Chief Operating Officer

Parkinson | Lee Executive Search; South Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading executive search firm is recruiting a Chief Operating Officer for an engineering company focused on bespoke solutions. The role involves spearheading operational transformation, overseeing multiple functions, and requires extensive leadership experience, ideally in assembly operations. Candidates should have a relevant degree and strong background in change management. The position is based in South Yorkshire, United Kingdom.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years in senior leadership within complex assembly operations.
• Proven Change Management experience.
• Demonstrated success driving operational and cultural change.

Responsibilities

• Drive operational transformation focused on agility and customer responsiveness.
• Define and execute scalable operations strategy.
• Ensure operational adherence to quality standards.

Skills

Operational transformation

Agility

Lean principles

Change Management

Cross-functional leadership

Education

Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or related fields

Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MBA, MSc)

Lean Six Sigma Black Belt

Job description

Parkinson | Lee Executive Search are currently recruiting the role of Chief Operating Officer for a leading engineering focussed organisation, which specialise in bespoke solutions, serving a range of clientele including highly regulated sectors.

The Chief Operating Officer will report directly to the Board, who are looking for an experienced Chief Operating Officer to spearhead a transformative agenda crucial to the next phase of sustainable growth and operational excellence.

This strategic leadership role will oversee Operations, Planning, Supply Chain, Customer Service, and collaborate closely with Sales, Finance, S&OP, R&D, and NPD functions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Drive and lead an operational transformation focused on agility, productivity, and customer responsiveness
• Define and execute scalable operations strategy aligned with business objectives, integrating Lean, Six Sigma, and CI methodologies
• Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and cross-functional collaboration among a team professionals spanning project management, assembly, testing, supply chain, and QSHE
• Enhance Sales & Operations Planning capability with accurate forecasting and integrated material strategy
• Improve OTIF performance and service execution to exceed customer expectations
• Partner with Sales, Customer Service, R&D, and NPD to ensure operational readiness for new product introductions
• Standardise core operational processes leveraging ERP and digital tools for enhanced decision-making
• Ensure operational adherence to quality standards and regulatory requirements

Parkinson Lee Executive Search are keen to speak to people who have the following skills and experience:

• Degree qualified in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related fields
• Postgraduate qualifications (e.g., MBA, MSc) or Lean Six Sigma Black Belt preferred
• Minimum 10 years in senior leadership within complex assembly operations
• Minimum 10 years in Electronics, Mechanical, Electrical operations.
• Proven Change Management experience
• Demonstrated success driving operational and cultural change in engineering or systems-based industries
• Cross-functional leadership experience covering Planning, Procurement, Assembly Operations, Engineering, NPD, and Customer Fulfilment
• A charismatic, commercially minded and strategic thinker with board level influence, cross functional and operational leadership skills

If this role is of interest, please apply with your CV and a member of the team will make further contact, kindly note we endeavour to contact all suitable applicants within two weeks of receiving your CV.

Also note you will be required to complete an NDA as part of the process.