At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and drive growth in a high-precision engineering firm.
- Company: Established UK-based engineering and manufacturing business with over 50 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Confidential appointment with potential for substantial career advancement.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a significant impact on operational excellence and growth.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience in manufacturing or engineering sectors.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
High‑Precision Engineering & Manufacturing
Location: North Yorkshire
Hybrid role (2/3 days a week on site)
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.
- Translating revenue ambition into executable operational capacity.
Candidate Profile
- Senior operational leadership experience within manufacturing, engineering or industrial environments.
- Strong production and operations credibility, ideally within regulated or high‑reliability sectors.
- Proven experience leading capital‑intensive scale‑up businesses (sub‑£50m revenue preferred).
- 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 in Richmond employer: Evolution Consulting Partners
Join a well-established UK-based specialist engineering and manufacturing business with over 50 years of heritage, recognised for its engineering quality and long-term customer relationships. This hybrid role offers a dynamic work culture that fosters employee growth and operational excellence, providing opportunities to lead significant capital projects and drive the company’s ambitious growth targets in a supportive environment. With a commitment to health and safety and a focus on innovation, this is an excellent opportunity for a hands-on leader to make a meaningful impact in a thriving sector.
Contact Details:
Evolution Consulting Partners Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Confidential Appointment in Richmond
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Confidential Appointment in Richmond
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 Evolution Consulting Partners 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 Evolution Consulting Partners
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Evolution Consulting Partners, 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 Evolution Consulting Partners 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.
