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 build a high-performing leadership team and influence strategic decisions.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a growing business and drive operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Senior operational experience in multi-site manufacturing, ideally in automotive supply chains.
The predicted salary is between 130000 - 170000 £ 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
Key Requirements
- 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 F/H employer: Umbilical Advanced
Umbilical Search offers an exceptional opportunity for an Engineering Manager in South Lanarkshire, Scotland, within a well-established manufacturing business that prioritises operational excellence and continuous improvement. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth and development, providing employees with the chance to lead innovative engineering projects while ensuring a safe and efficient production environment. With a commitment to modern manufacturing technologies and a focus on team development, this role is perfect for those seeking a meaningful career in a dynamic and supportive setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer F/H
✨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 and its operations. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience in operational transformation can help them. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've driven efficiency and quality in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged in the process.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer F/H
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the key requirements from the job description. Highlight your experience in multi-site manufacturing and operational transformation to show us you’re the right fit for the Chief Operating Officer role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your strategic vision aligns with our goals at StudySmarter. Keep it concise but impactful!
Showcase Your Achievements:Quantify your successes in previous roles. Whether it's improving efficiency or leading a high-performing team, we want to see how you've made a difference in your past positions. Numbers speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
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 operational efficiency. Brush up on key metrics related to manufacturing performance, cost optimisation, and lean principles. Be ready to discuss how you've driven improvements in these areas in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about how you can convey your approach to managing teams. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams and mentored leaders in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop operational teams across multiple sites.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the automotive manufacturing group thoroughly. Understand their current challenges and future goals, especially regarding operational transformation and standardisation. This will help you align your strategic vision with theirs during the interview, showing that you're not just a fit for the role but also for the company's culture.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities in high-volume production environments. Think through potential challenges you might face in this role and prepare structured responses that showcase your strategic thinking and hands-on leadership capabilities.
