Projects Director
Location: Peterborough | Up to £Competitive (Subject to Experience) | Full-Time, Permanent
OAL is looking for a Projects Director to take overall responsibility for the safe, efficient and profitable delivery of all projects across the business. This is a senior leadership role that ensures projects meet agreed gross profit margins and that the business has the people, systems and processes needed to support sustained growth of 50% year on year.
Acting as the operational lead for the organisation, you will translate strategy into clear delivery plans, drive performance across all operational teams, and ensure project execution is consistent with The OAL Way. You will lead through structure, accountability and a strong focus on quality, safety and commercial performance.
What you’ll be doing
Leadership and Alignment
· Lead the project delivery function, ensuring clear ownership across all stages of the OAL Project Delivery Framework.
· Act as operational lead, enabling the Managing Director to focus on strategy and transformation.
· Embed The OAL Way through standard processes, KPIs, scorecards and priorities.
· Represent Operations at Board and Senior Leadership level, providing insight, recommendations and constructive challenge.
Project Delivery and Performance
· Take full ownership of delivery performance across all operational teams.
· Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to the required standards of quality and safety.
· Lead weekly performance reviews and ensure accountability for KPIs and scorecard metrics.
· Improve gross margin through standardisation, repeatability and right-first-time delivery.
· Oversee risk management, issue escalation and customer communication.
· Work closely with Finance and Commercial to ensure accurate forecasting and cost control.
People and Capability
· Build and develop the capacity and capability of project delivery teams to support year-on-year growth.
· Ensure workforce planning, recruitment and development align with business needs.
· Coach managers, engineers and coordinators, ensuring clarity of goals and ownership.
· Foster a culture of accountability, continual improvement and problem solving.
· Ensure safety is prioritised and embedded across all functions.
· Line manage Project Managers, Coordinators and discipline leads.
Processes and Systems
· Own and evolve the OAL Project Delivery Process and ensure consistent application.
· Maintain clear documentation, planning tools and handover processes.
· Lead delivery scorecard reporting across turnover, margin, schedule, safety and customer satisfaction.
· Oversee capacity planning, resource allocation and forecasting.
Cross-functional Collaboration
· Work closely with the Technology Director to ensure products are ready for multi-line or multi-site deployment.
· Partner with the Commercial Director and Solutions team to confirm scopes, timelines and commitments are deliverable.
· Ensure customer communication is clear and consistent throughout delivery.
What we’re looking for
· Experience leading and scaling project delivery teams in a fast-paced growth environment.
· Strong project and programme management experience across multiple concurrent projects.
· Demonstrated ability to improve or formalise delivery governance at scale.
· Experience leading business transformation and developing scalable processes.
· Strong understanding of technology integration within operational delivery.
· Commercially aware, with the ability to balance profitability, risk and client expectations.
· Data-driven and confident using KPIs and reporting tools.
· Experience building high-performing teams during periods of growth or change.
· Strong leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.
Why Join OAL?
At OAL, we’re driven by innovation and teamwork. You’ll be part of a supportive environment where your ideas are valued, and your work makes a real impact. We encourage professional growth and continuous improvement - both in our systems and in our people.
About OAL
OAL helps food manufacturers automate. An innovative family business, based in Peterborough, the company provides automation and system integration services to food manufacturers. It’s a market leader for digital transformation, label and date code verification and robotic powder weighing.
We're a growing SME offering fantastic opportunities in a fast-paced organisation. If you're ready to contribute to groundbreaking work in a supportive environment, we'd love to meet you.
OAL are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.