At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Digital Engineering function to build innovative platforms and products.
- Company: Join OCU Group, a leader in engineering solutions for utilities and digital sectors.
- Benefits: Shape the future of engineering with a focus on innovation and sustainability.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to creating lasting change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on international growth and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading complex technology organisations and driving digital transformation.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
OCU Group is transforming the way technology enables our business. As part of this journey, we are reshaping Group IT into a Digital Office, a strategic capability designed to power growth, scalability and operational excellence across the organisation. At the heart of this transformation sits Digital Engineering: the function responsible for building the platforms, products and capabilities that will support OCU’s continued expansion in the UK and internationally.
We are now looking for an experienced Group Digital Engineering Director to lead this critical function based in Preston. The Group Digital Engineering Director (GDED) is a senior leadership role with global responsibility for Digital Engineering across OCU Group. This role will lead the development of a high-performing, scalable engineering organisation that delivers reliable, high-quality digital platforms and products.
You will play a pivotal role in executing OCU’s platform-first strategy, ensuring our digital capabilities support operational performance today while enabling the company’s international growth ambitions. Working as a key leader within the Digital Office, you will collaborate closely with peer departments:
- Digital Engineering – building platforms and products
- Digital Transformation – driving change and adoption
- Digital Technology – deploying and running services
As Group Digital Engineering Director, you will provide strategic leadership across the Digital Engineering function, including:
- Engineering Delivery (software engineering, QA, DevOps and release management)
- Data Engineering and analytics platforms
- Digital Labs and innovation/R&D
Leading through senior “Heads of” roles, you will be accountable for engineering outcomes across multiple platforms, teams and regions.
Key responsibilities:
- Setting the strategic direction for Digital Engineering
- Establishing engineering standards, patterns and guardrails
- Ensuring predictable, high-quality delivery of platforms and products
- Driving platform reuse, consistency and long-term sustainability
- Acting as a senior advocate for digital platforms across the organisation
- Translating business priorities into clear engineering direction
- Building, mentoring and developing senior engineering leaders
- Partnering closely with Digital Transformation and Digital Technology
- Supporting international expansion through scalable engineering approaches
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise:
You are an engineering‑literate executive with experience leading complex, multi‑disciplinary technology organisations. You combine strong technical judgement with the ability to influence senior stakeholders, translate business needs and champion digital platforms across a diverse operational business. You’re comfortable operating at both strategic and organisational leadership levels, developing teams while ensuring engineering excellence.
We welcome candidates from a range of industries, but you will likely have experience such as:
- Leading large, multi‑disciplinary engineering or platform organisations through senior leaders
- Operating in technology‑enabled operational or asset‑heavy environments
- Owning or shaping engineering standards, delivery quality and platform sustainability
- Driving adoption of digital platforms or products across a large organisation
- Translating between technical teams and senior business stakeholders
You may come from engineering‑led, product‑led or technology‑enabled operational businesses. This is an opportunity to shape the future of engineering within a rapidly growing international organisation. You will play a critical role in building the digital platforms that will power OCU’s next phase of growth while creating a modern, high‑performing engineering culture that delivers lasting impact across the business.
About OCU Group:
At OCU, we don’t just deliver infrastructure, we engineer the future. As a leader in end‑to‑end solutions for the utilities, digital and energy sectors, we specialise in safely and efficiently tackling complex challenges for our clients. With unrivalled expertise, industry‑leading technology and a proven track record, we’re not simply part of the market, we’re driving it forward. Our work underpins the critical services communities across the UK rely on every day. From accelerating the transition to renewable energy to building the digital networks of tomorrow, we are committed to innovation, sustainability, and long‑term impact.
When you join OCU, you’ll discover more than a career, you’ll find purpose. Here, your contribution makes a visible difference in the success of the projects you help deliver, in the growth of your colleagues and in the positive change we create together. We partner with some of the UK’s most recognised names in power, energy transition, water, telecoms and digital infrastructure. As we continue to expand, we’re looking for exceptional people to grow with us. If you’re ready to inspire, innovate and lead with purpose, we’d love to hear from you.
Group Digital Engineering Director in Preston employer: OCU
OCU Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Preston. As a leader in the utilities and digital sectors, we provide our employees with meaningful opportunities for growth and development, empowering them to make a tangible impact on critical projects that shape the future. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team where your contributions are valued and your career can flourish.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Digital Engineering Director in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. A personal recommendation can go a long way in landing that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their digital transformation goals and think about how your experience aligns with their vision. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've built and mentored teams in the past, especially in engineering contexts. Highlighting your ability to drive change and deliver results will resonate well with hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Digital Engineering Director in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Group Digital Engineering Director role. Highlight your leadership experience in digital engineering and how it relates to OCU's goals.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've driven engineering excellence and innovation in previous roles. This will help us see the impact you can bring to OCU.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key messages stand out. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role, and ensure your passion for digital engineering shines through.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches the right people and you’ll have access to any updates regarding your application status. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at OCU
✨Know Your Digital Engineering Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and technologies in digital engineering. Brush up on your knowledge of software engineering, QA, DevOps, and data analytics platforms. This will not only help you answer technical questions but also demonstrate your passion for the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and how you've driven engineering excellence in previous roles. Be ready with specific examples that highlight your ability to mentor senior leaders and establish engineering standards that align with business goals.
✨Align with OCU’s Vision
Familiarise yourself with OCU Group's mission and values. Think about how your skills and experiences can contribute to their platform-first strategy and international growth ambitions. This alignment will show that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Have a list of insightful questions ready to ask during the interview. Inquire about their current challenges in digital engineering or how they envision the role evolving. This shows your interest in the position and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
