Head of Engineering

Job Title: Head of Engineering

Location: Bedlington

Salary: Very competitive

The Company:

Theo James is proud to be supporting a company in Bedlington with their search for a dynamic and experienced Head of Engineering. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a well-established and forward-thinking Senior Leadership Team, where you’ll collaborate closely with Engineering Managers across the business to shape and drive long-term strategy and development. With a supportive structure that fosters change, this role provides an opportunity to make an immediate and meaningful impact by leveraging your experience, knowledge, and leadership skills. If you have a proven track record of strategic success and managing Engineering Managers, we want to hear from you.

Job Description:

Lead the design and improvement of processes, including thick film printing, laser processing, die bonding, wire bonding, silver sintering, and testing to maximize equipment efficiency and effectiveness.

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Drive continuous improvements in production yields.

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Oversee the selection, installation, optimization, and upkeep of all manufacturing equipment.

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Ensure full compliance of all manufacturing processes with AS9100 and relevant aerospace standards.

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Assess and integrate advanced manufacturing technologies such as Industry 4.0, robotics, and AI-based quality control systems.

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Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing technical team, promoting a culture of innovation, excellence, and continuous development.

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Guarantee adherence to IPC standards, ISO certifications, and specific customer quality requirements across all processes.

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Champion lean manufacturing initiatives, Six Sigma projects, and Kaizen events to enhance yield, minimize cycle times, and reduce operational costs.

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Formulate and implement strategies for new technologies and products in alignment with business objectives and emerging trends.

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Define operational strategies for high-mix, low-to-medium volume electronics manufacturing.

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Manage the full product development cycle from initial concept to production readiness.

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Monitor and evaluate emerging technologies for potential business impact.

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Lead intellectual property development and patent strategy initiatives.

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Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production teams to ensure seamless product transitions from design to manufacture.

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Build and maintain strong partnerships with external collaborators, academic institutions, and industry peers.

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Embody and promote the company's core values through leadership and conduct.

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Support site-wide and corporate initiatives, including Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (E,D&I) and compliance-related training programs.

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Apply company policies consistently, addressing matters such as attendance, conduct, and performance.

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Conduct regular team meetings and one-on-one sessions to support communication and development.

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Continuously assess and improve internal workflows and procedures.

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Uphold workplace safety standards and ensure appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

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Participate in Safety Observation Reporting (SOR) to promote a proactive safety culture.

Skills & Experience Required

Experience within Electrical Manufacturing

Able to demonstrate managing other leaders within a manufacturing organisation (Engineering Managers)

Examples of strategic development within an organisation and being apart of a Senior Leadership Team

Experience of Cleanroom Environments (desirable)

Why Apply?

This organization is a forward-thinking company with a strong reputation for engineering excellence in high-reliability solutions across aerospace, defence, medical, and industrial sectors. With continued investment in its state-of-the-art facility and a purpose-driven mission to solve electronic challenges for a sustainable world, it offers an exciting, high-impact environment. The site benefits from a supportive, values-led culture, and the senior leadership team is motivated to drive real strategic change. For those looking to grow their careers within a collaborative, innovative, and ambitious business