A large private country Estate in West Oxfordshire requires a Chief Engineer.

This can be a Live In or Live Out role and is a fabulous opportunity for someone looking for a position that offers longevity and to be part of a dynamic team.

Duties include but not limited to:

• Lead and manage the Engineering team, ensuring efficient estate-wide maintenance. Set and monitor SMART objectives, conduct appraisals, approve absences, and establish weekly/monthly priorities.
• Serve as Deputy Director, covering during leave or whilst the Estate Director is working off-site.
• Subject Matter Expert for all mechanical services. Troubleshoot and resolve issues across systems like refrigeration, fire safety, and power generation.
• Ensure compliance with legislative requirements for private water supply. Including maintenance and record-keeping.
• Lead project management for events and estate expansion.
• Oversee and renegotiate utility contracts (electricity, water, gas, fuel oil) for both domestic and commercial needs.
• Manage budgets for engineering, AV/IT maintenance, and service contracts.
• Build and maintain a reliable contractor portfolio for ad-hoc projects.
• Maintain a fleet of 20 vehicles and manage a portfolio of 10 properties.
• Take a flexible, estate-wide approach to ensure smooth, effective management of all operations.

Person Specification

• Qualified engineer with at least an HND and 8+ years of industry experience; senior qualifications (e.g., 2nd Engineer Unlimited, BEng) and CDP progress toward chartered status are a plus.
• Hands-on, with extensive mechanical knowledge and a proven senior-level track record. Experience in refrigeration systems and an F-Gas qualification preferred.
• Skilled in budget management, service contracts, and overseeing maintenance schedules.
• Experience managing major projects, including new builds or yard periods.
• Strong understanding of Health & Safety regulations and experience with ISM Code, Safety Management Systems, and Maintenance Software.
• Practical knowledge of residential construction and capable of handling DIY tasks to a high standard.
• Proven ability to maintain equipment with minimal external contractor support.
• Strong team leadership, coaching, and mentoring experience.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Flexibility in terms of duties and changes of schedules.
• Trustworthy and able to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Full UK driving license and own transport (due to location).
• Right to work in the UK.
• Excellent checkable references.

Salary dependant on experience and local accommodation is available as part of the package if required. Salary up to £85,000 pa 

Start Date: As soon as possible but will wait for the right candidate.

REF S&W#3263097