Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager | Ocado Intelligent Automation | Hatfield | Hybrid (2 days office)

About us:

Ocado OIA (Ocado Intelligent Automation) is a division within Ocado Technology that focuses on developing advanced automation and robotics systems for Ocado's smart warehouses and fulfilment centres. This unit works on creating solutions that enable the automation of various logistical tasks, including order picking, packing, and inventory management, often using robotics, AI, and machine learning to optimise these processes.

OIA’s technology is integral to Ocado's strategy of licensing its logistics and fulfilment solutions to other retailers worldwide, helping them build automated, efficient, and scalable online grocery operations.

About the Role:

We are looking for a highly capable and driven Senior Project Manager to lead the delivery of large-scale Ocado Storage and Retrieval System (OSRS) projects for our customers. This role is critical in ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget, fostering strong stakeholder relationships, and driving seamless integration across technical and operational teams.

The Senior Project Manager will work with multiple internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment on project scope, execution, and governance. You will play a pivotal role in navigating complexity, solving challenges proactively, and maintaining a dynamic yet structured approach to project execution. Key responsibilities will include

Project Leadership & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the bridge between technical teams, operations, and business stakeholders, ensuring clear and effective communication.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and senior stakeholders.
• Navigate complex relationships, including cultural differences, and influence stakeholders through clear, concise communication.
• Lead the customer relationship, ensuring alignment and assured project outcomes.
• Promote a collaborative, high-performance work environment.

Project Management & Execution

• Oversee projects from pre-deal to execution, including:
• Scope definition and solution development.
• Finalising solution design across hardware and software.
• Managing product development teams based on project requirements.
• Ensuring effective handover to regional project delivery teams.
• Lead core project management routines, including:
• Risk and issue management.
• Project scheduling and budget tracking.
• Status reporting and governance.
• Lessons learned and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Define and sign off on project budgets and schedules, ensuring effective engagement of stakeholders.
• Drive continuous improvement in project delivery methods and execution.

What we're looking for:

• Project leadership experience, ideally in engineering, logistics, automation, or technology-driven environments.
• Proven ability to build effective relationships across all levels of an organisation.
• Experience in customer-facing project management, including commercial and contractual awareness.
• Strong understanding of CAPEX projects, particularly in automation, warehousing, logistics, or manufacturing.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to break down complex issues and drive resolution.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills.
• Ability to prioritise workloads, multitask, and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Material Handling Equipment (MHE) and automation design principles.
• Software integration and warehouse control systems.
• Commercial and legal contract management.
• Financial acumen, including experience managing budgets.
• Degree-level education or equivalent.
• Project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP, Agile).

What do I get in return:

• Hybrid working model (2 days in the office)
• Remote working for the month of August and 50% of December
• 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after 5 years service (plus optional holiday purchase)
• Pension scheme (various options available including employer contribution matching up to 7%)
• Private Medical Insurance
• 22 weeks paid maternity leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave (once relevant service requirements complete)
• Train Ticket loan (interest-free)
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Opportunity to participate in Share save and Buy as You Earn share schemes
• 15% discount on Ocado.com and free delivery for all employees
• Income Protection(can be up to 50% of salary for 3 years) and Life Assurance (3 x annual salary)
• Free shuttle bus to and from Hatfield Train Station to the Hatfield HQ offices

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