Project Operations Manager

STR Group Limited; Alfreton CP; On-site; GBP 51,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing engineering business in Derby is seeking a Project Operations Manager to lead key projects and drive UK business growth. The ideal candidate will have a technical background and experience in OEM sales or project management. This role offers a clear pathway to a senior leadership role within the organization, focusing on strategic growth and people development.

Qualifications

• Technical background essential, ideally with exposure to combustion or gas systems.
• Experience in technical/OEM sales or engineering project management.
• Confident working across both engineering and commercial functions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee key technical sales projects with a commercial focus.
• Work cross-functionally across engineering, production, and commercial teams.
• Build and strengthen relationships with existing customers.

Skills

Technical background

Experience in technical/OEM sales

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Job description

Project Operations Manager

Location: Derby, UK
Salary: up to £60k

Overview:

We are exclusively partnering with a growing engineering business to recruit a Project Ops Manager who will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the UK operation.This is a unique opportunity for a technically minded individual with leadership potential to grow into an Operations or Managing Director position over time.

This role will begin with a strong project and commercial focus and will evolve into a senior leadership role as the individual becomes embedded in the business.

Initial Priorities:

Lead the success of the sister site - oversee product launch, branding and commercial success.

Drive UK business growth - expand activity in local markets and enhance international collaboration.

Prepare for a future leadership role - gain an in-depth understanding of operations at the Derby site and broader UK strategy.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee key technical sales projects with a commercial focus.

• Work cross functionally across engineering, production and commercial teams.

• Build and strengthen relationships with existing customers, broadening contact networks.

• Identify and develop new OEM opportunities (organically or via acquisition).

• Collaborate closely with senior leadership across the UK and US divisions.

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Technical background essential - ideally with exposure to combustion or gas systems.

• Experience in technical/OEM sales or engineering project management.

• Confident working across both engineering and commercial functions.

• Self-starter with strong initiative and long-term vision.

• Comfortable in a dynamic, evolving SME environment.

• Strategic thinker with a hands on, team-oriented approach.

Development Timeline:

• 0-6 months: Learn the business structure and key customers across UK locations.

• By Year 1: Drive new business development and grow revenue base.

• By Year 1.5: Gain operational oversight experience; begin transition into leadership responsibilities.

• By Year 2: Step into a UK leadership role with a focus on strategic growth and people development.

Candidate Preferences:

• Located within commuting distance of Derby or willing to relocate.

• Ambitious, adaptable, and eager to grow into a senior position.

Interested?
If you're ready to step into a high-impact role with a clear leadership pathway, we'd love to hear from you.