Our customers include blue-chip organisations across the semiconductor, quantum technology, electronics, aerospace, automotive, medical and pharmaceutical sectors throughout the UK, Europe, USA and Asia.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help lead the next phase of business growth and organisational development at MSL.
This is a high-impact leadership role within a specialist engineering business serving some of the world’s most technically demanding industries.
The COO will be a key strategic partner to the Managing Director with responsibility for designing and executing business strategies across manufacturing, digital, strategic projects, installations, supply chain, logistics and quality.
The role combines manufacturing leadership with oversight of complex technical project delivery and customer installations. The successful candidate will be KPI led and drive operational transformation and excellence, scalability and delivery performance while supporting continued business growth.
The COO will work closely with Sales, Technical & Engineering, and Finance teams to ensure operational capability aligns with customer demand, commercial objectives and strategic priorities.
This role is based in Kent and requires regular onsite presence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Partner with the Managing Director to design and execute business strategies that drive profitable growth and market expansion
- Lead cross-functional transformation initiatives, including digital adoption, systems implementation, change management
- Review, develop and manage operational KPIs including OTIF, lead times, utilisation, quality, margin performance and delivery reliability
- Lead all operational functions across manufacturing, projects, installations, logistics, supply chain and quality and spearhead continuous improvement initiatives across departments
- Assess existing internal operations, identify bottlenecks, and re-engineer processes to improve efficiency, productivity, and scalability
- Ensure operational delivery supports company growth targets and profitability objectives
- Drive business efficiency, continuous improvement and scalable business processes
- Develop and maintain effective production planning, scheduling and resource management systems
- Oversee project delivery performance, ensuring projects are completed safely, on time and within budget
- Support development of low-volume, high-complexity manufacturing capability
- Work closely with Sales and Technical & Engineering teams to ensure business feasibility of customer commitments
- Lead ERP, systems and operational infrastructure improvements
- Mentor, develop, and lead a team of high-performing directors, department managers and middle management teams
- Align organisational structure with business growth, overseeing recruitment and organisational scaling
- Collaborate closely with the Managing Director and Senior Leadership Team to manage budgeting, financial planning, and forecasting in support of growth
- Ensure compliance with health & safety, ISO standards and operational governance requirements
- Senior operational leadership experience within engineering, manufacturing or technical project delivery environments (10+ years)
- Proven ability to improve performance and scale manufacturing capability
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chain, quality systems and project delivery
- Experience managing complex customer requirements and demanding delivery schedules
- Strong commercial awareness with understanding of margin, forecasting and operational financial performance
- Proven experience leading transformation and change initiatives within fast-paced, high-growth environments, with the ability to drive organisational change, improve processes, and support business scaling objectives
- Experience implementing scalable organisation systems and processes
- Experience with ERP/MRP systems and business reporting
- Strong leadership, communication and people management capability
- Ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced SME environment
- Exposure to semiconductor, defence, aerospace, medical or other high-specification sectors
- Experience in precision manufacturing, fabrication or advanced materials
- Knowledge of regulated or export-controlled environments
- Hands-on and execution-focused leadership style
- Strong organisational and problem-solving capability
- Data-driven and commercially minded: strong ability to interpret enterprise performance metrics, evaluate data, and make sound, decisive decisions
- Collaborative and able to build effective cross-functional relationships
- Committed to continuous improvement and customer delivery excellence
- Competitive executive salary and performance related bonus
- Long-term growth opportunity within a specialist technology business
• Competitive executive salary
• Annual performance bonus based on company and personal performance
• BUPA Health cover
• Competitive holiday entitlement
• Generous pension scheme with enhanced contributions
Chief Operating Officer in Kent employer: Magnetic Shields Limited
Magnetic Shields Limited is an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration, making it an ideal place for an Engineering Manager to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we offer continuous professional development opportunities and a supportive work environment that values safety and efficiency. Located in a vibrant area, our team enjoys a dynamic workplace where creativity meets technical excellence, ensuring meaningful contributions to cutting-edge projects.
