At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global mechanical engineering operations and modernise engineering processes.
- Company: Oleo International, a leader in safety-critical impact energy absorption technology.
- Benefits: Attractive six-figure salary, performance bonus, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team across the UK, India, and China with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a company that saves lives with innovative engineering solutions.
- Qualifications: Degree in Mechanical Engineering and experience in multinational manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 125000 £ per year.
Attractive six-figure base salary; performance bonus; benefits
The Company
Oleo International (Oleo) is a world leader in safety-critical impact energy absorption technology for the Rail, Industrial, and Elevator sectors. Its brand and business are highly regarded around the world, providing engineering expertise that saves lives. Oleo provides a wide range of products, including hydraulic buffers, dampers, lift buffers, and simulation software – and has been producing hydraulic energy absorption solutions for over sixty years, with over 1 million units in circulation. With its head office based in the UK, the group also provides R&D, manufacturing, test, and project delivery capabilities across its sites in India, China, and Germany. The UK division will now specialise as a final assembly operation – continuing to provide the engineering and test expertise that has made the organisation a leading technical solutions provider within its markets – whilst building its local engineering capabilities in India and China, creating a global function that will work collaboratively on new product development and project delivery.
The Role
Oleo International is seeking a highly strategic, process-driven Group Engineering Director, to lead its global mechanical engineering operations. Reporting to the CEO, and operating in a matrix structure, you will act as the highest technical authority in the business, bridging the gap between its commercial leadership, and global engineering execution. You will inherit a highly capable, multi-disciplinary global team across the UK, India, and China, supported by world-class testing and prototyping facilities. Your mandate is to modernise the company’s engineering SOP’s, accelerate its New Product Introduction (NPI) pipeline, and drive seamless cross-border collaboration to support its rapid international growth.
The Candidate
Degree educated in Mechanical Engineering (ideally with Chartered status), you will have a proven track‑record operating at an Engineering Director, or Head of Global Engineering level, within a multinational manufacturing business. Experience in Rail, Elevators, or Hydraulics technologies will be highly advantageous, whilst experience within precision engineering, aerospace, or heavy industrial sectors, will also be relevant. A process-driven systems and operations leader, you will excel at managing engineers, optimising workflows, and building cross-functional capability. This is a critical leadership appointment reporting directly to the CEO: you will be a brilliant 'manager of engineers' and a master of process, not just a brilliant individual contributor.
Group Engineering Director in Coventry employer: Oleo International
Oleo International is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive six-figure salary and performance bonuses, alongside a comprehensive benefits package. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, Oleo fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and cross-border teamwork, particularly within its dynamic global engineering teams based in the UK, India, and China. Working at Oleo not only provides the opportunity to lead in a cutting-edge industry but also to contribute to life-saving technologies that have a significant impact worldwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Engineering Director in Coventry
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Oleo International.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Oleo International love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Oleo International and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Engineering Director in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Oleo International and the Group Engineering Director role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oleo International
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Oleo International.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Oleo International.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Oleo International, making you a more appealing candidate.
