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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational functions and drive performance across engineering, manufacturing, and project delivery.
- Company: Join a dynamic, private equity-backed design and engineering business in a growth phase.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, executive incentives, and the chance to shape the company's future.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal leadership role with significant impact on operational excellence and growth.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior operational roles within engineering or project-based businesses is essential.
- Other info: Work closely with experienced investors and a collaborative senior leadership team.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
A well established, private equity backed design/engineering/installation business is looking for a dynamic and experienced Chief Operating Officer to join its senior leadership team. Specialising in complex, project based delivery, the company is entering an exciting phase of strategic growth and operational transformation.
This is a high-impact, hands on leadership role for an operational expert with a track record of driving efficiency, building scalable systems, and enabling profitable growth—ideally within a private equity or high-growth environment.
The Opportunity
As Chief Operating Officer, you will play a central role in ensuring that the business delivers on its commercial and customer commitments. From operational strategy to frontline execution, you’ll have end-to-end responsibility for driving performance across engineering, manufacturing, project delivery, and supply chain functions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all operational functions across engineering, project delivery, production, and logistics.
- Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with the company’s growth and performance objectives.
- Implement and improve systems, processes, and KPIs to drive quality, efficiency, and scalability.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence.
- Work closely with the executive team and private equity partners to support value creation plans.
- Oversee resource planning, supply chain performance, health & safety, and compliance.
- Support the delivery of complex, multi-site projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget outcomes.
- Drive operational readiness for new product/service introductions and market expansions.
About You
- Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role within an engineering, manufacturing, or project-based business.
- Demonstrable success in scaling operations and improving performance across complex environments.
- Experience in a private equity-backed or high-growth setting is strongly preferred.
- Deep understanding of project delivery, supply chain, production, and quality systems.
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Commercially astute, process-driven, and highly pragmatic in approach.
- Excellent communication, planning, and organisational skills.
- Sharply intelligent with the curiosity to question the status quo.
What’s on Offer
- Key leadership role in a business at a pivotal stage of growth and transformation.
- Significant scope to shape the operational future of the organisation.
- Competitive salary and executive incentive package aligned with performance and growth.
- Opportunity to work closely with experienced investors and a collaborative senior leadership team.
Contact Detail:
SF Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the private equity and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who can provide insights or even referrals for the Chief Operating Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company thoroughly, focusing on their recent projects and operational strategies. Understanding their current challenges and successes will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in scaling operations and driving efficiency. Be ready to share specific examples that demonstrate your impact in similar roles, especially within high-growth environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style and how it aligns with a culture of continuous improvement. Be prepared to articulate how you would foster accountability and operational excellence within the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in operational leadership, particularly within engineering or project-based environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in driving efficiency and scaling operations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs, especially your experience in private equity-backed or high-growth settings. Be sure to mention your leadership style and how it fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Highlight Key Achievements: When detailing your previous roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. For instance, mention any successful projects you led, improvements in KPIs, or operational strategies you implemented that resulted in significant growth or efficiency gains.
Showcase Communication Skills: Given the importance of communication in this role, ensure your application reflects your strong communication skills. Use clear and concise language, and consider including examples of how you've effectively influenced stakeholders at all levels in your past positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Chief Operating Officer, your leadership skills are paramount. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven operational improvements in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
The company is looking for someone who can develop and execute operational strategies. Prepare to share your approach to strategic planning and how you've aligned operations with business goals in the past.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Skills
In a high-growth environment, challenges will arise. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex problems, improved processes, and implemented scalable systems to enhance efficiency.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the company's current projects and future goals. Showing that you understand their vision and how you can contribute to their growth will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
