Lead Engineering Operations Manager

Ocado; Chatham; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private Medical Insurance

Pension with employer matching

Job summary

Ocado is seeking a Senior Engineering Leader to drive the operation of a highly automated Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC). You will ensure availability, reliability and performance of MHE and automation systems while supporting fulfilment targets and customer satisfaction.

You will lead multi-layer engineering teams, manage budgets, and champion safety and compliance in a 24/7, fast-paced environment. This role requires a degree in engineering and chartered status.

Qualifications

• Degree in Engineering is required.
• Registered as a CEng or IEng with a recognised engineering institution.
• Significant experience leading engineering teams in automated or high-volume environments.
• Strong knowledge of automated MHE, robotics, and control systems.
• Proven track record of improving equipment reliability and performance.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver site engineering KPIs: availability, throughput, SLA performance, and downtime reduction.
• Maximise performance of automated systems including robotics, conveyors, and control systems.
• Lead and develop engineering teams operating in a 24/7 automated environment.
• Drive a strong reliability and preventative maintenance culture.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation performance and efficiency.

Skills

Engineering leadership

Automated MHE knowledge

Robotics & control systems

Reliability improvement

24/7 operations experience

Stakeholder management

Data-driven decision making

Performance optimization

Education

Degree in Engineering

Chartered engineer (CEng/IEng)

Job description

To lead the engineering operation within a 5+ module, highly automated Ocado Customer Fulfilment Centre (CFC), ensuring maximum availability, reliability, and performance of complex material handling equipment (MHE) and automation systems. This role is accountable for delivering engineering excellence in a fast-paced, customer-critical environment, directly supporting fulfilment performance and customer satisfaction.

Key Accountabilities

• Own and deliver site engineering KPIs: availability, throughput, SLA performance, and downtime reduction
• Maximise performance of automated systems including robotics, conveyors, and control systems
• Lead and develop engineering teams operating in a 24/7 automated environment
• Drive a strong reliability and preventative maintenance culture
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on automation performance and efficiency
• Manage engineering budgets, cost control, and resource planning
• Ensure full compliance with all health, safety, and engineering standards
• Act as the Lead engineering interface with site operations

Core Responsibilities

• Automation & Engineering Performance
• Ensure high availability and performance of all automated MHE systems
• Lead root cause analysis of major faults and implement long-term fixes
• Drive predictive and preventative maintenance strategies
• Work closely with central engineering and automation support teams
• Optimise system performance using data and engineering insight

Operations Integration

• Partner with CFC operations to align engineering priorities with customer demand
• Minimise operational disruption through effective planning and response
• Ensure engineering activities support throughput and service targets
• Provide real-time escalation and decision-making during critical incidents

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop Lead Engineering Managers, Engineering Team Managers, Engineers, and technicians
• Build a high-performing, accountable engineering culture
• Ensure robust succession planning and capability development
• Support recruitment and performance management in partnership with HR

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a safety-first culture across all engineering activities
• Ensure compliance with all statutory and Ocado HSE standards
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions

You may be asked to perform tasks as required by management deemed as a reasonable request.

This job description is a summary of the typical functions of the role, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of possible role responsibilities, tasks and duties and is subject to review.

The responsibilities, tasks and duties of the job holder might differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties, as assigned, might form part of the job.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Degree in an Engineering discipline
• Registered as a CEng or IEng with a recognised engineering institution
• Significant experience leading engineering teams in automated or high-volume environments
• Strong knowledge of automated MHE, robotics, and control systems
• Proven track record of improving equipment reliability and performance
• Experience working in a 24/7 operational environment
• Strong leadership and decision-making capability under pressure
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Data-driven mindset with strong analytical and problem-solving ability

Additional Information

This role operates in a highly automated, fast-paced fulfilment environment and requires flexibility, resilience, and a strong focus on operational performance. Responsibilities may evolve in line with business needs.

Benefits

We believe in supporting our people with meaningful, flexible benefits that prioritise well-being and work-life balance. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect:
Financial assistance is available for eligible UK candidates relocating 35 miles or more for this role

• Time to recharge: 264 hours annual leave, plus the option to buy more
• Health & wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance from your first month, wellbeing support through specialist apps and EAP, plus Income Protection and Life Assurance.
• Family-first policies: 22 weeks paid maternity/primary carer leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave (after qualifying period).
• Financial support: Pension with employer matching up to 7%, share schemes (Sharesave & BAYE), and interest‑free loans for train tickets.
• Commuter perks: Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Exclusive discounts: 15% off at Ocado.com with free delivery (starting in your first month).

Ocado is an equal opportunities employer and as such make every effort to ensure that all potential employers are treated fairly and equally, regardless of their sex, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, age, disability or union membership status.

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