Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Full-Time 90000 - 120000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Adjacency Recruitment Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Drive operational excellence and fuel commercial growth in a fast-scaling business.
  • Company: Rapidly growing industrial manufacturing and service organisation based in Derbyshire.
  • Benefits: High-impact leadership role with competitive salary and growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Opportunity to engage with executives and influence strategic goals.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of a dynamic company while leading a high-performing culture.
  • Qualifications: Bachelor's degree in Business or related field; significant senior operational leadership experience.

The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.

Our client is a rapidly growing, industrial manufacturing and service organisation based in Derbyshire, who are now looking for a dynamic Chief Operating Officer to drive operational excellence, fuel commercial growth, and shape the future of a fast‑scaling UK business. You’ll play a pivotal role in tightening operations, boosting efficiency, and aligning the entire organisation to deliver ambitious growth targets in a competitive market. This is a high-impact leadership role for a results‑driven executive who can blend sharp strategy with hands‑on execution, while building a high‑performing, accountable culture.

As COO, you will lead the operational and commercial engine of the business. You’ll turn strategy into reality, strengthen governance, and deliver results through strong financial oversight and people leadership in a state‑of‑the‑art, industrial manufacturing and service focused environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Operational Leadership & Strategy
    • Lead all operational functions and drive day‑to‑day performance
    • Translate business strategy into clear, deliverable operational plans
    • Continuously improve processes to boost scalability, efficiency, and consistency
  • People Leadership & Performance
    • Inspire and lead senior operational teams and managers
    • Set high‑performance standards and track delivery against KPIs
    • Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
    • Champion leadership development and succession planning
  • Financial & Resource Management
    • Own operational budgets, costs, and resource allocation
    • Work closely with Finance on forecasting and planning
    • Ensure resources are focused on maximum impact and growth
  • Governance, Risk & Compliance
    • Maintain full compliance with UK employment law, health & safety, and regulatory standards
    • Proactively identify and mitigate operational risks
    • Strengthen governance, controls, and business continuity
  • Executive & Stakeholder Engagement
    • Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board
    • Partner with the executive team to align operations with strategic goals
    • Build strong relationships with key partners and suppliers
Qualifications & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Business, Operations, Finance or related field
  • MBA or postgraduate qualification is advantageous
  • Significant senior operational leadership experience
  • Strong commercial, strategic, and analytical capability
  • Proven track record operating in a UK focused manufacturing environment
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and decision‑making skills
Preferred
  • Experience in a similar industry
  • Exposure to digital transformation initiatives

Chief Operating Officer employer: Adjacency Recruitment Group

Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Derbyshire that fosters operational excellence and commercial growth. With a strong focus on leadership development and a culture of accountability, employees are empowered to drive meaningful change while enjoying competitive benefits and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Joining this rapidly growing industrial manufacturing and service organisation means being part of a high-performing team dedicated to shaping the future of the business in a supportive and innovative setting.

Adjacency Recruitment Group

Contact Details:

Adjacency Recruitment Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer

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 a COO role 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 challenges and think about how your experience can help them achieve their ambitious growth targets. Show them you’re the perfect fit!

Tip Number 3

Don’t just wait for job postings! Reach out directly to companies you admire, even if they’re not advertising COO roles. A proactive approach can set you apart and show your genuine interest in driving their operational excellence.

Tip Number 4

Apply through our website for a streamlined process! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our success.

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer

Operational Leadership
Strategic Planning
Process Improvement
Performance Management
Financial Oversight
Resource Allocation
Governance and Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Chief Operating Officer. Highlight your operational leadership experience and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can drive operational excellence and fuel commercial growth!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this high-impact leadership role. Share specific examples of how you've turned strategy into reality and built high-performing teams in the past.

Showcase Your Financial Acumen:Since financial oversight is key for this position, make sure to highlight your experience with budgets, forecasting, and resource allocation. We’re looking for someone who can ensure resources are focused on maximum impact and growth!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you in front of the right people quickly. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

How to prepare for a job interview at Adjacency Recruitment Group

Know the Company Inside Out

Before your interview, make sure you research the company thoroughly. Understand their products, services, and recent developments in the industrial manufacturing sector. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.

Prepare Your Leadership Examples

As a COO, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership skills. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, improved processes, or driven operational excellence. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Align Your Vision with Their Goals

During the interview, articulate how your vision for operational excellence aligns with the company's growth targets. Be ready to discuss how you would translate their business strategy into actionable plans and what metrics you would use to measure success.

Ask Insightful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask thoughtful questions. Inquire about their current challenges, future goals, and how they envision the COO's role in achieving those objectives. This shows that you're not just interested in the position, but also in contributing to the company's success.