Sewell Wallis
Chief Operating Officer
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Chief Operations Officer – Manufacturing (Alfreton)
Partnered with Sewell Wallis
A vertically integrated manufacturing business based in Alfreton with a strong heritage in quality and operational excellence is seeking a Chief Operations Officer to lead their transformational phase.
This is not a traditional operational oversight role—it requires a hands-on, proactive leader to drive structure, discipline, efficiency, and scalable growth across manufacturing operations.
About the Role
The business is focusing on:
- Improving operational efficiency
- Strengthening manufacturing discipline
- Modernising infrastructure
- Scaling production for future growth
The COO must take full accountability for operational performance, workflow, quality, and alignment with commercial priorities.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Operational Leadership
- Lead and integrate all operational functions across the business
- Drive operational performance, efficiency, and execution in manufacturing, production, and beyond
- Build a scalable operational structure capable of supporting long-term growth
- Align operational priorities with commercial demand, customer expectations, and business objectives
Operational Excellence & Accountability
- Cultivate a culture of pace, ownership, and continuous improvement
- Take ownership of operational KPIs, workflow performance, and delivery standards
- Ensure the business becomes production-ready and operationally scalable
- Improve planning accuracy, workflow visibility, and production coordination
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Cross-Functional Alignment & Workforce Development
- Work closely with Commercial and Finance teams to improve forecasting discipline and cross-functional planning
- Lead cultural shifts towards proactive quality accountability
- Strengthen manufacturing standards and preventative quality controls
- Develop and coach Heads of Department across operations
- Support disciplined operational investment and resource allocation
Technical & Facility Management
- Provide leadership across IT, systems, sites, and facilities functions
- Ensure capital expenditure is commercially justified and operationally effective
- Balance short-term priorities with long-term sustainability
- Improve machinery utilisation and operational asset management
Quality & Performance Tracking
- Lead regular operational reviews in areas such as:
- Production status
- Delivery performance
- Operational risks
- Workforce planning
- Quality performance
- Embed robust KPI tracking, reporting, and governance disciplines
Requirements
Essential Skills & Experience
- Senior operational leadership experience within manufacturing or product-led industries
- Proven ability to:
- Improve manufacturing performance
- Lead operational transformation
- Drive operational efficiency
- Enhance planning and workflow management
- Build scalable operational capabilities
- Strong experience in:
- Production, manufacturing, operational planning
- Operational leadership
- Infrastructure and systems
- Experience in fast-paced, complex manufacturing environments
- Track record of leading teams through change and performance improvement
- Exposure to commercial, finance, technical, and supply chain functions
- Preferable experience in SMEs, owner-led, or vertically integrated manufacturing
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
What’s On Offer?
- Salary: £75,000 + attractive bonus structure, achieving an OTE of £100k+
- Pension: Salary sacrifice scheme available
- Location: Initially office-based (first 3-6 months), then hybrid (minimum 2 days per week in-office)
- Holidays: 36 days (including public holidays)
This is a pivotal opportunity to influence business performance, instil operational discipline, and drive measurable impact.
Next Steps
Apply with your CV (quoting the relevant reference) or contact:
- Sheffield Office: sheffield@sewellwallis.com | 0114 268 3313
- Leeds Office: leeds@sewellwallis.com | 0113 242 1200
For further details, refer to the Ether Sitemap or visit Sewell Wallis’ website.
Deadline: If you haven’t heard back within 7 days, your application has not been successful.
(Note: Sewell Wallis specialises in finance, HR, and business support recruitment across Sheffield, Leeds & Manchester.)
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills