UK Head of Projects & Engineering

UK Head of Engineering Operations &
Project Management
Who We Are:
Originally, the manufacturer of one of the world's first electronic key management systems in 1990 - we are
now world leaders in innovative technology for sophisticated, intelligent key management systems and locker
solutions. We operate in a wide variety of channel markets such as Government, MOD, Prisons, Fleet,
Distribution Centres, and Data Centres etc.
Traka became part of ASSA ABLOY in April 2012, who are the world’s leading manufacturer and supplier of
door opening solutions, meeting tough end-user demands for safety, security and convenience. ASSA ABLOY
products can be seen and used everywhere you go in your daily life from brands such as Yale, Chubb and HID.
In January 2019 Traka became part of the Global Solutions division of ASSA ABLOY which allows Traka to grow
further globally, including Cloud technologies.
We are dedicated to satisfying end-user needs for security, safety and convenience. We are always looking for
talented, energetic people with integrity and the desire to succeed. We are an equal opportunity employer
offering competitive salaries and benefits in a team environment where you can freely speak across teams and
departments to seek help and guidance.
Working for Traka means that you will be part of an agile environment, with innovative solutions to improve
our customers' lives.
Your Opportunity:
We are seeking an experienced and strategic UK Head of Engineering Operations & Project Management
to lead and evolve our UK Operations function. This high-impact role will report directly to the Head of UK and
form a key part of the UK Senior Management Team (SMT), playing a crucial role in shaping and delivering
our business growth strategy. With responsibility for the end-to-end performance of our Engineering, Project
Management and Scheduling teams, the successful candidate will drive operational excellence, streamline
processes, and lead transformational initiatives that scale with the needs of the business. The role will oversee
a large and skilled team via three direct reports – the UK Project Delivery Manager, Engineering Manager
and Scheduling Team Leader – and will be instrumental in shaping, planning and executing a long-term
roadmap that aligns with Traka UK’s strategic goals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic leadership and oversight across Engineering, Project Management, and Scheduling
functions, managing and developing a team through three direct reports.
- Act as a key member of the UK Senior Management Team (SMT), representing the Operations &
Engineering function and contributing to overall business strategy and direction.
- Develop and execute a 5-year strategic roadmap for Engineering Operations, Project Delivery, and
Scheduling to support Traka UK’s growth plans and evolving customer needs.
- Lead the continuous improvement and innovation agenda across all operational teams, driving process
efficiencies, technology adoption, and scalable practices.
- Champion and implement operational change management initiatives, aligning teams with evolving
business goals and industry best practices.
Confidential
- Oversee resource planning, workload balancing, and skills development across teams to ensure
effective delivery of projects and engineering solutions.
- Ensure engineering and project operations are delivered on time, within budget, and to required
quality standards.
- Monitor and manage departmental budgets; proactively engage with Finance to provide accurate
forecasting and visibility of upcoming costs, invoicing timelines, and third-party expenditure spikes.
- Establish clear KPIs, reporting mechanisms, and feedback loops across operations to maintain highperformance
culture and accountability.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Product, and Customer Services to ensure a seamless endto-
end customer delivery experience.
- Identify and mitigate operational risks, ensuring compliance with all internal policies and industry
regulations.
- Drive a culture of safety, quality, and operational excellence across all touchpoints of project
execution and engineering services.
- Mentor and support leadership development of direct reports, fostering a high-performing, engaged,
and motivated operations team.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Proven track record in a senior leadership role within Engineering Operations, Project Management or
a similar function.
- Experience managing multi-disciplinary teams, including engineering, project delivery, and
scheduling/resource planning.
- Strong background in driving operational change, process improvement, and implementing scalable
solutions in a growing business.
- Strategic thinker with experience in developing and delivering multi-year business or operational
plans.
- Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, control costs and liaise effectively with finance to ensure
transparency and forecasting accuracy.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with experience working cross-functionally across sales,
finance, product and service teams.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to align operational decisions with business goals.
- Comfortable operating at both strategic and hands-on levels, with a proactive and collaborative
leadership style.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and presentation skills suitable for executive and SMT-level
interactions.
Desirable Skills & Experience:
- Background in technology, security systems, or complex engineered solutions.
- Knowledge of ERP and project management systems/tools (e.g. ServiceMAX, MS Project,
Monday.com, or similar).
- Experience managing third-party suppliers or subcontractors within project delivery environments.
- Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
- Exposure to international operations or working within a global business framework.
We are looking for bright, motivated and passionate
people to join our team.
Confidential
Benefits
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Free day holiday for Christmas Eve
• Access to online benefits portal
• ASSA ABLOY Family Brand discount (Yale)
• Access to Company Private Healthcare Scheme
• 3 x Annual salary life cover
• Bi-Annual Company Bonus Scheme
• Company Pension scheme - 5% standard
• Free fruit delivered weekly to the office
• Company high performance laptop
• Access to Employee Care scheme

We are the ASSA ABLOY Group
Our people have made us the global leader in access solutions. In return, we open doors for them wherever they go. With nearly 61,000 colleagues in more than 70 different countries, we help billions of people experience a more open world. Our innovations make all sorts of spaces – physical and virtual – safer, more secure, and easier to access. 

As an employer, we value results – not titles, or backgrounds. We empower our people to build their career around their aspirations and our ambitions – supporting them with regular feedback, training, and development opportunities. Our colleagues think broadly about where they can make the most impact, and we encourage them to grow their role locally, regionally, or even internationally.

As we welcome new people on board, it’s important to us to have diverse, inclusive teams, and we value different perspectives and experiences.