At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational functions and drive growth in a dynamic equipment hire business.
- Company: A successful, privately owned company with a stellar reputation for customer service.
- Benefits: Board-level role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to mentor teams and implement strategic improvements.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and shape the future of a thriving business.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior operational roles, ideally in asset-intensive environments.
The predicted salary is between 99000 - 121000 £ per year.
South-East UK | Executive Leadership Opportunity | Permanent
Our client is a highly successful, privately owned business operating within the specialist equipment hire sector. Having established an outstanding reputation for customer service and operational excellence, the business is now entering an exciting phase of growth.
With ambitious plans to significantly increase turnover over the next three years, they are seeking an experienced COO to join the Senior Leadership Team and play a pivotal role in delivering the next stage of their strategic journey.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, this is a board-level appointment with responsibility for leading all operational functions, including warehouse, workshop, transport, fleet and health & safety.
This is far more than an operational leadership role. You'll be responsible for building a scalable operating platform capable of supporting substantial business growth while driving improvements in productivity, profitability, customer experience and operational performance. Working alongside the wider leadership team, you'll help shape the long-term strategy of the business, ensuring operational excellence underpins continued commercial success.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the operational strategy to support ambitious growth plans.
- Lead warehouse, workshop, transport, fleet and health & safety functions across multiple sites.
- Improve operational efficiency, productivity and asset utilisation.
- Drive continuous improvement across systems, processes and performance.
- Develop and mentor a high-performing operational leadership team.
- Deliver measurable improvements in operational KPIs, customer service and commercial performance.
- Ensure robust governance, compliance and health & safety standards.
- Collaborate closely with Commercial, Finance and Digital teams to deliver business-wide improvements.
The Person
We are looking for an experienced operational leader with a proven ability to scale businesses within asset-intensive, multi-site environments.
You will bring:
- Experience as a COO, Operations Director, Head of Operations or equivalent senior leadership position.
- A background within tool hire, plant hire, equipment rental, specialist distribution or a comparable operational environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience managing operational budgets and improving profitability.
- High energy, dynamism and a proactive approach.
- A proven track record of operational transformation, continuous improvement and organisational growth.
- Excellent leadership skills with the ability to build engaged, high-performing teams.
- A visible, hands-on leadership style combined with strategic thinking and Board-level credibility.
Experience within a founder-led, private equity-backed or investment-ready business would be advantageous.
Chief Operating Officer in Luton employer: AUSTIN MATLEY
AUSTIN MATLEY is an exceptional employer that values its employees by fostering a collaborative work culture and providing ample opportunities for professional growth. Located in the vibrant UK manufacturing sector, the company offers competitive benefits and a clear path for career advancement, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their field.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Luton
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Chief Operating Officer at AUSTIN MATLEY!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like AUSTIN MATLEY or be willing to refer you for that Chief Operating Officer position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from AUSTIN MATLEY who’s on the lookout for their next Chief Operating Officer star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Chief Operating Officer role at AUSTIN MATLEY!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Luton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at AUSTIN MATLEY. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at AUSTIN MATLEY
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at AUSTIN MATLEY. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
