At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform operations in a growing engineering and manufacturing business.
- Company: Established SME with a focus on performance and team building.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and the chance to shape the operational future.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for significant career growth.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact and build a high-performing business.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in manufacturing and proven operational improvements.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
A well-established and growing engineering and manufacturing business is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead and transform its end-to-end operations.
Type: Full-time, Permanent or Interim to Perm can be considered.
Reporting to: Managing Director / Owner
The Opportunity
This is a pivotal, hands-on leadership role within an SME environment ideal for a commercially minded operations leader who thrives on driving performance, building teams, and delivering measurable results. You will take ownership of the full operational lifecycle from design through to delivery, ensuring excellence across manufacturing, quality, supply chain, and systems, while embedding a high-performance culture.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and execute operational strategy aligned with business goals
- Drive improvements across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Cash
- Optimise manufacturing performance, flow, and throughput
- Strengthen design-to-manufacture processes and cross-functional collaboration
- Enhance quality systems, compliance, and right-first-time culture
- Develop supplier performance and supply chain resilience
- Build, coach, and lead a high-performing leadership team
- Implement practical, SME-fit systems (ERP/MRP, KPIs, planning tools)
- Act as a senior interface for key customers and stakeholders
What Success Looks Like
- Improved OTIF and reduced lead times
- Higher productivity and operational efficiency
- Reduced scrap, rework, and cost of poor quality
- Stronger working capital and inventory control
- Engaged, accountable, and capable leadership team
About You
You are a modern, pragmatic operations leader who can bring structure and discipline without overcomplicating. You will likely bring:
- Senior leadership experience in manufacturing (Ops Director / Head of Ops / Plant Manager / GM)
- Proven track record of delivering measurable operational improvements
- Strong understanding of fabrication, assembly, and engineered production environments
- Experience leading cross-functional teams across production, engineering, quality, and supply chain
- A hands-on, visible leadership style with strong commercial judgement
- Experience in high-integrity or regulated sectors (e.g. aerospace, defence, oil & gas) and Lean/CI methodologies would be advantageous.
Remuneration package is competitive and will be in line with the successful applicant's experience and skills.
Why Apply?
This is a rare opportunity to step into a true COO-level role within a dynamic SME, where you can make a tangible impact, shape the operational future, and build a scalable, high-performing business.
Chief Operating Officer in Coleraine employer: The Thrive Team
Join a well-established engineering and manufacturing business that values innovation and excellence, offering a dynamic work environment where your leadership can drive significant operational improvements. With a strong focus on employee development and a culture that promotes collaboration and high performance, this role as Chief Operating Officer provides the unique opportunity to shape the future of the company while enjoying a competitive remuneration package. Located in a thriving area, you'll benefit from a supportive community and access to a network of industry professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Coleraine
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and connect with people on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a COO role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their operations, challenges, and successes. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in leading their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you've built high-performing teams and driven operational improvements in your previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for the right roles. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in Coleraine
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your experience in manufacturing and operations, and don’t forget to showcase any measurable improvements you've driven in previous roles. We want to see how you can bring value to us!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the COO role. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved operational performance. Keep it engaging and relevant to our needs.
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We’re looking for a hands-on leader, so make sure to highlight your leadership style in your application. Talk about how you build and coach high-performing teams, and how you foster a culture of accountability and engagement.
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 shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Thrive Team
✨Know Your Operations Inside Out
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's operations. Understand their manufacturing processes, supply chain dynamics, and quality systems. This knowledge will help you speak confidently about how you can drive improvements and align operational strategies with their business goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your hands-on leadership approach. Share specific examples of how you've built and led high-performing teams in the past. Highlight your ability to foster a culture of accountability and engagement, which is crucial for a COO role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think of scenarios where you've optimised manufacturing performance or improved safety and quality metrics. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Align with Their Vision
Research the company's vision and values. During the interview, express how your experience and goals align with their mission. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their operational future and success.
