Operations Director - PG (Europe) Review
at Cummins
Degree Apprenticeship
Business Operations
Leeds
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
As an Operations Director in PowerGen Europe, I’m responsible for both wholegoods sales to our dealer network and the delivery of large‑scale power generation projects across Europe, primarily for data centres. The role spans forecasting, order management, logistics, project management and continuous improvement.
I really enjoy the variety and the people‑focused nature of the role. It’s highly collaborative and fast‑paced, and it gives you the opportunity to influence how the business operates while seeing real, tangible results for both dealers and customers.
I really enjoy the variety and the people‑focused nature of the role. It’s highly collaborative and fast‑paced, and it gives you the opportunity to influence how the business operates while seeing real, tangible results for both dealers and customers.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
Alongside my role, I’m completing the Senior Leader Apprentice programme, which is proving to be a really valuable development opportunity. It creates space to step back from day‑to‑day delivery and reflect on leadership style, strategic decision‑making and organisational impact, while directly applying the learning to real business challenges.
A key part of the programme that I really value is the opportunity to network beyond Cummins, learning from leaders across different businesses and industries. This external perspective helps challenge assumptions and brings fresh thinking back into the organisation. I enjoy the balance of academic learning, practical application and reflection, and the way the programme continually pushes you to grow as a leader while staying grounded in your role.
A key part of the programme that I really value is the opportunity to network beyond Cummins, learning from leaders across different businesses and industries. This external perspective helps challenge assumptions and brings fresh thinking back into the organisation. I enjoy the balance of academic learning, practical application and reflection, and the way the programme continually pushes you to grow as a leader while staying grounded in your role.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
The role has significantly developed my ability to prepare high‑quality communications at pace, particularly when supporting senior‑level updates and time‑critical decision making. I’m regularly required to rapidly pull together clear, concise PowerPoint materials, translating complex operational and commercial information into messages that land effectively with different audiences.
Another key area of skills development has been designing and leading collaborative events, such as the PM Power‑Up sessions, which bring teams together to connect, learn and lead. These forums strengthen cross‑functional relationships, create shared understanding, and provide space for capability building and idea exchange. I really enjoy creating environments where people can collaborate openly, learn from one another and leave aligned and energised around common goals.
Another key area of skills development has been designing and leading collaborative events, such as the PM Power‑Up sessions, which bring teams together to connect, learn and lead. These forums strengthen cross‑functional relationships, create shared understanding, and provide space for capability building and idea exchange. I really enjoy creating environments where people can collaborate openly, learn from one another and leave aligned and energised around common goals.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
Leeds Trinity University provides a well‑structured apprenticeship programme with a clear outline of modules and expectations from the outset. The structure makes it easy to understand how each module fits together and how the academic learning aligns with the Senior Leader apprenticeship framework and day‑to‑day work.
I’ve found the regular check‑ins and progress reviews particularly valuable. These touchpoints with both the university and my line manager help keep learning on track, provide space to reflect on progress, and ensure that development remains relevant and applied to the role. Overall, the programme feels well organised, supportive and focused on helping you succeed, both academically and professionally.
I’ve found the regular check‑ins and progress reviews particularly valuable. These touchpoints with both the university and my line manager help keep learning on track, provide space to reflect on progress, and ensure that development remains relevant and applied to the role. Overall, the programme feels well organised, supportive and focused on helping you succeed, both academically and professionally.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
Employer support has been positive throughout the entire apprenticeship journey, from the initial research stage through to ongoing support while on the programme. There was encouragement and guidance early on in exploring suitable apprenticeship options, helping assess relevance to the role and business, and navigating the practicalities of funding and provider selection.
The application process itself was well supported, with clear advice and help from HR and line management, making what could be a complex process feel straightforward and manageable. Since starting the programme, I’ve continued to feel supported in balancing work and study commitments, with regular check‑ins, flexibility where needed, and genuine interest in how the learning is being applied back into the role. Overall, the support has been consistent, enabling and very positive.
The application process itself was well supported, with clear advice and help from HR and line management, making what could be a complex process feel straightforward and manageable. Since starting the programme, I’ve continued to feel supported in balancing work and study commitments, with regular check‑ins, flexibility where needed, and genuine interest in how the learning is being applied back into the role. Overall, the support has been consistent, enabling and very positive.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The support from Leeds Trinity University strikes a really good balance. There is enough structure and guidance to set you up for success, without the programme becoming intrusive or difficult to manage alongside a full‑time senior role. Support is readily available when needed, with clear touchpoints, progress reviews and access to tutors, but there is also trust and flexibility to manage learning in a way that works with real business demands.
This approach makes it much easier to stay engaged and apply the learning directly to the workplace, rather than feeling pulled away from operational responsibilities. Overall, the level of support feels thoughtful, practical and well aligned to the realities of senior leadership roles.
This approach makes it much easier to stay engaged and apply the learning directly to the workplace, rather than feeling pulled away from operational responsibilities. Overall, the level of support feels thoughtful, practical and well aligned to the realities of senior leadership roles.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
Working towards my qualification has helped me perform more effectively in my role by increasing my awareness of how my decisions, behaviours and leadership style influence others and the wider organisation. The programme encourages me to pause, reflect and consider the broader context, rather than defaulting to instinct or pace alone. This heightened awareness supports more thoughtful decision‑making, clearer communication and a more intentional approach to leadership, particularly when balancing operational pressures with long‑term objectives. As a result, I feel better equipped to lead with confidence while remaining adaptable, reflective and open to continuous improvement.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
There are plenty of opportunities to get involved beyond core role responsibilities. The organisation supports a wide range of employee resource groups (ERGs), including the Women’s Empowerment Network (WEN), which provide valuable opportunities for networking, learning and peer connection. Within PowerGen Europe, there are also coaching and development opportunities that enable leaders to support others, share experience and continue their own development at the same time.
In addition, there are meaningful opportunities to engage in community involvement initiatives, particularly around education, environmental responsibility and social equality. These activities offer a chance to contribute beyond the business, support local and wider communities, and align personal values with organisational impact. Together, these extra‑curricular opportunities help create a well‑rounded, inclusive and purpose‑driven working environment.
In addition, there are meaningful opportunities to engage in community involvement initiatives, particularly around education, environmental responsibility and social equality. These activities offer a chance to contribute beyond the business, support local and wider communities, and align personal values with organisational impact. Together, these extra‑curricular opportunities help create a well‑rounded, inclusive and purpose‑driven working environment.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Cummins to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Cummins to a friend because it offers meaningful work, strong values and a genuinely supportive culture. There is a real focus on collaboration, inclusion and continuous development, and people are trusted to take ownership, make decisions and shape how the business operates. I’ve found there are plenty of opportunities to learn, grow and get involved beyond your core role, while still being supported to balance performance with personal development. It’s a challenging environment in a positive way, with the scale of a global organisation but the ability to make a tangible impact.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Cummins?
My advice would be to take the time to network and explore the organisation beyond your immediate role or function. Building relationships across teams helps you understand how the business really works and where you can add the most value. Having a genuine interest in the business, its customers and its challenges makes a big difference, as does being curious and open to learning from others. Getting involved in wider initiatives, networks or development opportunities can really accelerate your growth and make the experience more rewarding.
