Director of Technical Operations

OQC; Reading; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

OQC is seeking a Head of Technical Services to lead and scale our technical operations in the UK, including cryogenic laboratories, assembly workshops and machining facilities. You’ll oversee a team of technicians, machinists and supervisors, ensuring safe, reliable and cost-effective operations that align with our ambitious roadmap.

You’ll own budgets, vendor relationships and improvement programmes, while partnering with Engineering Operations to deliver on milestones and drive performance

Qualifications

• Experience leading engineering or operational teams in manufacturing, engineering or scientific environments.
• Proven project leadership in complex technical settings.
• Experience managing external partners and assessing supplier value for money.
• Strong reporting and presentation skills for senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop and motivate the Technical Services team, including technicians, machinists and supervisors.
• Own the safe, reliable operation of UK technical spaces (cryogenic labs, workshops, machining).
• Oversee maintenance schedules, work orders and performance with clear reporting and metrics.
• Manage supplier relationships, contracts and services with cross-functional teams (Supply Chain, Purchasing, Legal).
• Lead cross-functional projects and improvement initiatives.
• Manage space expenditure, budgets and delivery timelines with senior reporting.
• Execute Engineering Operations roadmap priorities and ensure accountability to delivery.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Project leadership

Supplier management

Operational reporting

Budgeting

Stakeholder management

Problem solving

Leadership experience

Education

Engineering degree

Job description

OQC is seeking a Head of Technical Services to lead and scale our technical operations in the UK, including cryogenic laboratories, assembly workshops and machining facilities. You’ll oversee a team of technicians, machinists and supervisors, ensuring safe, reliable and cost-effective operations that align with our ambitious roadmap.

You’ll own budgets, vendor relationships and improvement programmes, while partnering with Engineering Operations to deliver on milestones and drive performance