At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and integrate operational functions to drive efficiency and performance in manufacturing.
- Company: Established manufacturing business with a strong heritage in quality.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus structure, pension scheme, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Hybrid working after initial onboarding; opportunity for career growth and influence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational excellence and drive transformation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Significant senior operational leadership experience in manufacturing or product-led environments.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 100000 £ per year.
Sewell Wallis is exclusively partnering with a manufacturing business based in Alfreton with a long-standing heritage in quality, who are looking for a Chief Operations Officer. Operating as a vertically integrated business with manufacturing at the heart of their identity, operational excellence is critical to their long-term success. They are entering an important phase of transformation focused on improving efficiency, strengthening operational discipline, modernising infrastructure, and building a scalable manufacturing operation capable of supporting future growth.
This is not a traditional operational oversight role. It requires a highly engaged, hands-on operational leader who can bring structure, pace, accountability, and proactive problem-solving across the business.
What will you be doing?
- Lead and integrate all operational functions across the business
- Drive operational performance, efficiency, and execution across manufacturing and production operations
- Build a scalable operational structure capable of supporting future business growth
- Ensure operational priorities align with commercial demand, customer expectations, and business objectives
- Create a culture of accountability, pace, ownership, and continuous improvement across operational teams
- Take ownership of operational KPIs, workflow performance, and delivery standards
- Support the business in becoming increasingly production-ready and operationally scalable
- Improve planning accuracy, workflow visibility, and production coordination
- Align operational planning with sales forecasts, customer demand, production capacity, workforce availability and material availability
- Work closely with Commercial and Finance teams to improve forecasting discipline and cross-functional planning
- Lead a wider cultural shift towards proactive quality accountability across manufacturing operations, ensuring managers take ownership of individual and departmental quality performance
- Work closely with Production, Technical, and Quality teams to strengthen manufacturing standards, improve consistency, and embed preventative quality controls
- Support and empower the Quality team to act as strategic operational partners, driving improvement projects, coaching operational teams, and influencing long-term behavioural change across manufacturing
- Embed stronger quality reporting, accountability, and performance visibility across operational functions
- Coach, develop, and support Heads of Department across operations
- Support disciplined operational investment and resource allocation
- Provide leadership across IT, systems, site, and facilities functions
- Ensure capital expenditure decisions are commercially justified and operationally effective
- Balance short-term operational priorities with long-term manufacturing sustainability
- Improve machinery utilisation and operational asset management
- Lead regular operational reviews focused on: production status, delivery performance, operational risks, workforce planning and quality performance
- Ensure robust KPI tracking, reporting, and operational governance disciplines are embedded throughout the business
What skills are we looking for?
- Significant senior operational leadership experience within manufacturing or product-led environments
- Proven track record of: improving manufacturing performance, leading operational transformation, driving operational efficiency, improving planning and workflow management and building scalable operational capability
- Strong experience across: production, manufacturing, operational planning, operational leadership and infrastructure and systems
- Experience operating within complex, fast-paced manufacturing environments
- Previous experience leading operational teams through change and performance improvement
- Experience working closely with commercial, finance, technical, and supply chain functions
- SME, owner-led, or vertically integrated manufacturing experience highly desirable
What's on offer?
- c.£75,000 + realistic and attractive bonus structure to achieve an OTE of £100k+
- Pension salary sacrifice scheme
- Initially office-based (first 3-6 months) to embed into the business
- Hybrid working thereafter (minimum 2 days per week in the office)
- 36 days holiday (including public holidays)
If you're looking for a role where you can genuinely influence business performance, drive operational discipline, and make a measurable impact, we would welcome a confidential conversation. Apply for this role below or contact Sue for more information.
Chief Operating Officer employer: Sewell Moorhouse Recruitment
Sewell Wallis is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Alfreton where operational excellence and innovation are at the forefront of our manufacturing business. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for hands-on leadership and transformation, alongside a competitive salary package, hybrid working options, and generous holiday allowances. Join us to be part of a culture that values accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration, ensuring you can make a meaningful impact on our journey towards scalable success.
Contact Details:
Sewell Moorhouse Recruitment Recruitment 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 relevant events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how personal connections can open doors that applications alone can’t.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their operations, challenges, and culture. We want you to walk in confident, ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on leadership style during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational efficiency and transformation in past roles. We believe real-world stories resonate more than just buzzwords.
✨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. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate candidates who want to make a difference.
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 to highlight your relevant experience in operational leadership and manufacturing. We want to see how your skills align with the specific needs of the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We’re looking for a hands-on leader who can bring structure and proactive solutions, so share those success stories that demonstrate your ability to drive operational efficiency.
Highlight Your Leadership Experience:Since this role involves coaching and developing teams, make sure to emphasise your leadership style and any experience you have in guiding teams through change. We want to know how you create a culture of accountability and continuous improvement!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to join a company that values operational excellence!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sewell Moorhouse Recruitment
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's history, values, and recent developments. Understand their manufacturing processes and how they align with operational excellence. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you tailor your responses to demonstrate how you can drive their transformation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Chief Operating Officer, your leadership approach is crucial. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams through change and improved operational performance. Highlight your hands-on experience and how you foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
✨Align with Their Vision
Make sure you understand the company's goals for operational efficiency and scalability. During the interview, articulate how your previous experiences can directly contribute to achieving these objectives. Discuss strategies you've implemented in the past that align with their focus on modernising infrastructure and improving workflow management.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex situations. Prepare scenarios where you've successfully navigated operational challenges or improved KPIs. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly and effectively.
