do things as much as the delivery. We call our expectations our Behaviours. They align with our Values of We Care and We Do, and they apply across all levels and roles in the business.​We Care- Integrity – you are Respectful and Honest- Trust – you are Collaborative and GenuineWe Do- Accountable – you are Determined and Responsible- Innovative – you have a Growth Mind-set and you are ProgressiveThe EMR Way - Our Behaviours will achieve success as One Team.If you embody our Behaviours, we want to hear from you!