Operations / Engineering Director

Full description

Operations / Engineering Director
Client is a mechanical and industrial maintenance services across Europe, UK and Ireland. Specialising in large-scale engineering projects, partners with clients in sectors including utilities, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure.

Operations Director to lead operational delivery and drive excellence across all business functions.

Role Summary:
The Operations Director will be responsible for the successful planning, execution, and delivery of industrial engineering projects, including those exceeding £1 million in value. This role demands a high level of technical oversight, commercial acumen, and leadership experience within heavy industrial environments. You will manage cross-functional teams, optimise operational processes, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and contribute to strategic business development.

Key Responsibilities:


Lead day-to-day operational activities across multiple project sites, ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery.
Oversee the execution of large-scale industrial engineering projects (>£1 million), including mechanical plant upgrades, pipeline rehabilitation, pressure vessels, and shutdowns/turnarounds.
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Manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams including project managers, engineers, site supervisors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
Collaborate with commercial and finance teams to develop project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure profitability.
Ensure strict adherence to HSEQ (Health, Safety, Environment & Quality) standards, CDM Regulations, and client-specific compliance frameworks.
Support strategic business planning, tender development, and client engagement in conjunction with senior leadership.
Lead operational risk assessments, root cause analyses, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Provide accurate and timely reporting to Group level, including project milestones, risk registers, and resource utilisation.
Complex pipeline installation and commissioning projects in energy or utility sectors
Structural steel and mechanical fabrication projects for large industrial clients
Turnkey design-and-build maintenance contracts for critical infrastructure assets



Required Qualifications & Experience:


Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline; Chartered Engineer status desirable.
Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in engineering operations, with at least 5 years in a senior management capacity.
Proven experience delivering industrial engineering or capital projects in excess of £1 million.
Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, fabrication, piping, pressure systems, and plant maintenance practices.
Expertise in project management, Prince 2 for example
Commercially astute with a strong focus on profitability, margin, and risk management.
Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.



Desirable:


Experience in utilities, energy, or manufacturing sectors.