At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead manufacturing and operational activities, driving excellence and efficiency.
- Company: Join Ash & Lacy, a family-owned UK manufacturing group with a strong heritage.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, bonus, car allowance, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic impact and career growth in a financially stable company.
- Why this job: Shape the future of operations in a world-class manufacturing environment.
- Qualifications: Strong background in manufacturing leadership, ideally in automotive or metal fabrication.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Ash & Lacy is a family-owned, UK manufacturing and engineering group, with a turnover of c.£80m, and 350 employees. Operating across multiple sites, the business supplies high-quality, precision-engineered solutions to the construction and automotive sectors, underpinned by a strong heritage in metal manufacturing and fabrication.
The Group has built a reputation for technical expertise, product quality and reliable delivery, serving a diverse customer base that includes all the major luxury and sports car manufacturers in Europe, contractors, and industrial clients. Its capabilities span both high-volume production and more complex, engineered solutions, enabling it to compete effectively across a range of demanding end markets.
Looking ahead, Ash & Lacy is entering a significant phase of operational transformation and strategic development. This programme is focused on driving greater integration across its manufacturing footprint, alongside increased investment in automation, digital manufacturing technologies and lean processes. The goal is to enhance productivity, improve planning and capacity utilisation, and strengthen overall operational performance – enabling the group to move from an SME to being a world-class manufacturing business.
Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead all manufacturing and operational activities across the group, driving operational excellence, productivity, efficiency, and cultural improvement. Responsible for implementing and embedding lean manufacturing disciplines across all operations, you will drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on waste reduction, flow, OEE and labour productivity. By identifying and implementing automation opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce operational cost, you will help shape the future operational structure of the group, as operations become increasingly consolidated and technologically advanced.
You will have a strong background in manufacturing and operations leadership within a high-volume, lean environment – ideally with experience of automotive Tier 1 / Tier 2 manufacturing, or metal forming, fabrication and CNC machining experience. Ideally degree educated, in an engineering or business discipline, you will have a demonstrable track record of driving modernisation and improvement programmes across an organisation that has a broad mix of traditional and modern engineering capital equipment and processes.
This role is both strategic and hands-on, and requires a commercially aware operational leader capable of delivering measurable improvements. It represents a rare opportunity to join a financially stable, family-owned manufacturing group, with long term ambitions, significant investment appetite, and genuine operational transformation potential.
Chief Operating Officer employer: Ash & Lacy
Ash & Lacy is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead operational transformation within a family-owned manufacturing group renowned for its technical expertise and commitment to quality. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and continuous improvement, supported by attractive benefits including a competitive salary, bonus, and car allowance. Located in the UK, Ash & Lacy is poised for significant advancements in automation and digital technologies, making it an exciting place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the manufacturing sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Ash & Lacy, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Ash & Lacy specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ash & Lacy
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Ash & Lacy, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Ash & Lacy value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
