Head of Powertrain Engineering

Head of Powertrain Engineering Ref #59470

Date posted

Friday, September 18, 2026

Country United Kingdom Location Woking Business  area Product Development

Department PD - PWRTN - ENG Position level3 - Head of (L
-20)
Working time

Full Time Contract type

Permanent

Working pattern9am - 6pm Monday to Friday Salary.

What to Expect The Head of Powertrain Engineering is the company's recognised authority for powertrain engineering and delivery, responsible for defining and executing the technical strategy for all internal combustion engines and transmission systems across current and future vehicle programmes.

The role leads multiple engineering departments and is accountable for the end-to-end delivery of powertrain systems, from concept definition through design, development, validation, industrialisation and production launch. The role combines deep technical expertise with strategic leadership, ensuring the organisation delivers world-class powertrain performance, drivability, durability, quality and regulatory compliance.

As a senior engineering leader, the Head of Powertrain Engineering provides authoritative technical direction across engine systems, combustion development, induction and exhaust systems, fuel systems, thermal management, transmission integration, controls, calibration, testing and validation. The role is also accountable for establishing and managing strategic engineering partnerships, ensuring external technology providers and development partners deliver against programme, quality, cost and performance objectives.

What You'll Do Technical Authority and Strategy– Act as the organisation's senior technical authority for powertrain engineering and ICE propulsion systems.– Define and maintain the long-term powertrain technology roadmap aligned to vehicle, brand and business strategy.– Establish engineering standards, methodologies and governance processes across all powertrain activities.– Provide independent technical judgement on critical programme decisions, technology investments and engineering trade-offs.– Drive innovation in engine performance, combustion efficiency, vehicle character, durability and customer experience.

Powertrain Programme Delivery– Accountable for successful delivery of complete powertrain systems across all vehicle programmes.– Ensure achievement of all programme targets relating to power, torque, response, emissions, durability, weight, cost and timing.– Lead resolution of complex technical issues impacting programme delivery and product performance.– Ensure robust integration of powertrain systems into vehicle programmes through close collaboration with Vehicle Engineering, Manufacturing, Purchasing and Quality functions.–

Provide executive-level reporting on programme status, risks, opportunities and resource requirements.

Engineering Partner Management– Define and execute the organisation's external powertrain partnership strategy.– Lead technical relationships with engine technology partners, specialist engineering consultancies, suppliers and development organisations.– Establish clear technical requirements, performance targets and deliverables for all engineering partners.– Ensure effective governance of external development programmes including timing, cost, technical maturity and quality performance.– Act as sponsor for key powertrain partnerships and strategic supplier relationships.–

Drive accountability and performance across partner organisations to ensure successful programme outcomes.

Functional Leadership– Lead multiple engineering departments through subordinate managers and technical leaders.– Integrate activities across design, systems engineering, calibration, validation and programme delivery teams.– Allocate resources across…