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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational strategy and drive performance across a fast-growing, multi-site business.
- Company: Join ICE, the UK's largest independent provider of cleaning equipment with over 50 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health perks, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping operations and leading high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: Proven senior operations leadership experience and strong strategic mindset required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth opportunities in a market-leading company.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
This role is a combination of working on customer sites, at our operational locations in Peterborough, Southampton and Runcorn and remote working. We are open on location for the right individual.
About ICE
With over 50 years of experience, ICE is the UK’s largest independent provider of cleaning equipment, supporting thousands of customer sites across sectors including retail, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing and education. We combine industry expertise with innovation - from traditional equipment to cutting-edge robotic cleaning solutions - while helping our customers meet their sustainability goals. As a fast-growing business, we offer real opportunity to shape strategy, drive change and make a lasting impact.
The Role
We are looking for a high-impact Chief Operating Officer to take ownership of operational performance across a fast-growing, market leading business. This is a pivotal executive role where you will shape and execute operational strategy, scale service delivery and drive performance across a complex, multi-site operation. Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will improve efficiency, enhance customer experience and support the next phase of growth with full accountability for delivering measurable results.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and deliver operational strategy aligned to business growth
- Own service performance, KPIs and continuous improvement
- Act as senior escalation point for critical operational and customer issues
- Drive a culture of accountability, safety and operational excellence
- Lead the Service Delivery function through a team of managers
- Improve service quality, response times and customer satisfaction
- Use data and insight to identify risks, trends and opportunities
Operational Oversight Hubs & Warehouse
- Own performance across regional hubs, ensuring efficiency, consistency and scalability
- Drive improvements in asset utilisation, inventory management and turnaround times
- Implement standardised processes for asset tracking, lifecycle management and quality control
Field Engineering & Technical Services
- Lead nationwide field operations, ensuring high levels of productivity, safety and compliance
- Drive improvements in first-time fix rates, SLA performance and engineer utilisation
- Ensure consistent delivery of preventative maintenance, reactive repairs and compliance testing
Helpdesk & Scheduling
- Oversee scheduling, resource planning and job allocation to maximise operational efficiency
- Improve response times, SLA adherence and customer communication
- Enhance systems and processes to increase visibility, accuracy and coordination
Parts & Smartcall
- Ensure efficient parts supply, stock availability and supply chain performance
- Drive the development of Smartcall to improve remote diagnostics and reduce downtime
- Build strong supplier relationships to ensure cost control, quality and reliability
Training & Development
- Own operational training strategy through the Training Service Delivery Managers
- Ensure workforce capability, compliance and ongoing technical development
- Align workforce development with operational goals and future business growth
About You
- Proven senior operations leadership experience (COO/Operations Director level)
- Track record of improving performance, efficiency and scalability
- Strong commercial and strategic mindset
- Experience leading multi-site, service led operations
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience in engineering, industrial cleaning equipment or service-based environments would be desirable
Why Join ICE?
- Highly competitive salary package
- Employee benefits that work for you: ICE Cube (Reward Gateway) - discounts and perks
- Health Shield & Digital GP access
- Private medical insurance
- Life Assurance
- Enhanced company pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Generous annual leave plus your birthday off each year
- Holiday Buy Back Scheme
- Long Service Awards
Are you ready to make an impact? Join a market-leading, growing business where you will shape operations, lead high-performing teams and play a pivotal role in driving the future success of our business!
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for ICE, please do not hesitate to apply.
Chief Operating Officer in Southampton) employer: Ad Warrior Ltd
Contact Detail:
Ad Warrior Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Southampton)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their operational strategies and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the COO role. Keep it concise but impactful, focusing on your ability to drive performance and lead teams.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Southampton)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Operating Officer role. Highlight your experience in operational leadership and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can make an impact!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for ICE. Share your vision for operational excellence and how your background aligns with our goals. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, emphasise your leadership experience and how you've driven performance improvements in previous roles. We’re looking for someone who can lead high-performing teams, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team at ICE!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ad Warrior Ltd
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into ICE's history, values, and recent developments. Understanding their commitment to sustainability and innovation in cleaning solutions will help you align your answers with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a COO, your leadership experience is crucial. Prepare specific examples of how you've improved operational performance and driven change in previous roles. Highlight your ability to lead multi-site operations and enhance customer satisfaction.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage critical operational issues or improve service delivery. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Inquire about their future growth plans, how they measure success in operational performance, or what challenges they foresee in the industry. This shows your genuine interest and strategic mindset.