Jamie Dempster is Senior Operations Readiness Manager at Ocean Winds, commuting between Edinburgh and Buckie while based in St Andrews. Ocean Winds is at the forefront of offshore wind development, driving the energy transition through innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. Jamie’s journey into the sector is shaped by a lifelong passion for engineering, a love of sport and the outdoors, and a commitment to building a sustainable future.
“Every day is a day for learning and improving – the industry we work in is constantly pioneering.”
Growing up in Fife, Scotland, Jamie was always drawn to sport, music, and the outdoors. From football and golf to snowboarding in the Alps, the thrill of continuous improvement and pushing personal limits became a lifelong theme. Inspired by Scotland’s rich engineering heritage and the marvel of structures like the Forth Rail Bridge, Jamie set his sights on a career that would challenge, inspire, and offer the chance to make a difference.
After studying Chemical Engineering at Strathclyde in Glasgow and completing an MBA via distance learning, Jamie embarked on an international career based in Aberdeen and Paris. Early roles included developing corrosion and erosion models at iicorr and working on the £10 billion BP Azeri-Chirag-Guneshli project in Azerbaijan, gaining deep experience across oil and gas platforms.
A move to GDF Suez (later Engie) opened doors to work across Europe and Asia, rolling out asset management frameworks and supporting operations readiness. In Paris, Jamie transitioned into offshore wind, applying oil and gas expertise to help grow Engie’s offshore wind business – a journey that led to the formation of Ocean Winds, a joint venture with EDP Renewables.
Now based in St Andrews and commuting between Edinburgh and Buckie, Jamie serves as Senior Operations Readiness Manager at Ocean Winds. After leading the transition of Moray West from construction to steady-state operations, the focus has shifted to long-term strategy for UK Asset Hubs – Moray East, Moray West, and Caledonia – and developing the next generation of talent.
Among many proud achievements, the rapid delivery of Moray West stands out. Jamie led the Operations and Maintenance package, including the design and build of a cutting-edge Operations Base in Buckie. Collaborating with local businesses and councils and recruiting a high-calibre team from the local community, the project is a source of inspiration for future generations in offshore wind.
Looking ahead, Jamie believes the energy transition requires humility, collaboration, and a long-term vision – “not just a five-year political term, but a 50 to 100 year plan for our children’s children.” The industry’s future is bright, driven by growing demand, technological innovation, and the dedication of its people.
For those considering a career in energy, Jamie offers this advice: “If you like problem solving and being mentally and physically challenged, this is the industry for you. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities to learn.”
For more information on Ocean Winds visit: Ocean Winds | Offshore Wind Energy
Share this article
