A High-Impact Engineering Mission: Lead A Multi-Site Commissioning Project.

Our Client is launching a critical, high-value strategic expansion and seeks a top-tier Principal Project Engineer to deliver it. This pivotal role reports directly to the Group Managing Director. This is a demanding, high-reward opportunity for an engineer who thrives on technical leadership, complex international logistics, and total project ownership.

The experienced Principal Project Engineer will manage a multi-site relocation and commissioning project across the UK and Continental Europe. As the Principal Project Engineer, the successful candidate will be the definitive technical authority and project lead for the entire relocation and commissioning of specialized slitting machinery from the current facility in Holland to either Germany or Wales. The Principal Project Engineer will lead the setup of a brand-new manufacturing line(s) which will require deep technical expertise, meticulous international planning, and hands-on execution:

If you are an experienced Principal Project Engineer ready to take full technical and project ownership of this international launch, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Immersion (Netherlands, 3 Months): Spend an initial period working closely with the team in the Netherlands to become the expert on the machinery, technical documentation, and production processes.
• Central Coordination (Croydon): The successful candidate will manage the project budget, coordinate complex international logistics, track technical timelines, and provide direct status reports to the Group MD.
• Commissioning & Operations (UK/Germany): The successful candidate will personally lead the physical installation, technical commissioning, and validation of the new production line(s) in the assigned location(s).
• The Principal Project Engineer is also responsible for recruiting and training the initial production team(s), ensuring the 24/7 operation is established before a successful operational handover.

Requirements

• A Degree in a relevant Engineering discipline (e.g., Mechanical Engineering, Production Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering) or related discipline (e.g., Material Science or Chemistry)
• A verifiable track record of successfully leading complex engineering projects, specifically involving international machinery relocation, facility setup, or new line commissioning.
• Strong technical leadership skills, cross-cultural competence, and the determination required to overcome engineering and logistical challenges in multiple jurisdictions.
• The essential ability and flexibility to commit to extensive travel between Croydon, the Netherlands, Swansea, and Germany.

Package

• Location: Croydon | Extensive International Travel Required (Netherlands/Germany) 37.5 hours per week
• Contract: Fixed-Term (18 Months) 
• Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 per annum 
• Performance Bonus: Up to £30,000 Completion Bonus 
• Additional Benefits; Life insurance (£10k), pension, and wellbeing support.

Whitehall is the Recruitment Specialist for the Chemical, Polymer, Coatings and Life Science Industries.