Site Installation Engineer

Bideford, North Devon with regular nationwide travel (typically working away every other week)

Full-Time, Permanent

Role Overview

We are a leading supplier of specialized automotive photography studios, delivering custom-built turn-key systems including automated turntables, diffuse lighting enclosures, background walls, and control systems to clients nationwide.

We are seeking a versatile, practical, and organized Site Installation Engineer to join our team as a Working Foreman. This role bridges hands-on site execution with office-based project planning. You will split your time between leading on-site installation crews across the UK and managing project planning, workshop prep, and logistics from our Bideford unit.

This position requires a strong background in people management (e.g., as a Site Foreman, Site Manager, or Project Manager) combined with excellent practical skills using tools and working across multiple material types.

Key ResponsibilitiesOffice & Workshop Weeks – Bideford Unit (50% Base Location)

● Project Management & Planning: Map out installation schedules, set project milestones, coordinate logistics, and schedule site delivery resources ahead of upcoming builds.

● Resource & Material Management: Source and order required materials, manage stock levels, coordinate sub-contractors or extra site labor, and assemble kit lists.

● Pre-Assembly & Material Fabrication: Hands-on fabrication, pre-assembly, and quality testing of components (working with timber, metals, plastics, and composite panels) in the workshop before dispatch.

● Client & Site Liaison: Communicate with client project leads to complete pre-installation site checks, access planning, and health & safety documentation.

On-Site Installation & Team Leadership (50% Working Away)

● Lead On-Site Builds: Drive the physical installation of studio structures, turntables, lighting rigs, and cladding at client facilities.

● People Management on Site: Direct, supervise, and mentor installation technicians and sub-contractors, maintaining high quality standards, team motivation, and project momentum.

● Working Foreman Execution: Lead from the front—actively working tool-in-hand while managing the workflow on site.

● Commissioning & Handover: Conduct final alignments, mechanical testing, and cosmetic checks, delivering client sign-off and site handovers on time.

Candidate RequirementsEssential Experience & Skills

● Proven People Management: Mandatory experience managing people, teams, or site crews in a supervisory or leadership role (e.g., Site Foreman, Project Manager, Site Manager, Lead Installer, or Trade Team Leader).

● Project Planning & Organization: Practical experience planning build schedules, managing project timelines, organizing logistics, and handling project documentation in an office/unit environment.

● Proven Practical Aptitude: Solid hands-on background in site installations, structural assembly, shopfitting, steel erecting, modular builds, or field service engineering.

● Tool & Multi-Material Proficiency: Expert, safe, and confident user of power tools, hand tools, and measuring equipment across diverse materials (metals, timber, plastics, composites).

● Working Away Commitment: Willingness and capability to travel and stay away from home routinely (typically alternate weeks on location, Mon–Fri).

● Driving Licence: Full UK Driving Licence (essential for operating company installation vehicles).

Desirable (but not essential)

● Formal Project Management certifications (e.g., Prince2, APM) or Site Management accreditations (SMSTS, SSSTS, CSCS Black/Gold Card, PASMA, IPAF).

● Basic understanding of low-voltage electrical connections, motors, or automated drive systems.

● Experience driving long-wheelbase vans, towing trailers, or operating forklifts.

Note: An engineering degree is not required. We value real-world leadership, practical problem-solving skills, project organization, and hands-on assembly experience.

Work Pattern & Living Logistics

● Week A (Office & Workshop Week): Based at our industrial unit in Bideford, North Devon. Project planning, site logistics, material ordering, workshop pre-assembly, and standard local hours.

● Week B (Installation Week): On-site team leadership and studio build across the UK. Accommodation, travel, and stay-away allowances fully provided.

Remuneration & Benefits

● All travel expenses, accommodation, and daily subsistence covered during site visits

● Company vehicle provided for work-related travel

● Workplace pension scheme

● All specialist tools and PPE provided