Strategic Project Lead

Location: Oxfordshire

This role will be working for Bekstone and will provide strategic leadership and hands-on support across all stages of the programme, ensuring effective planning, sequencing, and delivery of key initiatives.

The position combines technical expertise with strategic oversight and will play a critical role in shaping the future manufacturing platform.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Project Leadership

Provide leadership across a multi-phase operational development programme

Validate and challenge the overall investment strategy and sequencing

Ensure alignment between operational priorities and long-term business objectives

2. Operational Roadmap Development

Support the design and implementation of an end-to-end operational roadmap

Identify bottlenecks and improvement opportunities across production processes

3. Supplier & Procurement Oversight

Oversee supplier selection and engagement

Support procurement strategy to ensure cost-effective and timely delivery

Provide challenge and governance on supplier performance

4. Implementation Support & Challenge

Provide hands-on support during implementation phases

Act as a critical challenger to ensure robust execution

Monitor progress against targets and intervene where required

5. Board & Investment Support

Support preparation of board-level presentations and business cases

Assist in securing investment approval through structured analysis and evidence

Communicate programme progress and risks clearly to stakeholders

Experience & Skills Required

Essential

Strong experience in manufacturing or heavy industrial operations

Proven track record in large-scale operational or capital projects

Ability to lead complex, multi-phase programmes

Experience with process optimisation and production systems

Strong commercial and strategic thinking

Desirable

Experience with kiln systems or similar industrial processes

Knowledge of automation and plant upgrades

M&A integration or multi-site operational experience

Engagement Details

Approx. 2–3 days per week

Duration: ~18 months (flexible depending on project stage)

Hybrid involvement across strategy, governance, and on-site support