Chief Operating Officer

Company: Adjacency Recruitment Group
Apply for the Chief Operating Officer
Location: East Midlands
Job Description:

Our client is a rapidly growing, industrial manufacturing and service organisation based in Derbyshire, who are now looking for a dynamic Chief Operating Officer to drive operational excellence, fuel commercial growth, and shape the future of a fast‑scaling UK business. You’ll play a pivotal role in tightening operations, boosting efficiency, and aligning the entire organisation to deliver ambitious growth targets in a competitive market.

This is a high-impact leadership role for a results‑driven executive who can blend sharp strategy with hands‑on execution, while building a high‑performing, accountable culture.

As COO, you will lead the operational and commercial engine of the business. You’ll turn strategy into reality, strengthen governance, and deliver results through strong financial oversight and people leadership in a state‑of‑the‑art, industrial manufacturing and service focused environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Strategy

  • Lead all operational functions and drive day‑to‑day performance
  • Translate business strategy into clear, deliverable operational plans
  • Continuously improve processes to boost scalability, efficiency, and consistency

People Leadership & Performance

  • Inspire and lead senior operational teams and managers
  • Set high‑performance standards and track delivery against KPIs
  • Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
  • Champion leadership development and succession planning

Financial & Resource Management

  • Own operational budgets, costs, and resource allocation
  • Work closely with Finance on forecasting and planning
  • Ensure resources are focused on maximum impact and growth

Governance, Risk & Compliance

  • Maintain full compliance with UK employment law, health & safety, and regulatory standards
  • Proactively identify and mitigate operational risks
  • Strengthen governance, controls, and business continuity

Executive & Stakeholder Engagement

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and Board
  • Partner with the executive team to align operations with strategic goals
  • Build strong relationships with key partners and suppliers

Qualifications & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Business, Operations, Finance or related field
  • MBA or postgraduate qualification is advantageous
  • Significant senior operational leadership experience
  • Strong commercial, strategic, and analytical capability
  • Proven track record operating in a UK focused manufacting environment
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and decision‑making skills

Preferred

  • Experience in a similar industry
  • Exposure to digital transformation initiatives

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Posted: May 31st, 2026