At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic development and operational excellence in a global manufacturing environment.
- Company: Join a century-old international leader in the PHAR manufacturing industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, life assurance, private medical insurance, and relocation assistance.
- Other info: Significant international travel and mentorship from the Group CEO await you.
- Why this job: This is your chance to step into a CEO-in-waiting role with clear progression.
- Qualifications: Extensive supply chain knowledge and proven leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 160000 € per year.
Our client is a century-old international manufacturer renowned for excellence in fittings and valves serving the Plumbing, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration (PHAR) industries. Operating production sites throughout Europe and maintaining a worldwide distribution presence across several continents. This pivotal appointment represents a CEO-in-waiting opportunity. The appointed individual will collaborate directly with the Group CEO, beginning with oversight of products, production operations, and supply chain performance, before progressively taking on commercial, sales, and marketing responsibilities leading to full Group stewardship. This position provides a defined route to the Group CEO role, contingent upon performance and Board endorsement. Significant international travel is required, alongside physical presence at the UK head office (located in Kingswinford, West Midlands) when not on the road.
Role Overview
- Strategic Development
- Monitor industry trends, legislative changes, and client needs across international territories
- Champion and support new product launches, portfolio expansions, and market-tailored offerings
- Discover and implement initiatives to boost revenue, enhance profitability, and lower fixed costs
- Drive the advancement of commercial and marketing approaches to stimulate growth and margin improvement
- Operational Excellence
- Develop comprehensive technical and commercial mastery of the product range and complete supply chain operations
- Enhance and streamline manufacturing performance across international production facilities in Poland, Spain, and Germany
- Champion cost management, on-time delivery, and operational productivity throughout the production network
- Cultivate and sustain robust partnerships with critical suppliers while safeguarding the Group's commercial position
- CEO Transition Preparation
- Operate in tight collaboration with the Group CEO to enable smooth leadership succession
- Progressively take ownership of Business Unit Directors and expanded commercial functions
- Exhibit growing competence to function at Group CEO standard during the assignment
- Leadership & Governance
- Deliver transparent guidance, ownership, and inspiration to international leadership teams
- Establish robust internal trust across technical, operational, and business functions
- Execute systematic weekly check-ins with direct reports and provide succinct monthly updates to the CEO and shareholders
- Develop lasting partnerships with principal customers, suppliers, and stakeholders through consistent interaction
- Represent the organization publicly with competence, credibility, and sound business judgment
Required Qualifications
- Travel: Prepared and capable of undertaking substantial international travel year-round across Europe and global regions
- Location: Available to work on-site at the UK head office (Kingswinford, West Midlands) during non-travel periods
- Supply Chain Mastery: Extensive knowledge of complete supply chain operations and enhancement
- Languages: English language proficiency is mandatory
- Leadership: Demonstrated capacity to direct international teams with precision, encouragement, and resolute defense of organizational interests
- Industry Experience: Established senior management background within the Plumbing, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration (PHAR) industries
- Education: Engineering degree or comparable professional credentials
- Manufacturing Expertise: Verified success in international production and distribution settings
- Commercial Acumen: Solid business, sales, and marketing credentials with capability to connect technical proficiency with revenue expansion
Preferred Qualifications
- Track record of effective CEO or executive-level transitions
- Competence in German, Italian, French, Spanish, or Polish languages is beneficial
- Background in shareholder relations and Board-level oversight
- Familiarity with family-controlled or private manufacturing organizations
Package & Benefits
- Life Assurance
- Car Allowance
- Private Medical Insurance
- Bonus Structure: Merit-based incentive program
- Pension Contribution: Company retirement plan
- Relocation Assistance: Offered for suitable candidates (terms to be established and confirmed)
- Compensation: Base Salary: £150,000 - £160,000 annually (flexible for outstanding candidates)
- Annual Leave: 25 days annually plus UK bank holidays
Career Development
- Direct mentorship and collaboration with sitting Group CEO
- Clear progression to Group CEO role within a two-year timeframe
- Guidance from Board of Directors during transition period
- Detailed integration and development program for initial 6-12 months
COO - PHAR Manufacturing #0209 in Kingswinford employer: Keller Executive Search
Join a century-old international manufacturer that champions excellence in the Plumbing, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration industries. With a strong commitment to employee growth, this role offers a clear pathway to Group CEO within two years, alongside competitive benefits such as private medical insurance, a merit-based bonus structure, and relocation assistance. Experience a dynamic work culture at our Kingswinford head office, where collaboration with the Group CEO and Board of Directors fosters professional development and leadership succession.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land COO - PHAR Manufacturing #0209 in Kingswinford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and let them know you're on the hunt for a COO role. Personal connections can often lead to opportunities that aren't even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, market position, and recent news. This will help you tailor your responses and show you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've driven operational excellence and led teams. Highlighting your experience in the PHAR industry will set you apart from other candidates.
✨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 connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace COO - PHAR Manufacturing #0209 in Kingswinford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the COO role. Highlight your experience in the PHAR industries and any relevant leadership roles you've held. We want to see how your background aligns with our client's needs!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your impact on revenue growth, operational excellence, or team leadership. This is your chance to shine, so let us know what you’ve accomplished!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our client’s team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Keller Executive Search
✨Know Your Industry Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Plumbing, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration (PHAR) industries. Research current trends, challenges, and innovations. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate how you can contribute to their strategic development.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous leadership roles and how you've successfully managed international teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've inspired and guided teams towards achieving operational excellence and commercial success.
✨Showcase Your Supply Chain Mastery
Since this role requires extensive knowledge of supply chain operations, come prepared with examples of how you've enhanced manufacturing performance or streamlined processes in past positions. Highlight any cost management initiatives you've led that resulted in improved profitability.
✨Be Ready for International Travel Discussions
Given the significant travel requirements, be prepared to discuss your flexibility and experience with international operations. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage logistics and maintain productivity while on the road.
