Chief Operating Officer (coo)

Job Description

Job Description

About the Role

The BMI Group is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide executive leadership and operational oversight across its diverse business portfolio. Working closely with the Executive Office, the COO will translate strategic direction into measurable operational and financial results, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and support sustainable growth.

The role will initially focus on BMI’s industrial manufacturing pillar, including the integration of five manufacturing plants and approximately 700 associated jobs into the group. A key priority will be to assess and improve plant-level profitability, strengthen operational performance, and establish the structures and accountability needed to support long-term success.

The successful candidate will bring strong financial acumen, technical aptitude, and demonstrated leadership capability, along with the ability to build effective relationships across business units and with BMI’s investor group in the Netherlands. Conversational proficiency in Dutch is considered a strong asset.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Execution and Business Alignment

• Translate strategic priorities established by the Executive Office into actionable plans, initiatives, and measurable outcomes.
• Align business units, leadership teams, resources, and operational capabilities with organizational objectives.
• Monitor operational performance, financial results, progress against priorities, and emerging risks.
• Provide clear reporting, analysis, and recommendations to support executive decision-making.

Operational Leadership and Financial Performance

• Improve and sustain profitability at the individual manufacturing plant level.
• Assess financial and operational performance to identify gaps, inefficiencies, cost pressures, and opportunities for improvement.
• Establish performance measures, reporting practices, and accountability structures to support consistent results.
• Lead initiatives to improve productivity, operational efficiency, cost management, and resource utilization.
• Promote consistent operating practices and continuous improvement across manufacturing operations and, where appropriate, the broader organization.
• Use business systems, operational data, and financial analysis to inform decisions and improve results.

Organizational Development and Leadership

• Strengthen organizational structures, leadership capacity, accountability, and operational independence.
• Clarify roles, responsibilities, decision-making authority, and escalation processes across business units.
• Promote decision-making at appropriate levels throughout the organization, supported by clear accountability and escalation where required.
• Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Develop organizational capabilities and leadership structures to support scalability and long-term success.

Integration and Business Development Support

• Lead the integration of five manufacturing plants and approximately 700 associated jobs into BMI’s organizational structure, operating model, and culture.
• Align operations with BMI’s management expectations, reporting practices, and organizational standards while recognizing the unique needs of individual businesses.
• Work with Business Development to assess operational capabilities, resource requirements, and execution considerations in support of growth opportunities.
• Support the operational integration and implementation of business growth initiatives.

Operational Decision-Making

• Exercise broad authority over day-to-day operational decisions, including hiring, budgets, resource allocation, and operational initiatives, within the strategic direction and governance framework established by the Executive Office.
• Address operational challenges and make timely decisions within established authority, escalating matters requiring executive direction or approval.
• Work collaboratively with business leaders, functional teams, and external stakeholders to support effective operations across the group.

Qualifications and Experience

• University degree in Engineering, Industrial Automation, Manufacturing Technology, or a related technical discipline is required. A master's degree or relevant postgraduate qualification is considered an asset.
• Progressive management and leadership experience, including a minimum of three years at the executive level.
• Senior leadership experience overseeing complex manufacturing or industrial operations, preferably across multiple facilities or business units.
• Demonstrated success in operational strategy, financial performance improvement, and organizational integration or transformation.
• Strong financial acumen, including experience with budgets, cost management, financial reporting, and operational performance analysis.
• Experience leading business integration, operational transformation, or significant business improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to build leadership capacity, strengthen management accountability, and establish effective organizational structures.
• Strong technical aptitude, including the ability to work with business systems, operational data, and technology-enabled processes.
• Experience working across multiple business units, facilities, or operating environments.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Conversational proficiency in Dutch is considered a strong asset, particularly in supporting relationships and communication with the investor group in the Netherlands. Dutch reading and writing skills are also an asset.

Working Relationships

The COO will work closely with the Executive Office, manufacturing leadership, business unit leaders, Business Development, and functional teams across the organization. The role also requires effective communication and relationship management with BMI’s investor group in the Netherlands.

Application Process

This position will be posted on November 10 and will close on December 15, 2026.

Interested candidates should submit a résumé outlining their relevant leadership experience, operational and financial expertise, and qualifications for the role.

BMI is committed to a fair and consistent recruitment process. Artificial intelligence is not used to screen, assess, or make hiring decisions as part of our recruitment process.

Inclusivity & Accommodations

We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all qualified individuals. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know, and we’ll work with you to meet your needs.

Thank You to all Applicants

We appreciate the interest of all applicants. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.