At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead project delivery and drive growth in a fast-paced engineering environment.
- Company: Innovative family business transforming the food industry with AI and robotics.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous holiday, pension scheme, and continuous learning support.
- Other info: Join a diverse team where your ideas truly matter!
- Why this job: Shape the future of technology in food manufacturing while leading high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in engineering leadership and project management.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Location: Peterborough, PE2 6YN
Salary: Competitive, DOE + Excellent Benefits!
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Benefits: Flexible Working, Generous Holiday Package, Pension Scheme, Death in Service Benefit, Continuous Learning – We will cover your professional fees, Smart Health: Access to a 24/7 online GP, Mental Health Support and Wellbeing Support.
Are you looking to take overall responsibility for the safe, efficient and profitable delivery of projects across an entire business? Founded in 1993, OAL is an innovative family business based in Peterborough, driven by a passion for technology and a commitment to transforming the food industry. We specialise in AI, automation, and robotics solutions that help food manufacturers boost productivity, ensure compliance, and stay ahead of the curve. Today, our solutions scan and verify over 7.8 billion packs per year, preventing costly errors and improving efficiency.
As Operations Director you will be responsible for:
- Leading the project delivery function, ensuring ownership across all stages of the Framework.
- Acting as operational lead to support the Managing Director’s focus on strategy and transformation.
- Embedding The OAL Way through standard processes, KPIs, scorecards and priorities.
- Representing Operations at Board and Senior Leadership level, providing insight and constructive challenge.
- Taking full ownership of delivery performance, ensuring projects meet time, budget, quality and safety targets.
- Driving performance reviews, accountability and improvement against KPIs and scorecards.
- Improving gross margins through standardisation, repeatability and right-first-time delivery.
- Overseeing risk management, escalation and customer communication.
- Collaborating with Finance and Commercial on forecasting, cost control and margin management.
- Building and developing project delivery capability to support growth and succession.
- Aligning workforce planning, recruitment and development with business needs.
- Coaching and supporting managers, engineers and coordinators, fostering accountability and continuous improvement.
- Championing safety and ensuring it’s embedded in every function.
- Line managing Project Managers, Coordinators and discipline leads.
- Owning and evolving delivery processes, documentation and handover standards.
- Leading delivery reporting across turnover, margin, schedule, safety and customer satisfaction.
- Overseeing capacity planning, resource allocation and forecasting.
- Working closely with the Technology Director to ensure products are deployment ready.
- Partnering with the Commercial Director and Solutions team to confirm scopes, timelines and commitments are achievable, ensuring a smooth and consistent transition from project award through to mobilisation.
In order to be successful in this role you must have:
- Proven experience gained within an engineering environment, including responsibility for leading and developing engineering teams.
- Experience leading and scaling project delivery teams in a fast-paced growth environment.
- Able to motivate and engage teams, building high-performing teams that deliver consistently high standards of performance during periods of growth or change.
- Strong project and programme management experience across multiple concurrent projects.
- Demonstrated ability to improve or formalise delivery governance at scale.
- Experience leading business transformation and developing scalable processes.
- Strong understanding of technology integration within operational delivery.
- Commercially aware, with the ability to balance profitability, risk and client expectations.
- Data-driven and confident using KPIs and reporting tools.
- Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience supporting year-on-year business growth, working closely with the Managing Director to develop, challenge and implement new ideas and approaches.
At OAL, your ideas matter. We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer – everyone is welcome! Click on “APPLY” today. No agencies please!
Operations Director - Engineering in Edinburgh employer: OAL
OAL is an exceptional employer located in Peterborough, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation thrives. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide flexible working arrangements, generous holiday packages, and continuous learning opportunities to support your professional growth. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to transforming the food industry through cutting-edge technology, while enjoying a culture that values your contributions and fosters collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Director - Engineering in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the engineering and operations sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching OAL and its projects. Understand their approach to AI and automation in the food industry. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around project delivery and team leadership.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When discussing your past roles, focus on specific examples where you led teams to success or improved processes. Use data to back up your claims, as this will resonate well with the data-driven culture at OAL.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of the OAL family. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Director - Engineering in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in engineering and project delivery. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at OAL, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As an Operations Director, your ability to lead and motivate teams is crucial. Use your application to share specific examples of how you've built high-performing teams and driven successful projects in the past. We love a good success story!
Be Data-Driven:We’re all about using data to drive decisions at OAL. Include any relevant KPIs or metrics that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. This will show us you understand the importance of performance measurement and improvement.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just click ‘APPLY’ and follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at OAL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the engineering environment and project delivery. Brush up on your knowledge of AI, automation, and robotics solutions, as these are key to OAL's operations. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals for growth and efficiency.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As an Operations Director, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've motivated teams and improved performance in previous roles. Think about specific instances where you’ve led a team through change or growth, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Understand The OAL Way
Familiarise yourself with OAL’s processes and values, especially 'The OAL Way'. Be prepared to discuss how you would embed standard processes and KPIs in your role. Showing that you understand their culture and operational framework will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the company’s future projects, their approach to risk management, and how they envision the Operations Director contributing to their ambitious growth targets. This shows your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
