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: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and the chance to shape the future of manufacturing.
- 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: Extensive experience in multi-site manufacturing, transformation, and 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 West Bromwich employer: Nigel Wright Recruitment
As a Chief Operating Officer in this dynamic UK manufacturing organisation, you will be part of a transformative journey that prioritises integration and operational excellence. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that values continuous improvement and offers substantial opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that your contributions are recognised and rewarded. With a commitment to investing in its people and facilities, this role provides a unique chance to shape the future of a thriving multi-site operation in the food and beverage sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in West Bromwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that COO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their operations, challenges, and culture. We want you to walk in there with confidence and show them you’re the perfect fit for unifying their manufacturing operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully led teams through transformation and integration in the past. We believe that sharing real-life examples will help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. We’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that dream job.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in West Bromwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the 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 us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven integration and improved performance in previous roles, showing us your hands-on leadership style.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We want to see your calm and pragmatic approach in action. Use your application to demonstrate how you've successfully coached and challenged teams in the past, especially in a manufacturing context.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
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.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach, especially in integrating diverse teams and driving performance. Use specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led transformations or improved operations, highlighting your calm and pragmatic style.
✨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, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your actions.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement Mindset
Since the role focuses on embedding lean thinking and continuous improvement, come armed with examples of how you've implemented these practices in previous positions. Discuss the impact of these initiatives on profitability and team engagement to showcase your strategic mindset.