Role title: Chief Operating Officer
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Role seniority: Member of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
About this role:
Specac Group is a global spectroscopy accessory and sample preparation business with decades of experience in designing state-of-the-art solutions for molecular and atomic spectroscopies, including FTIR, NIR, UV-Vis, XRF, and Raman.
Applications of Specac products are diverse, ranging from analysis of raw materials in pharmaceutical manufacturing through to cutting-edge chemical characterisation and diagnostics. Our accessories support spectroscopic analysis of materials & chemical products, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, mining & refining, as well as across the public sphere of academia, policing, and public health. We also have a growing presence in Process Analytical Technologies and continue to look for innovations in all areas.
The group is majority owned by private equity investors, which means that growth is at the heart of the business strategy.
The role of the Chief Operating Officer is to lead and optimise the company’s operations. As a key member of the executive team, the COO will be responsible for scaling global operations, improving efficiency, and driving cross-functional alignment across the business — with a strong emphasis on multisite leadership, overseeing performance and collaboration across all current and future sites following mergers or acquisitions.
The role requires a robust combination of global operational expertise, leadership capability, and strategic thinking.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
* Lead and manage daily business Operations across all departments across our international sites.
* Take full operational responsibility for all regional Operations, including UK & US sites, ensuring alignment with group-wide objectives and local performance targets.
* Implement business strategies, systems, and procedures to support sustainable growth.
* Lead and develop teams and High-Performance talent, develop internal skills and capabilities.
Strategic Execution
* Translate the company’s vision into actionable strategies and operating models.
* Collaborate with the CEO and Executive leadership on long-term planning, budgeting, and resource allocation consistent with the value creation plan.
* Identify and pursue opportunities for growth, efficiency, and improved service delivery.
Site Management & Performance
* Provide direct leadership to local site managers and operational teams across all sites.
* Drive site-level KPIs and ensure consistency in standards, processes, and compliance across geographies.
Cross-functional Oversight
* Coordinate with internal departments and stakeholders to enhance interdepartmental efficiency and execution.
* Standardise processes and encourage knowledge sharing between regional locations.
Financial & KPI Management
* Work closely with the CFO to monitor operational performance, optimise costs, and manage capital expenditures.
* Drive accountability through measurable KPIs at the global and site level.
People & Culture
* Foster a high-performance, collaborative culture aligned with company values.
* Recruit, develop, and mentor operational leadership in both the UK and US.
* Champion diversity, equity, and inclusion across all sites.
Risk & Compliance
* Ensure full compliance with legal and regulatory requirements across regional locations.
* Identify operational risks and lead site-specific mitigation planning.
Mergers & Acquisitions
* Lead global merger and acquisition integration activities and due diligence workstreams, including evaluating strategic fit, overseeing comprehensive due diligence, and partnering with cross functional teams to access financial, operational and cultural alignment
* Drive seamless post close integration, ensuring harmonisation of global operations, systems, and processes to deliver on synergies and strategic objectives.
* Develop and manage frameworks for integration planning, risk management, and change management across international operations.
* Ensure acquired businesses are aligned with the company’s culture, compliance standards, and long-term strategic goals.
* Required Skills/Experience
* Proven experience in end-to-end operations, including supply chain, service delivery, and quality control.
* Experience in managing global, multi-site organisations across numerous geographical regions.
* Proven experience working within a private equity-backed organisation.
* Experience leading organisations through periods of rapid change and M&A.
* Excellent communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence at all organisational levels, including at Boardroom level.
* Ability to assess, select, and implement tools to drive efficiency and visibility.
* Strong business acumen and financial literacy, including budgeting, forecasting, and P&L responsibility.
* Experience in operational compliance with all legal, safety, and regulatory standards in the UK and US
* Ability to lead cross-functional, global teams and work collaboratively to achieve operational excellence.
* Willingness and ability to travel as needed