At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational functions, drive efficiency, and improve manufacturing performance.
- Company: Established manufacturing business with a focus on quality and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, attractive bonus structure, hybrid working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant influence and career growth in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a transformative role that shapes the future of manufacturing.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience in manufacturing and proven track record of driving efficiency.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 € 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. To apply please send your CV, quoting our reference and specifying which website you saw this position advertised on. Due to the high volume of applications please accept that if we have not responded to your application within seven days, your application has not been successful.
Chief Operating Officer in Alfreton employer: Sewell Wallis Ltd
Sewell Wallis is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Alfreton where operational excellence and innovation are at the forefront of their manufacturing business. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides opportunities for hands-on leadership and transformation, alongside a competitive salary package and generous benefits including a hybrid working model and 36 days of holiday. Join a culture that values accountability, continuous improvement, and collaboration, making a meaningful impact on the future of manufacturing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Alfreton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the manufacturing sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a COO role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities that aren't advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s operational challenges and think about how you can address them. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the hands-on leader they need to drive their transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Alfreton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Operating Officer role. Highlight your experience in operational leadership, especially in manufacturing environments, and showcase any relevant achievements that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell your story! Explain why you're passionate about this role and how your skills can drive operational excellence. Be sure to mention your hands-on approach and ability to lead through change.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. We want to see your proactive problem-solving abilities and how you've improved efficiency or performance in past positions.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of all applicants.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sewell Wallis Ltd
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's history, values, and recent developments. Understanding their long-standing heritage in quality and their current transformation phase will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Hands-On Leadership Style
This role requires a highly engaged operational leader. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven operational performance and efficiency in previous roles, especially in fast-paced manufacturing environments.
✨Align Your Vision with Their Objectives
Prepare to discuss how you can build a scalable operational structure that supports future growth. Highlight your experience in aligning operational priorities with commercial demand and customer expectations.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Talk about your approach to fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Share strategies you've implemented to improve planning accuracy and workflow visibility, as these are crucial for the role.
