Director- Operations

Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult; Blyth; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading clean energy innovation center in Blyth is seeking an experienced Director – Operations to oversee testing, validation, and innovation assets for maximum impact. The role involves leading operational excellence, managing capital projects, and strengthening regional collaboration. Candidates should have a background in energy and a track record of strategic leadership. This position offers a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Competitive salary and benefits package

Career progression and professional development opportunities

Generous leave allowance

Pension scheme and wellness benefits

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading operations or major programmes in energy, engineering, or research-driven organisations.
• Strong track record managing high-value assets, large teams, and complex capital projects.
• Deep understanding of working with OEMs, public funders, and industry stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with credibility at Board and senior stakeholder levels.
• Collaborative leadership style that builds trust, inspires teams, and delivers results.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations and asset strategy across testing and validation portfolio.
• Oversee major capital investment projects from concept to delivery.
• Champion operational excellence by embedding a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen regional presence through collaboration with local government and partners.
• Represent ORE Catapult regionally and nationally.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational excellence

Communication skills

Project management

Job description

ORE Catapult is the UK’s flagship innovation centre for offshore renewable energy — driving innovation for a better world powered by affordable, abundant clean energy. With a mission to enable Clean Energy 2030, we accelerate the growth of UK companies in offshore renewables, fuel clean economic growth, and support the UK’s journey to net zero.

We’re looking for an experienced and visionary leader to take on the role of Director – Operations. This is a pivotal position leading ORE Catapult’s operational excellence, capital investment, and regional engagement — ensuring all of our world‑class testing, validation, and innovation assets deliver maximum impact for industry and the UK.

Position

As a key member of the Executive Team, you will:

• Lead operations and asset strategy across our testing and validation portfolio, ensuring productivity, efficiency, and alignment with customer and industry needs.
• Oversee major capital investment projects, from concept to delivery, ensuring our facilities remain cutting‑edge and future‑ready.
• Champion operational excellence – embedding a culture of safety, quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Act as Head of Place for the North East, strengthening ORE Catapult’s regional presence through close collaboration with local government, academia, industry, and funding partners.
• Represent ORE Catapult regionally and nationally, showcasing our assets and building strong partnerships across the clean energy ecosystem.
• Foster collaboration and cohesion across teams, driving an environment where people and innovation thrive.

Requirements

You’re a strategic, results‑focused leader with a passion for clean energy, innovation, and impact.

You’ll bring

• Proven experience leading operations or major programmes in energy, engineering, or research‑driven organisations.
• Strong track record managing high‑value assets, large teams, and complex capital projects.
• Deep understanding of working with OEMs, public funders, and industry stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with credibility at Board and senior stakeholder levels.
• The ability to balance strategic vision with hands‑on delivery, navigating complexity with clarity and confidence.A collaborative leadership style that builds trust, inspires teams, and delivers results.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to lead operations for a national clean‑energy innovation leader at the forefront of the global energy transition.
• A chance to shape the North East’s clean energy ecosystem and strengthen ORE Catapult’s regional impact.
• Flexible working arrangements, empowering you to balance work and life in a way that suits you.
• Competitive salary and benefits package that recognises your skills, experience, and contribution.
• A supportive, collaborative, and values‑driven culture built on trust, innovation, and impact.
• Career progression and professional development opportunities, with access to mentorship and leadership programmes.
• Commitment to wellbeing, including health and life insurance, mental health support, and a dedicated wellbeing programme.
• Generous leave allowance – 38 days annual leave, plus paid parental leave and flexible public holidays.
• Pension scheme, gym membership or fitness reimbursement, and exclusive staff discounts through trusted partnerships.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We’re passionate about creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. Diversity fuels innovation — and we know that great ideas come from different perspectives and experiences.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and abilities, and we’re committed to ensuring equity and inclusion at every stage of recruitment and leadership.

Accessibility and Support

We want every candidate to have the best possible experience when applying for this role. If you need any reasonable adjustments — whether for the application process, interviews, or in the role itself — please contact us. We’ll do our utmost to accommodate your needs and ensure a fair and inclusive process.