At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformation in operational technology across major UK ports and terminals.
- Company: Peel Ports Group, the UK's second largest port operator with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, performance bonus, private medical, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Significant onsite presence required; ideal for those living near Liverpool.
- Why this job: Drive impactful change in a critical infrastructure setting while shaping the future of port operations.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in operational technology transformation and strong technical understanding of industrial systems.
The predicted salary is between 160000 - 160000 £ per year.
Your new company, Peel Ports Group, is the second largest port operator in the UK, managing a network of major ports and terminals across the UK and Ireland, including Liverpool, Heysham and the Manchester Ship Canal. They employ over 1200 people across the UK and Ireland and handle tens of millions of tonnes of cargo annually, making it a key driver of economic activity and trade. With a strong focus on sustainability and long-term investment, they are modernising their infrastructure and expanding into areas such as renewable energy and decarbonisation to support future growth.
Your new role involves modernising a legacy OT estate, driving IT/OT convergence, strengthening cyber resilience, and building a scalable, high-performing OT function to support 24/7 port operations. The successful candidate will operate at the intersection of technology, engineering, and operations, influencing executive-level investment decisions while delivering a prioritised transformation roadmap.
Key Responsibilities:- Establish clear governance, standards and ways of working for OT across a geographically dispersed operation.
- Partner closely with operations and engineering leaders to embed technology into day-to-day performance and decision-making.
- Identify and mitigate operational and technology risks, particularly across ageing and non-standardised systems.
- Lead the integration and optimisation of OT platforms to improve consistency and reliability across sites.
- Develop organisational capability through talent, structure and supplier ecosystem development.
- Act as the senior point of accountability for OT performance, resilience and continuous improvement across the Group.
They are seeking an experienced leader from a similar industrial or critical national infrastructure setting, with a proven track record in OT transformation, strong technical understanding of industrial systems and networks, and the ability to navigate ambiguity, drive standardisation, and deliver change with both strategic clarity and operational discipline.
Essential Requirements:- Proven leadership experience within complex, asset-intensive or industrial environments, ideally across multiple locations.
- Strong ability to influence at Executive level, shaping strategy and securing investment for large-scale initiatives.
- Demonstrated success in leading organisational and cultural change, particularly in operational settings.
- Deep understanding of risk, safety and regulatory considerations in critical infrastructure or similar sectors.
- Track record of building and developing high-performing teams, including internal capability and external partners.
- A pragmatic, delivery-focused leader who can bring clarity, structure and pace in ambiguous or evolving environments.
You can expect a competitive salary in the region of £160,000 (depending on experience), along with an £8500 car allowance, performance related bonus up to 20%, private medical (individual & family), matched pension up to 10% and a degree of hybrid/flexible working (up to 4 days a week onsite).
Please only apply if you have demonstrable experience of leading large-scale operational technology transformation across the industrial or critical infrastructure sectors.
This role also requires a significant onsite presence, with up to 4 days a week in the office, so please only apply if you live within a commutable distance to Liverpool.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV.
Director of Operational Technology in Liverpool employer: Hays Technology
Peel Ports Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets sustainability. With a strong commitment to employee development and a culture that values collaboration and transformation, the company provides ample opportunities for growth in the rapidly evolving field of operational technology. Located in Liverpool, employees benefit from competitive compensation packages, flexible working arrangements, and the chance to be part of a key player in the UK's economic landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operational Technology in Liverpool
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Peel Ports Group thoroughly. Understand their operations, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Director of Operational Technology role. Highlight your leadership skills and transformation successes to make a strong impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Peel Ports Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operational Technology in Liverpool
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Director of Operational Technology role. Highlight your experience in OT transformation and leadership in complex environments. We want to see how your skills align with what Peel Ports Group is looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in leading organisational change and driving technology integration. This will help us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story. Explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you the perfect fit. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the company’s goals!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Technology
✨Know Your OT Strategy Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the operational technology strategy of Peel Ports Group. Familiarise yourself with their current initiatives in modernising infrastructure and how they are integrating renewable energy. This will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led transformation in complex environments. Highlight your ability to influence executive-level decisions and drive organisational change, as this is crucial for the Director of OT role.
✨Understand the Risks and Regulations
Brush up on the safety and regulatory considerations relevant to critical infrastructure. Be ready to discuss how you've identified and mitigated risks in previous positions, especially in asset-intensive settings. This will demonstrate your deep understanding of the sector.
✨Engage with Their Vision for the Future
Peel Ports Group is focused on sustainability and long-term investment. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their vision, particularly in terms of driving IT/OT convergence and enhancing cyber resilience. Showing that you share their values will set you apart.
