Chief Operating Officer
North East
Speciality Chemicals – Operations, QHSE and Supply Chain
An excellent opportunity for an experienced, inspirational operational and business leader to join the Board of a highly regarded, industry-renowned company which is investing in operational improvements and new business development to achieve significant and sustained growth. From its UK base and through international offices and distributors, Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd. has ambitious plans for growth, including overseas manufacturing and targeted acquisitions. Privately-owned, the company manufactures and markets a technically strong range of products and is now looking to modernise and optimise its operations and supply chain to ensure that its ambitious business plans can be realised.
Reporting to the CEO, Harry Swan, who is the fourth generation of this highly successful family business, the appointee will join the Board of Thomas Swan & Co. Ltd. and be fully accountable for all aspects of the operations budget, employees and assets encompassing Production, Warehouse, Logistics, Supply Chain, Engineering and QHSE. With responsibility for c. 110 people, the appointee will build a world-class operations and supply chain organisation and capability for the company, ensuring exemplary process safety and drive the company towards its ambitious and focused sustainable manufacturing goals. The appointee will be a proactive, hands-on and influential leader, with an inbuilt ethos of customer care excellence and will collaborate closely with all areas of the business to ensure common purpose and a co-ordinated approach. Cultural fit, professionalism, and proactivity will all be of paramount importance to this appointment as will an understanding and acknowledgement of the issues affecting family-run SMEs. This is a senior and influential role, and the right individual will enjoy contributing to the overall long-term strategic development of the wider organisation.
Candidates, ideally qualified to degree level or equivalent in a science or technical discipline, will be results and delivery focussed, demonstrate a track record of inspirational team leadership, strategic thinking, strong teamwork, a high level of integrity and a desire to build strong relationships both internally and externally. Experienced in leading operational and supply chain teams, along with strong financial awareness and understanding, the appointee will demonstrate drive, tenacity, ‘presence’ and strong people leadership coupled with exemplary communication, data management & presentation skills. Listening, influencing and negotiation will all be key competencies along with effective analysis and decision-making skills, together with a positive, enthusiastic outlook which will engage others to deliver exceptional results.
Interested applicants should send a detailed CV and covering letter quoting current salary and reference 2301/web to 2301@transitionplus.co.uk or for an initial confidential discussion, please call Steve Bennett at Tel: +44 (0) 1270 875710.