Project Lead

"Ocado Technology, researching, designing, engineering the next generation of hardware & software solutions through disruptive innovation" Ocado Technology is putting the world's retailers online using the cloud, robotics, AI, and IoT. We develop the innovative software and hardware systems that power Ocado.com, the world's largest online-only grocery retailer as well as the global 'Ocado Smart Platform'. With everything from websites to fully autonomous warehouses that we design ourselves, our employees need to be specialists in a wide range of technologies to help drive our business. We champion a value-led culture to get our teams working at their very best and to help create a collaborative working environment that our people love. Core values of Trust, Autonomy, Craftsmanship, Collaboration and Learn Fast help drive our innovative culture . But don't just take our word for it, have a look at what our people are saying about us on Glassdoor. Our Retrieval Robotics teams are at the cutting-edge of our technology engineering business. From the design and manufacture of the most state-of-the-art products in the business, to their delivery into our multi-million pound Customer Fulfilment Centres (CFCs) across the globe, our bespoke electrical and mechanical development projects are pushing the boundaries of innovation and automation. Within Retrieval Robotics sits the Delivery function, who are responsible for providing Project leadership for all development projects. Our Project teams have a catalogue of almost 140 products and counting, so are seeking a knowledgeable Project Lead to join their expanding group. As a Project Lead, you will be responsible for the delivery of New Product Development projects within Retrieval Robotics, meeting cost, timeline and quality requirements set by the business. The projects are technically challenging , fast paced and innovative. What will you be doing? Planning and control * Planning, managing and controlling the project to the business case and requirements for the product * Ensuring that the project delivers the key benefits based on time critical milestones and delivers all appropriate project outputs * Provide project governance to ensure a project runs on time, on budget and meets quality and success criteria usings measurable objectives and KPIs * On board and manage third party engineering contractors where necessary Risk * Owning and managing project risks, identifying and controlling both problems and opportunities by applying appropriate mitigations and monitoring and planning accordingly. * Regularly advising the business and senior stakeholders on project risks and recommended responses to threats and opportunities. Leadership * Ensure project teams deliver to the required standard in a timely fashion and act as an exemplar for the behavioural standards of Ocado Technology and Ocado as a whole. * Work with the Product and cross functional Engineering teams to define, agree and communicate risks and issues as well as strategic and tactical priorities within the project and to stakeholders. * Promote and maintain pro-active / open communication between the project and other teams and stakeholders * Influence, facilitation and partnership. Solve conflict between teams, unlock blockers. Communication * Be able to communicate technical topics effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders up to board level. * Communicate relevant information about the project widely, concisely and accurately to assure customers, stakeholders and your delivery teams. * Project reporting via various mediums: weekly flash reports, senior management steering, board presentations. Collaboration * Work with the product managers to understand the strategic vision of the product in order to proactively track and resolve project critical tasks * Build collaborative relationships with all stakeholders and team members in order to successfully manage project lifecycles The extras * Ensuring that product launch is as seamless as possible. Managing the launch and go-live support teams and arrangements to allow the product to successfully enter into the operational environment at project closure * Vendor selection to identify new suppliers and partners capable of supporting the delivery of innovative systems and technology as well as making sure that appropriate and effective contractual arrangements are in place. Vendor management of external suppliers and experts from requirements through contract, build, acceptance and test. * Taking product business requirements and able to turn these into technical requirements. Taking specifications and planning out the activities and the resource required to ensure these criteria are achieved in the final product. You may be asked to perform tasks as required by management deemed as a reasonable request. This job description is a summary of the typical functions of the role, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of possible role responsibi