Operations / Engineering Director

£80k+

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.
    • .
    • 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.