At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and unify UK manufacturing operations for improved performance and integration.
- Company: Dynamic UK manufacturing organisation with a focus on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Opportunity to shape strategy, competitive salary, and career advancement.
- Other info: Join a forward-thinking team committed to continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming operations and driving success across multiple sites.
- Qualifications: Senior manufacturing experience in food or beverage sectors with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 € per year.
The opportunity is a senior operational leadership role at a pivotal stage in the development of a UK manufacturing organisation. The business has grown through acquisition and now operates multiple established production sites, each with strong local capability and long‑tenured teams. Having reached a strategic inflection point, the focus is on moving from successful, independently run sites to a fully integrated UK operation with consistent standards, shared ways of working and improved year‑round performance.
Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Chief Operating Officer will hold full accountability for manufacturing performance across the UK. This newly created role exists to unify operations, strengthen integration capability and raise expectations across the leadership team. It requires a visible, hands‑on leader who can balance group priorities with site realities and deliver tangible results through people, process and disciplined execution.
Key accountabilities:- Lead and align all UK manufacturing operations under a consistent operating model and performance framework.
- Drive group‑level decision‑making, reducing siloed and site‑led optimisation.
- Improve base profitability and reduce reliance on seasonal volume peaks.
- Embed practical continuous improvement and lean thinking, with a focus on capability, mindset and asset utilisation.
- Lead the integration of existing and future acquisitions across systems, processes, culture and leadership.
- Coach and challenge experienced site leaders with differing styles and legacy practices.
This role will suit a senior manufacturing leader from food or beverage manufacturing with considerable experience across multi‑site operations, transformation and integration. You will bring strong commercial judgement, emotional intelligence and the confidence to challenge constructively. Your leadership style is calm, pragmatic and delivery‑focused, with credibility on the shop floor and at executive level. This is a newly created role that offers you the opportunity to create and develop an effective manufacturing strategy for a UK multi-site food manufacturing business that is continuing to grow, invest and expand for the future.
Chief Operating Officer in Birmingham employer: Nigel Wright Recruitment
As a Chief Operating Officer in this dynamic UK manufacturing organisation, you will be part of a forward-thinking team that values innovation and collaboration. The company fosters a culture of continuous improvement and offers robust opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that your contributions are recognised and rewarded. With a commitment to integrating operations across multiple sites, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the business while enjoying the benefits of working in a supportive environment that prioritises employee development and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant 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 operations and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style during interviews. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams through change and integration in the past. Use specific examples that highlight your calm, pragmatic approach and ability to deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Chief Operating Officer role. Highlight your experience in multi-site operations and transformation, as this is key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell a story about your leadership style and how you've successfully integrated operations in the past. We want to see your personality shine through while keeping it professional.
Showcase Results:When detailing your achievements, focus on tangible results you've delivered in previous roles. Use metrics where possible to demonstrate your impact on profitability and operational efficiency.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team at this exciting time.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nigel Wright Recruitment
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's history, values, and recent developments. Understand their operational challenges and how they align with your experience in multi-site manufacturing. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to contribute meaningfully.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach, especially in terms of integrating diverse teams and driving performance. Use specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led transformations or improved operations. This will highlight your capability to unify operations across multiple sites.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of scenarios where you've had to balance group priorities with site realities. Practising these responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement Mindset
Given the focus on lean thinking and continuous improvement, be ready to discuss how you've implemented these principles in previous roles. Share specific strategies you've used to enhance efficiency and profitability, as this will resonate well with the interviewers' expectations.
