Operations / Engineering Director

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.

The consultant managing your application will be an MEng or MSc qualified Engineer with experience in industry.