Director of Operational Technology

Director of Operational Technology

Peel Ports Group

Shape the future of operational technology across critical UK infrastructure.

Peel Ports Group is entering a defining phase of transformation. With significant capital investment planned and a clear ambition to become the UK’s leading port operator, technology will play a central role in how we operate, scale and compete.

We are seeking a Director of Operational Technology to lead this agenda.

This is not a steady-state leadership role. This is a build, transform and modernise mandate across a complex, multi-site, safety-critical environment.

Reporting directly to the CTIO, you will define and deliver the strategy that underpins safe, resilient and scalable port operations—while addressing legacy complexity, increasing cyber risk exposure, and the need for greater standardisation across the Group.

The mandate

Over your first 18–24 months, you will be accountable for:

• Establishing a group-wide OT strategy, architecture and standards baseline across multiple terminals
• Driving IT/OT convergence to enable greater operational visibility, efficiency and control
• Leading a step-change in OT cyber resilience, aligning to recognised frameworks (e.g. IEC 62443)
• Modernising a diverse and legacy OT estate, reducing operational and safety risk
• Building and scaling a high-performing OT function, capable of supporting 24/7 operations
• Influencing multi-year investment decisions and delivering a prioritised transformation roadmap

You will operate at the intersection of operations, engineering and technology, working closely with senior operational leaders and executive stakeholders to embed technology as a core enabler of performance.

The environment

You will be joining at a point where:

• OT capability is distributed across multiple sites, with varying levels of maturity
• There is significant legacy infrastructure alongside emerging modern platforms
• Cyber risk in OT environments is an increasing focus and priority
• The business is investing for growth, decarbonisation and long-term resilience

This is a complex, high-accountability environment where decisions have direct impact on safety, operational continuity and commercial performance.

What we are looking for

We are looking for a leader who has operated at scale and delivered in similarly complex environments.

You will likely bring:

• Experience leading OT (or OT/IT) in a multi-site, safety-critical environment (ports, terminals, logistics, energy, utilities, manufacturing or similar)
• A track record of driving OT transformation, including estate modernisation and convergence
• Proven experience improving OT cyber posture within regulated or high-risk environments
• Strong understanding of OT architectures, industrial networks, and infrastructure platforms
• The ability to operate credibly at Executive level, influencing investment and strategic direction
• A leadership style that combines strategic clarity with operational delivery discipline

Critically, you will be someone who is comfortable stepping into ambiguity, complexity and legacy, and bringing structure, pace and direction.

Why this role

This is an opportunity to:

• Define and lead OT strategy across critical national infrastructure
• Deliver transformation with visible, tangible operational impact
• Build a capability that will underpin the Group’s long-term growth and Net Zero ambitions
• Operate as a trusted advisor at Executive level, shaping technology investment and direction
• Leave a lasting legacy across a complex and essential industry

What we can offer you

A highly competitive executive package is on offer, including:

• 27 days holiday per annum (plus bank holidays)
• Performance-related bonus
• Car allowance
• Private medical insurance
• Matched pension contribution up to 10%
• Flexible benefits and development support

Final thought

This role will suit a leader who is not looking for incremental change—but is motivated by building capability, solving complex problems, and delivering transformation at scale.

If you are looking for a role where you can really shape the future of operational technology in a critical industry, we would like to hear from you.