Chief Operating Officer (COO) (M/F/D)

About the opportunity

The organisation is a worldwide specialist in motion control, drive systems, industrial automation, and smart machine solutions. Its technologies underpin contemporary manufacturing by enabling accurate movement, positioning, synchronisation, and machinery control across a wide range of sectors.

As Chief Operating Officer, you will join the executive leadership team and work in close partnership with the CEO to strengthen operational performance, manufacturing capability, organisational growth, and long-term sustainability. The position calls for a seasoned industrial leader who can operate confidently at both strategic and hands-on levels, with a strong understanding of manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, and operational strategy, while also developing leadership teams that can deliver exceptional outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Oversee worldwide manufacturing, operations, supply chain, procurement, quality, engineering operations, and continuous improvement programmes.
• Improve operational performance by focusing on safety, quality, on-time delivery, productivity, and cost control.
• Build, mentor, and strengthen plant leadership teams while encouraging accountability, ownership, and a continuous improvement mindset.
• Put KPI-led performance management frameworks in place across manufacturing sites and operational departments.
• Manage operations across multiple sites and promote consistency, collaboration, and sharing of best practices.
• Lead transformation efforts in industry through automation, digitalisation, footprint optimisation, and capacity growth.
• Make sure operations are prepared to support new products, emerging technologies, and business expansion.
• Spot and act on opportunities to enhance margin, cash flow, and overall efficiency.
• Contribute to strategic planning, capital and investment decisions, acquisitions, and organisational change initiatives.
• Represent operations as a trusted partner to the CEO, leadership group, shareholders, customers, and other key stakeholders.

Requirements

• Extensive senior leadership experience in industrial manufacturing, engineering, automation, machinery, mechatronics, automotive, or a closely related field.
• A strong record of leading complex, multi-site manufacturing operations with complete operational responsibility.
• Solid knowledge of manufacturing systems, engineering, supply chain management, operational excellence, and continuous improvement methods.
• Proven success in recruiting, developing, and guiding high-performing leadership teams.
• Experience managing sizeable operating budgets and delivering clear gains in productivity, quality, and profitability.
• A practical, hands-on leadership approach with the credibility to engage effectively with both executive and shop-floor teams.
• Strong commercial and financial understanding, including direct responsibility for profit and loss.
• Background in leading organisations through growth, transformation, turnaround, or scaling phases.
• A degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Business, or a related subject; an MBA is preferred but not mandatory.
• Fluency in English is required, and knowledge of other European languages is an advantage.

Eligibility

This role is suited to experienced executive-level professionals from industrial and manufacturing environments who can lead at a global scale. Applicants should have the authority, depth of experience, and leadership capability to manage complex operations, drive change, and partner closely with senior stakeholders.