Director of Engineering

£82,500 - £125,000, Full time, permanent. We're working with a well-established, growing engineering business based in Bournemouth that's looking to appoint a Director of Engineering to lead its technical function and shape the next phase of growth.

This Director of Engineering role sits at senior leadership level and carries full responsibility for engineering strategy, technical delivery, and the ongoing development of both people and products. It's a broad, influential position suited to a Director of Engineering who enjoys balancing long-term vision with hands-on leadership.

As Director of Engineering, you'll work closely with the wider leadership team to align engineering capability with commercial goals, ensuring robust delivery, continuous improvement, and a strong technical foundation as the business scales. This Director of Engineering position has a global outlook and requires someone comfortable operating at board level.

• Setting and owning the long-term engineering strategy
• Leading multi-disciplinary technical teams, driving consistency and accountability
• Overseeing product and technical development activity from early-stage concepts through to delivery
• Acting as the senior technical authority across the business
• Strengthening governance, structure, and decision-making within engineering
• Supporting wider business planning, investment decisions, and future capability building
• Managing complex, high-value projects with multiple stakeholders

• Improving engineering efficiency through smarter processes and better data visibility
• Supporting make or buy decisions and technical input into supplier strategy
• Playing a key role in succession planning and leadership development within engineering
• Helping shape capital investment plans and long-term infrastructure needs
• Acting as a sounding board to the board on technical risk, opportunity, and prioritisation

Proven experience at Director of Engineering or equivalent senior leadership level. Strong background leading engineering, design, or technical teams. Comfortable balancing strategic planning with practical, real-world delivery. Confident communicator able to influence at board and senior leadership level. Track record of delivering technically complex programmes in growing businesses. Calm, credible leader who brings structure without stifling progress.

• Senior, influential leadership position with genuine autonomy
• Competitive salary reflecting scope and responsibility
• Opportunity to shape engineering capability over the long term
• Discreet opportunity within a stable, thriving local business

Apply for the Director of Engineering Position. If this Director of Engineering role sounds like the sort of challenge you'd enjoy, or you want a confidential chat before committing, call or message Hayden at Holt Engineering on (phone number removed)