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- Tasks: Lead global operations and drive performance improvements across diverse sectors.
- Company: Join a leading global manufacturing business focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunities for international travel.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a commitment to innovation and R&D investment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing company while making a real impact in renewable energy.
- Qualifications: Extensive senior leadership experience in manufacturing and proven change management skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
AIS is looking for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join our Executive Leadership Team and play a central role in shaping the next phase of our growth. We’re a listed, global manufacturing business serving the energy, defence, and automotive sectors. Increasingly, our work is supporting renewable energy and other sustainable industries, reflecting both our ambition and the future of our markets. With a record order book and consistent growth, we’re well positioned. Now we need a COO who can build on this momentum, someone who can bring clarity, pace, and discipline to our operations while supporting continued expansion across international markets. This is a hands-on leadership role with real breadth and influence.
You’ll be responsible for strengthening and evolving our global operations, ensuring we can scale efficiently while maintaining the quality and performance our customers expect. You’ll work closely with the CEO and wider leadership team to turn strategy into execution, driving performance across our sites and building an operating model that supports both organic growth and future acquisitions.
What you will do as our Chief Operating Officer?
- Lead operational improvement and transformation across all global sites
- Strengthen performance across engineering, procurement, supply chain, manufacturing, and project delivery
- Work closely with regional General Managers to deliver both local priorities and consistent group standards
- Support the integration of new businesses, balancing alignment with respect for what already works
- Drive improvements in efficiency, capacity, and margin without compromising quality or safety
- Build an operating model that is scalable, resilient, and fit for a growing international business
- Establish clear performance metrics and use data to inform decisions and track progress
- Partner with the CEO and Executive Team to deliver key strategic initiatives
What are we looking for in our Chief Operating Officer?
- Significant senior leadership experience within manufacturing, ideally in complex or project-based environments
- Proven track record of delivering change and improving operational performance
- Experience working in a global, multi-site organisation
- A pragmatic, hands-on approach and a visible leadership style
- The ability to engage and influence at every level, from senior stakeholders to frontline teams
- Experience integrating businesses, systems, and processes in a growing organisation
- The flexibility to travel regularly across our global sites
This role can be based at either our Gloucester or Skelmersdale location.
Our Vision
AIS is a global leader in the engineering, manufacture and application of insulation and passive fire protection systems, as well as buoyancy and SURF (subsea, umbilicals, risers and flowlines) products. Our advanced materials deliver mission-critical solutions for the energy, industrial, automotive, chemical and marine sectors.
Our vision
Our vision is to be globally recognised as the most technically advanced provider of fire protection, insulation and marine products, working closely with customers to deliver innovative, effective and sustainable solutions. Our purpose is to make the world a safer place by protecting life, infrastructure and vital assets on land and sea. Our mission is to harness our skills and knowledge to diversify and grow, combining bold thinking and world class expertise to create a range of products with strong appeal for individual markets, while forming part of an integrated family of solutions.
Who we are
AIS is a global leader in the engineering, manufacture and application of insulation and passive fire protection systems, as well as buoyancy and SURF (subsea, umbilicals, risers and flowlines) products. Our products deliver mission-critical solutions for the energy, industrial, automotive, chemical and marine sectors. Above all, we are driven by our commitment to meeting our clients’ unique and evolving needs. That’s why we invest 10% of our revenue into R&D year on year: to ensure that we are always a world-class authority when it comes to industry insight and innovation. We are experts in the manufacture and application of specialised technical coatings - including our syntactic phenolic resin-based foam thermal insulation materials. From our popular off-the-shelf products to bespoke all-in-one packages, we provide high-performance innovations for the world’s most challenging environments. From design and build to installation and maintenance, our clients count on us to deliver best-in-class service - and systems that perform, whatever the conditions.
Our values
- We are responsible. We use our influence wisely. We own our actions and are answerable for them.
- We are perceptive. We bring our experience and expertise to bear, always perceptive in spotting the right opportunities and then making them count.
- We are candid. We are open and straight-forward in our dealings with customers and amongst ourselves. We create honest relationships.
- We are fearless. There are no old paths to new directions. We believe in innovation and are fearless in our approach to problem solving.
Chief Operating Officer in Gloucester employer: AIS
Contact Detail:
AIS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Gloucester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. 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 values and how they align with yours. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of COO. Highlight your leadership style and how you've driven operational improvements in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Gloucester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the COO role. Highlight your experience in manufacturing and operational improvement, and show how your skills align with our vision of innovation and sustainability.
Showcase Leadership Experience: We want to see your significant senior leadership experience! Share specific examples of how you've driven change and improved performance in complex environments. This is your chance to shine!
Be Data-Driven: Since we value data-driven decision-making, include any metrics or KPIs you've used to track progress in your previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to establish clear performance metrics and drive results.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to shape our future.
How to prepare for a job interview at AIS
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into AIS's mission, values, and recent projects. Understand their focus on renewable energy and how they position themselves in the market. This knowledge will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a COO, your leadership style is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams through change and improved operational performance. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you engage with both senior stakeholders and frontline teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges, such as integrating new businesses or improving efficiency across global sites. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Emphasise Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role involves establishing performance metrics and using data to inform decisions, be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles. Share examples of how data analysis has led to successful outcomes in operational improvements or strategic initiatives.