Engineering/ Operations Director

TechMet Appointments; Northern Ireland; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment consultancy specializing in engineering is seeking an Operations / Engineering Director to lead operational delivery across various large-scale projects. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in industrial engineering, managing teams, and ensuring compliance with safety standards. This position is based in Northern Ireland and requires relocation for suitable applicants from the UK or Europe. A competitive remuneration package is offered.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in engineering operations.
• At least 8 years in a senior management capacity.
• Proven experience delivering industrial engineering projects over £1 million.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operational activities across multiple project sites.
• Oversee execution of large-scale industrial engineering projects.
• Manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams.

Skills

head of engineering

operations director

engineering director

Education

Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Engineering

Job description

Overview

Operations / Engineering Director

Client is a mechanical and industrial maintenance services provider across Europe, UK and Ireland. Specialising in large-scale engineering projects, partner with clients in sectors including utilities, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure.

Operations/ Eng. Director to lead operational delivery and drive excellence across all business functions.

Role Summary:

The Operations Director will be responsible for the successful planning, execution, and delivery of industrial engineering projects, including those exceeding £1 million in value. This role demands a high level of technical oversight, commercial acumen, and leadership experience within heavy industrial environments. You will manage cross-functional teams, optimise operational processes, ensure compliance with regulatory standards, and contribute to strategic business development.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operational activities across multiple project sites, ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery.
• Oversee the execution of large-scale industrial engineering projects (>£1 million), including mechanical plant upgrades, pipeline rehabilitation, pressure vessels, and shutdowns/turnarounds.
• Manage and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams including project managers, engineers, site supervisors, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Collaborate with commercial and finance teams to develop project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure profitability.
• Ensure strict adherence to HSEQ (Health, Safety, Environment & Quality) standards, CDM Regulations, and client-specific compliance frameworks.
• Support strategic business planning, tender development, and client engagement in conjunction with senior leadership.
• Lead operational risk assessments, root cause analyses, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Provide accurate and timely reporting to Group level, including project milestones, risk registers, and resource utilisation.
• Complex pipeline installation and commissioning projects in energy or utility sectors.
• Structural steel and mechanical fabrication projects for large industrial clients.
• Turnkey design-and-build maintenance contracts for critical infrastructure assets.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related technical discipline; Chartered Engineer status desirable.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive experience in engineering operations, with at least 8 years in a senior management capacity.
• Proven experience delivering industrial engineering or capital projects in excess of £1 million.
• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, fabrication, piping, pressure systems, and plant maintenance practices. Must be very engaged in projects as well as manage project teams.
• Expertise in project management, Prince 2 for example.
• Commercially astute with a strong focus on profitability, margin, and risk management.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable

• Experience in utilities, energy, or manufacturing sectors.

Application

Keen to speak to suitable applicants based in the UK or Europe looking to relocate to N Ireland for a suitably remunerated package. Preference would be for an initial confidential chat and contact can be made via VIEW PROFILE on top of ad.

To apply please forward your CV (in Word format) using the link provided.

TechMet is a dedicated Engineering and Technical Recruitment Consultancy.

The consultant managing your application will be an MEng or MSc qualified Engineer with experience in industry. They are professionally qualified to advise on your technical suitability for this role or other vacancies. For a confidential conversation on this or any other Director roles in the pipeline please contact Sean Metrustry (Director) at TechMet.

Skills:

• head of engineering
• operations director
• engineering director