Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational functions and drive performance across engineering and project delivery.
- Company: Join a dynamic, private equity-backed design and engineering business in a growth phase.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, executive incentives, and the chance to shape the company's future.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-impact role that champions continuous improvement and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior operational leadership within engineering or manufacturing is essential.
- Other info: Work closely with experienced investors and a collaborative senior leadership team.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 100000 £ per year.
A well established, private equity backed design/engineering/installation business is looking for a dynamic and experienced Chief Operating Officer to join its senior leadership team. Specialising in complex, project based delivery, the company is entering an exciting phase of strategic growth and operational transformation.
This is a high-impact, hands on leadership role for an operational expert with a track record of driving efficiency, building scalable systems, and enabling profitable growth—ideally within a private equity or high-growth environment.
The Opportunity
As Chief Operating Officer, you will play a central role in ensuring that the business delivers on its commercial and customer commitments. From operational strategy to frontline execution, you’ll have end-to-end responsibility for driving performance across engineering, manufacturing, project delivery, and supply chain functions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all operational functions across engineering, project delivery, production, and logistics.
- Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with the company’s growth and performance objectives.
- Implement and improve systems, processes, and KPIs to drive quality, efficiency, and scalability.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence.
- Work closely with the executive team and private equity partners to support value creation plans.
- Oversee resource planning, supply chain performance, health & safety, and compliance.
- Support the delivery of complex, multi-site projects, ensuring on-time, on-budget outcomes.
- Drive operational readiness for new product/service introductions and market expansions.
About You
- Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role within an engineering, manufacturing, or project-based business.
- Demonstrable success in scaling operations and improving performance across complex environments.
- Experience in a private equity-backed or high-growth setting is strongly preferred.
- Deep understanding of project delivery, supply chain, production, and quality systems.
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Commercially astute, process-driven, and highly pragmatic in approach.
- Excellent communication, planning, and organisational skills.
- Sharply intelligent with the curiosity to question the status quo.
What’s on Offer
- Key leadership role in a business at a pivotal stage of growth and transformation.
- Significant scope to shape the operational future of the organisation.
- Competitive salary and executive incentive package aligned with performance and growth.
- Opportunity to work closely with experienced investors and a collaborative senior leadership team.
Contact Detail:
SF Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the engineering and manufacturing sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with individuals who may have insights into the company or the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company's recent projects and operational strategies. Understanding their current challenges and successes will help you tailor your discussions during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've driven efficiency and scalability in previous roles. Highlighting measurable outcomes will showcase your ability to deliver results in a similar environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with private equity dynamics, especially how they influence operational decisions. This knowledge will position you as a candidate who understands the unique challenges and opportunities within a private equity-backed business.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in operational leadership, particularly within engineering or project-based environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your success in driving efficiency and scaling operations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Discuss how your background aligns with their needs, especially your experience in private equity-backed or high-growth settings. Be sure to mention your leadership style and how it can contribute to their operational transformation.
Highlight Relevant Achievements: When detailing your work history, focus on achievements that showcase your ability to implement systems and processes that drive quality and efficiency. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact, such as improvements in performance or cost savings.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership and people management skills throughout your application. Provide examples of how you've influenced teams and driven a culture of continuous improvement in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Operational Expertise
As a Chief Operating Officer, it's crucial to demonstrate your deep understanding of operational strategies. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully driven efficiency and scalability in complex environments.
✨Align with Company Goals
Research the company's current growth phase and strategic objectives. During the interview, articulate how your experience aligns with their goals, particularly in project delivery and operational transformation.
✨Emphasise Leadership Skills
Highlight your leadership style and how it fosters a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Be ready to share instances where you've influenced teams at all levels to achieve operational excellence.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in real-time. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles and how you navigated them, especially in high-pressure situations or during significant organisational changes.
