Chief Operating Officer – Group Operations

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 7 May 2026
LOCATION
United Kingdom
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Director
CATEGORY
Manufacturing
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Multi-site manufacturing leadership EMS / electronics manufacturing PCB assembly expertise Shop floor performance improvement Operational KPI management Private equity-backed experience Process standardisation Acquisition integration

FULL DESCRIPTION

Chief Operating Officer – Group Operations

Location: United Kingdom (Sites in England, Scotland and Ireland) | Work Type: Hybrid | Job Type: Permanent | Salary: Competitive Salary Plus Car Allow, Bonus + Bens

Job Details

Are you a forward-thinking Chief Operating Officer (COO) who can lead multi-site locations seeking the challenge of working with a scaling, private equity-backed EMS group with an ambition to double in size over the next 3 - 5 years across multiple UK and Ireland sites.

We are seeking a hands-on, experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) who has a track record in taking full ownership of Group Operations — driving performance, standardisation and integration across a multi-site manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Take full accountability for operational performance across all sites
  • Lead and develop Plant Managers and core functions (production, engineering, quality, HSE)
  • Drive on-time delivery, efficiency, quality and EBITDA improvement
  • Implement KPI-led performance management and operational discipline
  • Establish “gold standard” processes across the Group
  • Lead integration of acquisitions and support ongoing growth

Required Experience

  • Proven multi-site manufacturing leadership (£50m+ scale)
  • Strong EMS / electronics manufacturing background (PCB assembly preferred)
  • Track record of improving shop floor performance and operational KPIs
  • Experience in PE-backed or high-growth environments is a plus
  • Hands-on, commercially sharp, and execution-focused

Why This Role?

  • Key leadership role in a high-growth, PE-backed business
  • Real influence on operational strategy and performance
  • Opportunity to build a best-in-class manufacturing platform
  • Strong career upside linked to growth and value creation

Additional Information

Your CV will be forwarded to [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal], a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] are those of an Employment Agency. In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.

Contact: Mark Bignell - Email: [contact hidden] - Phone: [contact hidden]

Sign up free — access 45,000+ UK sponsor-licensed jobs