SUMMARY:
A highly respected and rapidly evolving industrial manufacturing business, within the industrial filters, technical textiles, and engineered fabrics sector, is seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer to partner directly with ownership in scaling operations, strengthening profitability, and driving the next phase of business growth.
POSITION INFO:
This is not a corporate maintenance role. This is an owner-operations leadership position requiring a commercially sharp, technically strong, and operationally elite executive who understands how to scale manufacturing businesses from the inside out. The Opportunity: The business has built a strong reputation within the industrial and technical manufacturing environment and now requires a COO capable of: Scaling operational capability; Improving manufacturing efficiencies; Strengthening procurement and supply chain performance; Driving commercial growth; Optimising plant operations; Building operational structure and accountability; and Supporting expansion into larger industrial and international markets. You will work directly with ownership and play a central role in shaping the future of the business. This role demands someone who combines: Engineering credibility, Manufacturing leadership, Commercial acumen, Operational execution, and Strategic growth capability. Key Focus Areas: Scale manufacturing operations and operational infrastructure Drive operational excellence across plant, procurement, logistics, and production Improve productivity, throughput, OEE, and cost efficiency Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives Strengthen technical and operational systems across the business Optimise procurement, inventory, and supply chain performance Build high-performance operational teams and leadership structures Support strategic growth, customer expansion, and operational scalability Drive accountability, process discipline, and operational visibility Partner with ownership on long-term operational and commercial strategy What We're Looking For: We are specifically looking for a leader who has: A strong Engineering or Technical qualification, such as: Mechanical Engineering Industrial Engineering Production Engineering Manufacturing Engineering Or a related technical discipline Extensive experience within: Industrial manufacturing Technical textiles Industrial fabrics Filtration products Heavy industrial environments Engineered product manufacturing Proven experience scaling operations within a manufacturing business Strong commercial and operational leadership capability Deep understanding of plant operations, production environments, and manufacturing systems Experience driving operational efficiencies and profitability improvements The Type of Executive Who Will Succeed Here: This role is best suited to someone who: Thinks like an owner, not an employee Is highly operational and execution focused Understands engineering and manufacturing deeply Can lead people, systems, and operations simultaneously Is commercially sharp and operationally disciplined Thrives in demanding, high-accountability environments Has the confidence to make difficult operational decisions Builds structure, accountability, and growth This is a hands-on operational leadership role - not a boardroom-only position. Why This Role Is Different: Direct partnership with ownership Significant influence over business direction and operational strategy Opportunity to scale and shape a growing industrial manufacturing business High-impact leadership role with operational autonomy Exposure to technical manufacturing, industrial operations, and commercial growth initiatives Ability to leave a genuine operational legacy within the business Important: This role is not suited to: Purely corporate executives removed from operations; Leaders without strong technical or engineering understanding; Individuals lacking manufacturing depth; or Passive management styles. We are looking for a builder. A scaler. An operational leader with engineering credibility and commercial intelligence. If you are an operationally elite executive with strong engineering roots and a proven ability to scale manufacturing operations, we invite you to engage confidentially regarding this rare leadership opportunity.
NB! This job is now closed. You can apply for other jobs by uploading your CV.
