At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and integrate operational functions to drive efficiency and performance in manufacturing.
- Company: Heritage manufacturing business focused on quality and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, attractive bonus structure, pension scheme, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Hybrid working model after initial onboarding; opportunity for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on operational transformation and future growth in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Significant senior operational leadership experience in manufacturing and proven track record of driving efficiency.
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 Operations Architect—Scalable Manufacturing 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 its manufacturing operations. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, providing opportunities for hands-on leaders to make a significant impact while enjoying competitive benefits such as a generous holiday allowance and a realistic bonus structure. Join a team that values collaboration and proactive problem-solving, ensuring you play a pivotal role in shaping the future of scalable manufacturing.
Contact Details:
Sewell Moorhouse Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operations Architect—Scalable Manufacturing
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Chief Operations Architect role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their operational challenges and think about how you can bring structure and efficiency to their processes. Show them you’re the hands-on leader they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your problem-solving skills! Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've improved operational performance or led transformation. They’ll want to see your proactive approach in action.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in your job search journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operations Architect—Scalable Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operational leadership and manufacturing. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Chief Operations Architect—Scalable Manufacturing.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've improved operational performance or led successful transformations. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for a hands-on leader, so don’t hesitate to express your passion for operational excellence and your proactive problem-solving approach.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sewell Moorhouse Recruitment
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operational structure and recent changes. Understand their manufacturing processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of improving efficiency and building a scalable operation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've led teams through change and improved performance in previous roles. Highlight your hands-on approach and how you foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement within operational teams.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the company’s long-term goals and transformation plans. During the interview, articulate how your vision for operational excellence can support their objectives, particularly in aligning operational priorities with commercial demand and customer expectations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think of challenges you've faced in manufacturing environments and how you overcame them, especially regarding workflow management and quality control.
