At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform multi-site operations in the automotive manufacturing sector.
- Company: Ambitious UK automotive manufacturing group focused on precision engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, car allowance, private healthcare, and generous holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity to embed best practices and foster a high-performance culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing business and drive operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in multi-site manufacturing and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 180000 £ per year.
Location: Central England – Midlands-based with travel to multiple sites
£150,000 – £165,000 basic salary
Performance bonus – 25%
Car allowance or fully expensed company car
Matched pension contribution
Private healthcare for the executive and family
Life assurance
25 days’ holiday plus public holidays
An ambitious UK automotive manufacturing group is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to oversee its multi-site operations. The company operates across several UK locations serving major automotive OEM clients.
With a strong focus on precision engineering, assembly and process automation, the group is entering a phase of operational transformation to standardise processes, improve efficiency, and embed a high-performance culture across its UK operations.
The role demands a senior executive who combines strategic vision with practical, hands-on leadership across operational sites. This is a critical appointment for an experienced leader capable of managing large-scale, high-volume manufacturing operations while driving efficiency, quality, safety, and consistent delivery performance.
Key responsibilities- The Chief Operating Officer will have full accountability for all operational performance across the group’s UK sites
- Leading Directors and site managers across multiple manufacturing sites
- Ensuring operational efficiency, quality, safety and cost control
- Developing and embedding standardised manufacturing processes and lean principles
- Driving continuous improvement and automation initiatives
- Managing the operational P&L and contributing to business growth
- Partnering with commercial and technical teams to deliver customer requirements for automotive clients
- Building and mentoring a high-performing operations leadership team
- Supporting workforce planning, talent development and operational succession
- Significant senior operational experience in multi-site manufacturing, ideally within Tier 1 automotive supply chains
- Proven track record of leading operational transformation, standardisation and continuous improvement programs
- Strong understanding of lean manufacturing, automation, and digital factory initiatives
- Experience managing high-volume production environments with complex supply chains
- Demonstrable P&L ownership and experience in cost optimisation
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, capable of motivating and developing operational teams
- Confident working at Board level and driving strategic operational decisions
- Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, MBA or equivalent advantageous
- Based within a reasonable commuting distance of Central England, with flexibility for site travel
This is a fantastic opportunity for an operational leader to shape the future of a growing UK manufacturing business. The successful candidate will have the authority and responsibility to standardise operations across multiple sites, embed best practice, and ensure consistent delivery for automotive clients while driving efficiency, profitability and a high-performance culture.
How to apply: Please click “apply”, or for further information, please contact Ajay Bhella at Umbilical Limited. Alternatively, please email me an up-to-date copy of your CV to ajay@umbilicaladvanced.com
Umbilical Limited is committed to promoting Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We act as a neutral third party in the recruitment process, basing our candidate searches on skills and experience. We do not discriminate based on age, gender, sex, relationship status, disability, race, religion/beliefs, or sexual orientation.
Chief Operating Officer employer: Umbilical Advanced
As a leading UK automotive manufacturing group, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that champions operational excellence and innovation. Our employees benefit from competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and comprehensive healthcare packages, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a high-performance culture. Located in the Midlands, our multi-site operations offer a unique chance to make a significant impact across various locations while collaborating with top-tier automotive clients.
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 events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that COO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their operations, challenges, and competitors. We want you to walk in with insights that show you’re not just another candidate, but the perfect fit for their operational transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! During interviews, share specific examples of how you’ve driven efficiency and led teams in previous roles. We need to see that you can motivate and develop high-performing teams across multiple sites.
✨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 love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Chief Operating Officer role. Highlight your experience in multi-site manufacturing and operational transformation, as these are key for us. Use specific examples that showcase your leadership skills and achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share your vision for operational excellence and how you plan to drive efficiency and quality across our sites. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, emphasise your experience with lean manufacturing and automation initiatives. We want to see how you've successfully managed high-volume production environments and contributed to business growth.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Umbilical Advanced
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Chief Operating Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of P&L management and cost optimisation. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the automotive manufacturing sector, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets and driven profitability in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about examples that highlight your ability to motivate and develop teams. Prepare to share specific instances where you've led operational transformations or implemented lean principles, showcasing your hands-on approach and strategic vision.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the company’s current operations and their goals for transformation. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their objectives, particularly in standardising processes and driving efficiency across multiple sites. This shows you’re not just interested in the role, but also in contributing to their success.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in high-volume production environments. Think through potential challenges they might face and how you would address them, especially regarding safety, quality, and continuous improvement initiatives. This will demonstrate your readiness for the complexities of the role.
