Senior Engineering Manager (23230)

The Senior Engineering Manager is a strategic and hands-on technical leader, responsible for advancing Hargreaves’ position as the UK’s leading authority on safety-critical HVAC. With a mechanical bias, you will lead engineering excellence and technical delivery in nuclear energy, defence, transport, and bio-life sciences, ensuring Hargreaves’ legacy and future growth. You will collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders, representing Hargreaves at industry events and forums, supporting the business’ reputation, and driving best practice in technical delivery, standardisation, lean engineering, and digital innovation.

Set and implement technical strategy in alignment with business objectives and sector strategy.

Drive standardisation and harmonisation of engineering processes, specifications, and designs across projects and teams.

Lead the adoption of lean methodologies to improve efficiency, eliminate waste, and optimise value delivery.

Ensure technical excellence and compliance with relevant codes, standards, and legislation, particularly within safety- critical environments (nuclear, defence, transport, bio-life sciences).

Champion the use of digital engineering tools (BIM, DfMA, digital design assurance, 4D sequencing, offsite QA workflows) to accelerate project delivery, enhance assurance, and enable continuous improvement.

Oversee engineering delivery from concept through to manufacture, installation, and commissioning. Ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, to budget, and to quality standards.

Own technical governance, risk management, and lessons learned for ongoing improvement.

Act as a technical ambassador for Hargreaves at industry events and client forums.

Foster collaboration across the business, including manufacturing, design, and project delivery teams. Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and industry partners.

Lead and develop engineering teams, supporting a high-performance and safety-first culture.

Mentor, coach, and grow technical capability in line with future business needs.

Drive resource planning, succession, and skills development, including apprenticeships and professional training.

Support business development through technical input into bids, tenders, and client engagement.

Identify and respond to new market opportunities, especially in nuclear energy, defence, and emerging sectors. Contribute to achieving business KPIs: financial, customer satisfaction, project execution, and resource utilisation.

Degree-qualified in Mechanical Engineering or Building Services (or equivalent).

Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary engineering teams in mechanical/HVAC sectors, preferably in safety- critical environments (nuclear, defence, etc.).

Strong track record of delivering complex engineering projects from concept through to commissioning.

Deep knowledge of UK and European standards, relevant legislation, and best practice in HVAC and specialist ventilation.

Experience driving standardisation, lean techniques, and process improvement in engineering environments.

Demonstrated expertise in the implementation and use of digital tools (BIM, digital QA/QC, offsite QA, DfMA, design automation) to accelerate design delivery and assurance.

Experience collaborating across manufacturing, design, and project delivery functions.

Willingness and ability to travel and represent Hargreaves at industry forums and events. Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.

Chartered Engineer status or actively working towards it.

Experience within highly regulated industries (Nuclear, Defence, Pharmaceuticals).

Experience with advanced manufacturing, modular/offsite (OSM) solutions, and digital transformation. Experience with innovation/R&D in product and process development.

Works closely with: Project Managers, Design Teams, Manufacturing Managers, Business Development

Manages: Engineering Teams (including Design, Manufacturing Engineering, and Project Engineering staff)

External stakeholders: Clients, Supply Chain Partners, Industry Bodies, Regulatory Authorities

Internal teams: Manufacturing, Design, Project Delivery, Business Development, SHEQ, HR

Exentec Hargreaves is a pioneering UK leader in construction engineering of HVAC and specialist ventilation systems for safety critical facilities. Exentec Hargreaves is proud to be associated with some of the UK’s most prestigious infrastructure projects. For more than 150 years, Exentec Hargreaves has proved our value as the largest and most unique construction engineering business specialising in HVAC in the Energy & Decommissioning, Defence and Transport sectors. With a legacy of technical excellence, we are re-establishing our leadership as the HVAC authority, delivering value and innovation across nuclear energy, defence, transport, advanced technology and bio-life science sectors.

Exentec Hargreaves is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of age, sexual orientation, gender, religion, race, ethnic origin, disability, marital status or parental status. We base all our employment decisions on merit, job requirements and business needs.