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: Performance bonus, car allowance, private healthcare, and life assurance.
- 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 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Central England – Midlands-based with travel to multiple sites.
Performance bonus – 25% Car allowance or fully expensed company car Private healthcare for the executive and family Life assurance.
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 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.
Chief Operating Officer in West Bromwich employer: Umbilical Advanced
Join an ambitious UK automotive manufacturing group that prioritises operational excellence and employee development. With a strong focus on precision engineering and a commitment to a high-performance culture, this role offers competitive benefits including a performance bonus, private healthcare, and opportunities for professional growth. Located in Central England, the company fosters a collaborative work environment where your leadership can drive meaningful change across multiple sites.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in West Bromwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the automotive industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a COO role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you’re genuinely interested in their operations and how you can contribute to their transformation.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings; be proactive! Use our website to apply directly and follow up with a friendly email expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership style during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational transformation and built high-performing teams. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate that you’re the right fit for leading their multi-site operations.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in West Bromwich
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 how your strategic vision aligns with our goals at StudySmarter. Share specific examples of how you've driven efficiency and quality in previous roles.
Showcase Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! In your application, mention how you've built and mentored high-performing teams. This is crucial for the COO position, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
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 metrics related to operational efficiency and be ready to discuss how you've driven improvements 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. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've successfully led operational transformations or implemented lean principles.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the automotive manufacturing group thoroughly. Understand their current challenges and how your strategic vision aligns with their goals for operational transformation. This will show your genuine interest and help you tailor your responses during the interview.
✨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 approach them, especially regarding safety, quality, and efficiency.
