Head of Engineering
Location: Daytona Sandown Park
Department: Engineering
Reporting to: Venue Manager
Are you an experienced engineering leader with a strong focus on safety and performance? As Head of Engineering at Daytona Sandown Park, you will take full responsibility for the technical operation of the venue, leading the engineering team and ensuring the kart fleet and facilities operate safely, reliably, and to the highest standards.
Why Join Us
- Lead the engineering function at a busy outdoor motorsport venue
- Take ownership of safety‑critical systems and fleet performance
- Manage and develop a skilled team of engineers and mechanics
- Work closely with venue management and senior leadership
- Varied role combining hands‑on engineering and team leadership
- Opportunity to influence standards, processes, and continuous improvement
About Daytona & Sandown Park
Daytona is one of the UK’s leading karting operators, delivering professionally run race events with a strong focus on safety, consistency, and customer experience. Daytona Sandown Park is a long‑established outdoor karting venue hosting arrive‑and‑drive sessions, corporate events, championships, and endurance racing. This creates a technically demanding, fast‑paced working environment where reliability, attention to detail, and strong leadership are essential.
The Role
As Head of Engineering, you will be responsible for all technical and safety aspects of the venue’s engineering operation. You will lead the engineering team, ensure the kart fleet is maintained to required standards, manage budgets and stock, and ensure full compliance with statutory, manufacturer, and company requirements.
This role requires a hands‑on engineering professional who can lead by example, make sound decisions, and maintain high standards across safety, performance, and presentation.
Key Responsibilities
Engineering & Fleet Operations
- Take full responsibility for the technical and safety performance of the kart fleet
- Ensure all vehicles are maintained in line with manufacturer or internal specifications
- Ensure the correct number of vehicles are available, clean, and serviceable for operations
- Oversee maintenance schedules, repairs, and testing of the fleet
- Ensure all engineering records, worksheets, and documentation are accurate and up to date
People Management & Rotas
- Lead, manage, and motivate the engineering team to achieve high standards
- Ensure fair and effective shift and duty rotas, including early and late cover
- Monitor team performance and support development in line with HR guidance
- Promote teamwork, professionalism, and a strong safety culture
Safety, Compliance & Standards
- Ensure full compliance with health & safety legislation and company policies
- Ensure safe use, storage, and maintenance of tools, equipment, and machinery
- Maintain a clean, organised, and safe workshop environment at all times
- Ensure confidentiality and data protection requirements are upheld
Budget, Stock & Administration
- Manage departmental budgets, expenditure, and cost control
- Oversee the stores system and maintain appropriate stock levels
- Obtain quotes and approvals for repairs and expenditure where required
- Support forecasting and financial reporting as requested
What We’re Looking For
- Strong mechanical and engineering experience (essential)
- Proven experience managing or supervising
- Solid understanding of maintenance schedules and safety‑critical systems
- Strong attention to detail and pride in high standards
- Confident communicator, able to lead teams and liaise with suppliers
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and internet use
- Organised, reliable, and able to work under pressure
- Flexible to work across a rota including early starts and late finishes
Experience within motorsport, karting, or similar operational environments is highly desirable.
Pay: Up to £34,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
