Chief Operating Officer - Manufacturing (15-30 yrs)

Qualifications and Experience:

- At least 15 years of experience in a senior management or leadership role, with a proven track record in managing manufacturing client-facing service functions and driving operational efficiencies.

- Strong background in P&L management, resource allocation, process improvements, and driving service excellence in a multi-functional environment.

- Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing teams that deliver integrated services across diverse functions such as Accounts, HR, Supply chain, Procurement, IT, and Administration.

Education:

- A degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field, or a Chartered Accountant qualification

Key Responsibilities:

1. Client-Centric Leadership:

- Client Service Delivery: Ensure the company delivers high-quality, timely, and compliant services across Accounts, Taxation, HR, IT, Administration, MIS Reporting, Supply Chain, and Procurement. Take accountability for the seamless execution of clients' projects.

- Client Satisfaction: Proactively identifying opportunities to improve service offerings and resolve all client challenges. Ensure all service areas (Accounts, Taxation, HR, IT, MIS reporting, Supply chain, Procurement etc.) consistently meet or exceed client expectations.

- Tailored Solutions: Coordinate with all clients to address their specific needs across multiple functions, ensuring an integrated approach to client support. Foster a solutions-oriented mindset throughout the organization and clients.

2. Strategic Oversight & Operational Leadership:

- End-to-End Service Delivery: Oversee the operations of all the clients support functions, including the integration of services, ensuring that all departments work in sync to deliver seamless and efficient solutions.

- Strategic Direction: Execute each client's strategy with a strong focus on sustainable growth, objective fulfilment, and operational efficiency. Lead the organization in identifying new service opportunities in areas of improvement for the clients' organizations.

- Performance Management: Continuously evaluate and refine key performance indicators (KPIs) across all functions, ensuring that service delivery is efficient, cost-effective, and aligned with client goals.

3. Team Leadership & Development:

- Building a High-Performing Team: Lead, recruit, and develop an effective leadership team, including Heads of Departments (HODs) across all functions: Operations, Accounts, Taxation, HR, IT, Procurement, and Supply Chain. Ensure that leadership is aligned with client objectives and operational goals.

- Talent Management: Foster a culture of high performance, accountability, and client-first thinking. Provide coaching, mentorship, and resources to ensure the leadership team is equipped to drive client satisfaction and operational excellence.

- Cross-Departmental Collaboration: Promote collaboration and communication across departments to ensure an integrated, client-focused approach to service delivery.

4. Service Delivery Optimization:

- Process Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements across all service functions. Streamline workflows and ensure client deliverables are met on time and within budget.

- Operational Efficiencies: Drive efficiency by optimizing resource allocation, technology utilization, and cross-functional workflows. Ensure that all services provided, are well coordinated and cost-effective.

- Quality Assurance: Maintain the highest standards of service delivery across all functions and processes. Ensure that client needs are met in a compliant and timely manner.

5. Financial & Resource Management:

- Budget Management: Ensuring that service delivery is efficient and cost-effective across all departments. Drive profitability through smart cost management and resource allocation.

- MIS Reporting: Take accountability for the client's MIS reporting, working closely with the respective teams to ensure accurate data, forecasting, budgeting, and financial controls across all service functions, to present accurate reporting on a monthly basis to clients across all functions. Analysis and review of the MIS with key highlights presented to clients.

- Cost Management: Monitor procurement costs and supply chain efficiencies to ensure that services are delivered within budget while maintaining high quality.

6. Compliance, Risk Management & Governance:

- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all service areas comply with relevant legal, regulatory, and industry standards. Implement compliance programs to mitigate operational, financial, and legal risks.

- Risk Mitigation: Identify and address potential risks related to any disruptions, delays, or operational bottlenecks. Develop mitigation strategies to protect both the business and its clients from adverse impacts.

7. Stakeholder Management & Communication:

- Client Relationship Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, ensuring ongoing communication and alignment on service delivery. Represent the company in high-level client engagements, ensuring solutions are tailored to client needs.

- Performance Improvement: Identify areas of service offerings which can be improved to enhance team performance to exceed client's expectations.

- Stakeholder Reporting: Provide regular updates to the management team and board on company performance, client satisfaction, and key operational metrics. Ensure transparency and proactive communication with stakeholders at all levels.

8. Ownership Mentality & Continuous Improvement:

- Ownership Mindset: Lead with an entrepreneurial mindset, taking full accountability for the company's performance and ensuring the team is aligned with the company's broader vision of growth and client satisfaction.

- Innovation & Improvement: Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in business support services. Drive continuous improvement across all service functions to maintain a competitive edge.

Skills & Competencies:

- Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to engage, motivate, and inspire cross-functional teams to deliver results.

- Strong expertise in solution delivery, and operational execution, with a particular focus on reducing bottle necks, creating efficiencies and overall management reporting.

- Expertise in risk management, compliance, and governance.

- Ability to drive innovation and implement continuous improvement strategies to maintain competitive advantage.

- In-depth understanding of business operations and management of manufacturing and distribution-oriented business models.

Personal Attributes:

- Entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on long-term success and client satisfaction.

- Ability to thrive under pressure, managing multiple priorities and delivering results in a fast paced, client-driven environment.

- Integrity, professionalism, and the ability to build trust with clients, employees, and all other stakeholders.

Compensation:

- Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.

- Opportunity to be part of a multifaceted group and organization with a high degree of autonomy and ownership.