KEY PURPOSE OF JOBProduct development and manufacturing aerospace engineering company in Somerset West. We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Chief Operations Officer to join our team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for overseeing the company’s day-to-day operations and ensuring that business processes are efficient and effective. This role requires a strong manufacturing background, excellent problem-solving skills, and the ability to lead a team to ensure the smooth operations.KEY TASKSDevelop and implement operational policies and proceduresFormulating comprehensive operational policies and procedures that streamline workflows and ensure consistency across departments.Regularly reviewing and updating policies to adapt to changing business needs and industry standards.Optimize operational processes to improve efficiency and productivityConducting thorough assessments of existing operational processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.Implementing strategies and initiatives to optimize processes, enhance productivity, and reduce costs.Manage resources effectively to meet business objectivesAllocating resources, including personnel, equipment, and budget, strategically to support business objectives and maximize efficiency.Monitoring resource utilization and adjusting as necessary to ensure optimal performance and alignment with strategic goals.Identify and address operational challenges and bottlenecks· Proactively identifying operational challenges and bottlenecks that hinder performance or impede progress toward organizational goals.· Implementing solutions and initiatives to address identified challenges and improve operational effectiveness.Collaborate to align operations with overall business strategy· Working closely with other members of the executive team to ensure that operational initiatives and priorities are aligned with the company's overarching business strategy.· Participating in strategic planning sessions and providing input on operational considerations and implications.· Ensure seamless coordination and collaboration among direct reports to achieve operational excellence.Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standardsStaying abreast of regulatory requirements and industry standards relevant to the company's operations.Establishing processes and controls to ensure compliance with applicable regulations and standards and overseeing implementation and adherence throughout the organization.Driving continuous improvement and innovationPromoting a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the operations function, encouraging employees to identify and implement innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.Championing initiatives such as Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to drive operational excellence and foster a culture of innovation.Building and leading high-performing teamsAttracting, developing, and retaining top talent within the operations function, building high-performing teams capable of executing on strategic objectives.Providing leadership, guidance, and mentorship to operations staff, fostering a collaborative and results-driven work environment.Facilities ManagementDevelop and execute strategies for maintaining and optimizing facilities to support operational needs and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.Oversee facility expansions, renovations, and upgrades to accommodate business growth and evolving operational requirements.Manage facility-related budgets, capital expenditures, and contracts to optimize resource allocation and cost-effectiveness.Coordinate with external stakeholders, including landlords, contractors, and regulatory agencies, to address facility-related issues and ensure business continuity.Supply Chain ManagementLead strategic sourcing initiatives to identify and onboard suppliers that meet quality, cost, and delivery requirements.Establish and maintain supplier relationships, negotiating contracts and terms to optimize pricing, terms, and service levels.Implement inventory management strategies to minimize stockouts, excess inventory, and carrying costs while ensuring continuity of supply.Develop risk mitigation plans and alternative sourcing strategies to address supply chain disruptions and minimize impact on operations.Production and Testing OperationsDefine and implement production strategies, schedules, and workflows to meet customer demand while optimizing resource utilization and minimizing lead times.Ensure compliance with quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer specifications throughout the production and testing processes.Monitor production performance metrics, such as yield, cycle time, and defect rates, identifying opportunities for improvement and implementing corrective actions.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot production issues, resolve technical challenges, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.Project Management and Governance· Establish and enforce project management methodologies, standards, and governance frameworks to ensure consistent project delivery and stakeholder alignment.· Provide oversight and support for project portfolio management, prioritization, and resource allocation to optimize project outcomes and ROI.· Conduct regular project reviews and audits to assess performance, identify risks, and implement corrective actions to keep projects on track.· Foster a culture of project management excellence, providing coaching, training, and mentorship to project managers and project teams.· Other ad-hoc duties as required by companyPREREQUISITESQUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCEQualifications:· Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business Administration or a related field. MBA or advanced degree preferred.· Extensive experience in Operations management, with a minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing or engineering environment.· Demonstrated success in strategic planning, execution, and optimization of operations processes..Additional:· Familiarity with regulatory requirements and quality standards relevant to the aerospace or space industry· Experience in supply chain management, procurement and vendor relations· Proficiency in project management methodologies and tools· Deep understanding of design and manufacturing processes· Ability to adapt to a fast-paced and dynamic environment, with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement· Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure· Knowledge of lean manufacturing principlesPrior experience in scaling operations and managing growth in a rapidly expanding organizationCOMPETENCIES & SKILLS· Positive self-motivated, self-starter attitude· Innovative – thinking ‘outside the box’· Responsible· Team player· Good written and oral communication skills· Customer focused· Able to persuade and influence others· Ability to bounce back· Flexible and able to multi-task, can work within an ambiguous, fast-moving environment· Resourcefulness· Ability to self-manage and set prioritiesJob Types: Full-time, PermanentExperience:Operations Management: 10 years (Required)Manufacturing or Engineering leadership: 10 years (Required)#J-18808-Ljbffr