Background:
The Chief Operating Officer is accountable for the end-to-end delivery of the businesses products and services, ensuring the business operates efficiently, reliably and at scale. This role owns operational performance across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, quality and customer delivery, translating strategic ambition into disciplined execution.
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the COO ensures that operational capability keeps pace with commercial growth and product innovation. They are responsible for building a scalable, high-performing operational engine that delivers strong quality outcomes, cost control, regulatory compliance and customer satisfaction.
The role provides executive oversight of programme governance, resource allocation and technical execution, ensuring critical initiatives are prioritised, delivered on time and aligned to long-term strategic objectives. With accountability for health, safety, environmental standards and product reliability, the COO safeguards operational integrity while driving continuous improvement.
Operating at the intersection of engineering excellence and manufacturing scalability, the COO plays a defining role in strengthening delivery performance, protecting margin and enabling sustainable growth in a technology-led clean energy environment.
Overview
Own and lead the end-to-end delivery of products and services, ensuring the business operates efficiently, reliably, and at scale, with strong quality, safety, and customer outcomes.
Operational Delivery & Execution
Full accountability for operational performance across manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, quality, and customer delivery.
Ensure reliable execution of customer orders, product development, and operational commitments.
Translate strategic priorities into executable operational plans and programmes.
Manufacturing & Production Excellence
Lead factory operations to deliver cost-effective, scalable, and high-quality production.
Drive efficiency, yield, and margin improvement using Lean Six Sigma principles
Ensure appropriate balance of permanent and agency resources to support demand.
Engineering, Materials & Technical Execution
Own engineering and materials science execution aligned to the agreed product roadmap – working closely with Head of Product Strategy.
Ensure disciplined technical development, change control, and design for manufacturability.
Maintain technical coherence and standards across all products and variants.
Supply Chain, Planning & Continuity
Ensure uninterrupted production through robust procurement, planning, logistics, and supplier management.
Manage supply chain risk, lead times, inventory, and cost control.
Support new product introductions and scale-up through effective supplier and planning integration.
Programme Management & Resource Allocation
Own programme governance and resource allocation across operational and technical projects.
Ensure critical projects are prioritised, resourced, and delivered on time and to budget.
Provide clear visibility of delivery progress, risks, and dependencies.
Quality, Reliability & Compliance (QHSE)
Lead continuous improvement in product quality, field reliability, and operational compliance.
Ensure audit readiness and adherence to health, safety, environmental, and regulatory standards.
Own root cause analysis and corrective actions for failures and customer issues.
Customer Support & Technical Experience
Own post-sale technical support, customer service, installer support, and technical escalation.
Ensure effective feedback loops from the field into engineering and production.
Drive improvements in customer satisfaction and long-term reliability.
Reporting, Governance & Operational Culture
Establish clear operational KPIs covering delivery, cost, quality, safety, and productivity.
Provide regular, data-driven updates to the CEO, OLT, and Board.
Build a disciplined, execution-focused operational culture with clear accountability.
Qualifications:
Essential
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or related discipline
* Significant senior leadership experience in manufacturing or technology-led operational environments
* Demonstrated experience scaling operations within a growing organisation
* Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
* Health and safety certification (IOSH or equivalent as minimum)
Desirable
* Master’s degree (e.g., MBA or Engineering discipline)
* Chartered status (e.g., CEng or relevant professional body)
* Six Sigma certification
* Programme or portfolio management certification
* Experience within clean energy, thermal systems, or advanced manufacturing sectors
Sills & Expertise:
Technical:
Data analysis and reporting
Project management (programme governance and delivery)
IT systems and software proficiency (ERP, planning systems, reporting platforms)
Process improvement and efficiency (Lean, Six Sigma)
Compliance and regulatory knowledge (Health and Safety, environmental standards)
Automation and AI implementation in business processes
Leadership and management:
Team management
Coaching and mentoring
Performance management and feedback
Stakeholder engagement and management
Change management and organisational development
Communication and collaboration:
Verbal communication at executive level
Presentation and public speaking (board level reporting)
Cross-functional collaboration
Customer and strategic relationship management
Negotiation and persuasion
Writing effective reports and board-level updates
Adapts communication for the audience
Problem solving and analytical skills:
Critical thinking and decision-making
Risk assessment and problem mitigation
Process design and optimisation
Root cause analysis
Trouble-shooting and resolving operational issues
Personal and organisational skills:
Time management and prioritisation at executive level
Prioritisation and multitasking
Organisational efficiency and workflow management
Attention to detail
Ability to work independently
Personal attributes
Self-motivation:
Results driven
Proactive and takes initiative
Driven by achieving goals and delivering results
Shares knowledge and supports the development of others
Integrity and ethics:
Demonstrates sound judgment and integrity
Accountable and reliable
Takes ownership of challenges and sees them through
Maintains professionalism under pressure
Takes pride in delivering high-quality work
Emotional intelligence:
Builds positive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders
Effectively manages conflict and difficult conversations
Encourages collaboration and teamwork
Respectful and professional in all interactions
Open mindedness:
Thinks strategically and considers the bigger picture
Balances short-term needs with long-term strategic goals
Seeks and applies feedback for self-improvement
Resilience and adaptability:
Resilient and handles challenges well
Comfortable with ambiguity and change
Able to work under pressure
Seeks opportunities for improvement and efficiency
Our Referral Incentive:
Due to the high amount of interest that we receive for each of our roles unfortunately we cannot respond to each application individually, therefore if you do not hear back from us you have not been shortlisted for this role. Please continue to check our website for any other roles which may be of interest.We offer a £500 referral if you introduce someone we place - see our website for details We regret that this client is not prepared to sponsor work permit or work permit transfer applications. Candidates must be able to prove their eligibility to work in the UK