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- Tasks: Lead operational strategy and drive performance across a fast-growing, multi-site business.
- Company: Join ICE, the UK's largest independent provider of cleaning equipment with over 50 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health perks, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping operations and leading high-performing teams in a dynamic industry.
- Qualifications: Proven senior operations leadership experience and a strong commercial mindset.
- Other info: Opportunity to drive change and enhance customer experience in a market-leading company.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
This role is a combination of working on customer sites, at our operational locations in Peterborough, Southampton and Runcorn and remote working. We're open on location for the right individual.
About ICE: With over 50 years of experience, ICE is the UK's largest independent provider of cleaning equipment, supporting thousands of customer sites across sectors including retail, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing and education. We combine industry expertise with innovation - from traditional equipment to cutting-edge robotic cleaning solutions - while helping our customers meet their sustainability goals. As a fast-growing business, we offer real opportunity to shape strategy, drive change and make a lasting impact.
The Role: We're looking for a high-impact Chief Operating Officer to take ownership of operational performance across a fast-growing, market leading business. This is a pivotal executive role where you will shape and execute operational strategy, scale service delivery and drive performance across a complex, multi-site operation. Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will improve efficiency, enhance customer experience and support the next phase of growth with full accountability for delivering measurable results.
Key Responsibilities:
- Define and deliver operational strategy aligned to business growth
- Own service performance, KPIs and continuous improvement
- Act as senior escalation point for critical operational and customer issues
- Drive a culture of accountability, safety and operational excellence
- Lead the Service Delivery function through a team of managers
- Improve service quality, response times and customer satisfaction
- Use data and insight to identify risks, trends and opportunities
Operational Oversight:
- Own performance across regional hubs, ensuring efficiency, consistency and scalability
- Drive improvements in asset utilisation, inventory management and turnaround times
- Implement standardised processes for asset tracking, lifecycle management and quality control
Field Engineering & Technical Services:
- Lead nationwide field operations, ensuring high levels of productivity, safety and compliance
- Drive improvements in first-time fix rates, SLA performance and engineer utilisation
- Ensure consistent delivery of preventative maintenance, reactive repairs and compliance testing
Helpdesk & Scheduling:
- Oversee scheduling, resource planning and job allocation to maximise operational efficiency
- Improve response times, SLA adherence and customer communication
- Enhance systems and processes to increase visibility, accuracy and coordination
Parts & Smartcall:
- Ensure efficient parts supply, stock availability and supply chain performance
- Drive the development of Smartcall to improve remote diagnostics and reduce downtime
- Build strong supplier relationships to ensure cost control, quality and reliability
Training & Development:
- Own operational training strategy through the Training Service Delivery Managers
- Ensure workforce capability, compliance and ongoing technical development
- Align workforce development with operational goals and future business growth
About You:
- Proven senior operations leadership experience (COO/Operations Director level)
- Track record of improving performance, efficiency and scalability
- Strong commercial and strategic mindset
- Experience leading multi-site, service led operations
- Excellent leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills
- Experience in engineering, industrial cleaning equipment or service-based environments would be desirable
Why Join ICE?
- Highly competitive salary package
- Employee benefits that work for you: ICE Cube (Reward Gateway) - discounts and perks
- Health Shield & Digital GP access
- Private medical insurance
- Life Assurance
- Enhanced company pension scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Generous annual leave plus your birthday off each year
- Holiday Buy Back Scheme
- Long Service Awards
Are you ready to make an impact? Join a market-leading, growing business where you'll shape operations, lead high-performing teams and play a pivotal role in driving the future success of our business!
To Apply: If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for ICE, please do not hesitate to apply.
Chief Operating Officer employer: Industrial Cleaning Equipment Ltd (ICE)
Contact Detail:
Industrial Cleaning Equipment Ltd (ICE) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. 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 your own. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Chief Operating Officer role. Highlight your experience in operational leadership and how it aligns with ICE's goals. We want to see how you can make a real impact!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've improved performance or efficiency in previous roles. Use data and metrics where possible to demonstrate your success. We love numbers that tell a story!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits our culture and values, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what drives you. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of getting noticed, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at ICE!
How to prepare for a job interview at Industrial Cleaning Equipment Ltd (ICE)
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into ICE's history, values, and recent developments. Understanding their approach to innovation in cleaning solutions and sustainability will show your genuine interest and help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
As a COO, you'll likely face questions about handling operational challenges. Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've improved performance or resolved critical issues. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your leadership philosophy and how it aligns with driving a culture of accountability and operational excellence. Share examples of how you've led teams through change and improved service delivery, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that demonstrate your strategic thinking. Inquire about their future growth plans, how they measure success in service delivery, or what challenges they foresee in the next few years. This shows you're not just interested in the role but also in the company's future.