At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and oversee engineering projects from start to finish, ensuring quality and timely delivery.
- Company: Family-owned global company specialising in ultra-critical valves for oil, gas, and hydrogen industries.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work culture, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Join a team that values accountability, common sense, and decisive action.
- Why this job: Shape project performance and drive improvements in a fast-paced, agile environment.
- Qualifications: Mechanical Engineering degree and 10+ years in project management within engineering.
Location: Knutsford, Parkgate Industrial Estate
Technical Requirement: Mechanical Engineering background (essential)
Are you an experienced engineering project leader with a track record of delivering complex, high-value projects? We are looking for a Head of Projects to lead our project team and oversee delivery from initial tender through to completion. This is an opportunity to shape project performance, develop strong client relationships and drive improvements across an established engineering business.
About the Company
We are a family-owned global company that produces ultra critical valves for the world’s oil, gas and hydrogen industries, where exceptional quality and on time delivery is critical. With operations spanning the UK, USA, Dubai, Malaysia and India, and a world-class Research & Development centre in Knutsford, we have ambitious plans to grow beyond our £100m turnover. Our business model is to sub-contract our components, then assemble at our facilities in Knutsford and Chennai. Our culture is agile, entrepreneurial and decisive. There are no layers of bureaucracy, endless committees or slow-moving approval processes. We value common sense, accountability and action.
The Role
You will take responsibility for ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the required quality standards. Working closely with clients, internal stakeholders and project teams, you will coordinate resources, manage risks and support technical reviews while improving productivity and profitability.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, motivate and develop the project team to deliver successful outcomes.
- Oversee multiple engineering projects from inception through to completion.
- Manage project programmes, budgets, schedules and resource allocation.
- Support tender activity by reviewing project requirements and identifying the resources needed for delivery.
- Provide input into technical design and project reviews.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
- Oversee the delivery of multimillion-pound projects against agreed milestones and quality standards.
- Identify and manage project risks, costs and changes.
- Implement improvements to strengthen productivity, profitability and project delivery.
- Streamline processes and information flow across teams.
Who We Are Looking For:
We are looking for a confident leader who combines technical understanding with commercial awareness and strong organisational skills.
- A degree in Engineering or an equivalent qualification.
- At least 10 years’ experience in a project management-focused role within an engineering environment.
- Proven success managing large-scale engineering projects from inception to completion.
- Strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate teams and manage competing priorities.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience in scheduling, budget analysis and project risk management.
- A track record of delivering process improvements and managing change.
- Strong IT skills.
- Willingness to travel internationally when required.
If you have the experience and leadership skills to take ownership of complex engineering projects, we would like to hear from you.
Head Of Projects in Knutsford employer: Oliver Valves Ltd
Oliver Valves Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the energy sector. Located in Knutsford, employees benefit from competitive salaries, comprehensive incentive packages, and ample opportunities for professional growth within a global network of operations. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to driving sustainable growth in oil, gas, and hydrogen industries.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Projects in Knutsford
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Head Of Projects role you’re after at Oliver Valves Ltd.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Oliver Valves Ltd a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Oliver Valves Ltd.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Head Of Projects at Oliver Valves Ltd, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Projects in Knutsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Head Of Projects, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Oliver Valves Ltd a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Oliver Valves Ltd specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oliver Valves Ltd
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Oliver Valves Ltd, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Oliver Valves Ltd want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.