Job Description

Engineering Manager
TBC Conversions, also known as Taxi and Bus Conversion Limited, is recognised as a leading conversion company in the UK and Ireland. The company enjoys a strong partnership with Motability and prominent manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, and MAN TGE, among others. Established on the core values of intelligence, empathy and care TBC Conversions focuses on providing wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAV's), minibuses, and customised conversions that cater to the demand for high-quality products and exceptional service.
Main Purpose of Job:
As Engineering Manager, you will manage the engineering function, oversee product development, and ensure all vehicle conversions meet the highest standards of safety, compliance, and quality. This role plays a pivotal part in aligning engineering operations with the company's growth plans, including expansion into electric vehicles and new product lines.
About the role
Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategy
Define and manage the long-term engineering and product development strategy in line with TBC Conversions' business goals.
Champion innovation in accessible vehicle design, electrification, and lean manufacturing.
Team Development & Management
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of engineers and designers.
Structure department to support current needs and future expansion, including talent planning and succession management.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and quality-driven engineering culture.
Technical Oversight & Product Governance
Oversee all engineering and technical development across WAV, minibus, and commercial conversions.
Ensure compliance with all relevant UK and EU automotive standards, including VCA, PAS, ISO and type approval.
Drive product standardisation, modularity, and design efficiency.
Oversee new product development and vehicle testing to include UNECE Regulations for both static and dynamic testing.
Operational Excellence
Implement and refine engineering processes, tools, and best practices
Improve cross-functional collaboration between engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and quality teams.
Ensure delivery of engineering projects on time, within budget, and to specification.
Innovation & Future Technologies
Lead R&D efforts to include electric vehicle (EV) integration, lightweight materials, and tech advancements.
Explore opportunities for digitalisation and advanced testing methods.
Maintain awareness of industry trends, customer needs, and competitor activity.
Skills & Experience
Essential:
Degree-qualified in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering (or related discipline).
5+ years of experience in vehicle engineering or conversion, with at least 2 years in a senior management or leadership role.
Technical understanding of light commercial vehicle conversions, and accessibility requirements.
Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance including vehicle type approval, IVA and mobility legislation.
Proven ability to lead and scale engineering teams and manage multi-disciplinary projects.
Desirable:
Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working toward it.
Deep technical knowledge of WAV conversions.
Experience in EV/alternative drivetrains or smart mobility technologies.
Previous involvement in automotive quality systems.
Experience managing relationships with OEMs, suppliers, and regulators.
What We Offer
Competitive salary, dependent on experience
Company pension and benefits package
Support for ongoing professional development
A role with meaningful impact on mobility and independence for customers across the UK and Ireland
TBC Conversions is an equal opportunities employer. This is not an exhaustive list of duties and the post holder will be required to undertake any other reasonable duties discussed and directed by the line manager.
The company reserves the right to expand the short listing criteria to facilitate the short listing process.
About the company
We design, build and deliver with intelligence, empathy & care.
Required Criteria

• Degree-qualified in Mechanical or Automotive Engineering (or related discipline).
• 5+ years of experience in vehicle engineering or conversion, with at least 2 years in a senior management or leadership role.
• Technical understanding light commercial vehicle conversions, and accessibility requirements.
• Strong knowledge of regulatory compliance including vehicle type approval, IVA, and mobility legislation.
• Proven ability to lead and scale engineering teams and manage multi-disciplinary projects.

Desired Criteria

• Chartered Engineer (CEng) status or working toward it.
• Deep technical knowledge of WAV conversions.
• Experience in EV/alternative drivetrains or smart mobility technologies.
• Previous involvement in automotive quality systems.
• Experience managing relationships with OEMs, suppliers, and regulators.

Skills you'll need

Skills Required