At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and drive growth in a high-precision engineering firm.
- Company: Established UK-based engineering company with over 50 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership role, and opportunity for significant impact.
- Other info: Confidential appointment with potential for career advancement.
- Why this job: Be a key player in scaling operations and driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience in manufacturing or engineering.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 € per year.
We are working on a confidential basis with a well-established UK-based specialist engineering and manufacturing business. The company has over 50 years of heritage and supplies high-precision components and advanced engineered systems into aerospace, defence, space, medical and industrial markets. Operating within highly regulated, mission-critical environments, the business is recognised for its engineering quality, technical credibility and long-term customer relationships.
Following a multi-year operational transformation programme, the organisation has significantly strengthened quality, delivery, governance and profitability, and is now entering a phase of accelerated and profitable growth, targeting sustained c.25% year-on-year expansion.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a hands-on, commercially minded Chief Operating Officer (COO) to play a central role in scaling operations, embedding world-class operational discipline and enabling growth. Reporting to the Managing Director and working closely with the Board, the COO will act as the integrating force across production, operations, people, safety, capital investment and growth enablement.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational & Production Leadership
- Overall accountability for day-to-day operational performance across manufacturing and engineering.
- Senior escalation point for production and operations management.
- Ownership of monthly production targets aligned to budget and customer commitments.
- Driving throughput, efficiency, quality and delivery predictability.
- Capital Projects & Scale Enablement
- Leadership of major capital expenditure projects from business case through delivery.
- Ownership of a rolling multi-year capital investment plan aligned to growth ambitions.
- Ensuring infrastructure, systems and capacity are fit for scale.
- People, Organisation & Health & Safety
- Overall leadership of organisational effectiveness and HR governance.
- Reduction of operational friction through clarity of accountability and cadence.
- Ownership of Health & Safety strategy, compliance and culture across the business.
- Grants, Funding & External Programmes
- Identification and pursuit of grant and funding opportunities aligned to manufacturing and R&D.
- Oversight of grant delivery, reporting and compliance in conjunction with finance leadership.
- Commercial Enablement
- Supporting commercial teams by ensuring operational feasibility of growth plans.
Candidate Profile
- Senior operational leadership experience within manufacturing, engineering or industrial environments.
- Strong production and operations credibility, ideally within regulated or high-reliability sectors.
- Demonstrable track record of supporting or delivering c.25% year-on-year growth.
- Hands-on leadership style with the ability to operate from shop floor to board level.
- Experience with grants, funding programmes or R&D initiatives is advantageous.
Next Steps
This appointment is being managed on a strictly confidential basis. Further details will be shared following an initial discussion.
Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Confidential Appointment employer: Evolution Consulting Partners
As a leading player in high-precision engineering and manufacturing, this company offers an exceptional work environment characterised by a commitment to quality and innovation. Employees benefit from a culture that prioritises operational excellence and safety, alongside opportunities for professional growth through involvement in major capital projects and strategic initiatives. With a strong heritage and a clear vision for sustained growth, this organisation is an ideal place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in a dynamic and supportive setting.
Contact Detail:
Evolution Consulting Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Confidential Appointment
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that COO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their operations, challenges, and growth plans. We want you to walk in there ready to discuss how you can drive their success and scale their operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on leadership style! During discussions, share examples of how you've led teams through operational challenges and achieved significant growth. We need to see that you can operate from the shop floor to the boardroom.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re here to help you every step of the way in landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Confidential Appointment
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the COO role. Highlight your operational leadership experience and any achievements in driving growth, especially in manufacturing or engineering sectors.
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 role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved operational performance in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We want to know about your hands-on leadership approach! Describe how you engage with teams at all levels, from the shop floor to the boardroom, and how you foster a culture of safety and accountability.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Evolution Consulting Partners
✨Know Your Numbers
As a COO, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of operational metrics. Brush up on key performance indicators relevant to manufacturing and engineering, such as throughput, efficiency, and delivery predictability. Be ready to discuss how you've driven these metrics in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires a hands-on leadership approach. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead teams effectively, reduce operational friction, and foster a culture of safety and accountability. Think about specific situations where your leadership made a tangible difference.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company's heritage and its position within the aerospace, defence, and medical sectors. Being able to speak knowledgeably about industry trends and challenges will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company’s future growth.
✨Prepare for Capital Projects Discussion
Since you'll be leading major capital expenditure projects, be prepared to discuss your experience with similar initiatives. Highlight your ability to align investment plans with growth ambitions and ensure that infrastructure is ready for scaling operations.
