Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Location: Lombardy, Italy

Industry: Manufacturing / Industrial Operations

Employment Type: Full-time

Work Arrangement: On-site

Compensation: €60,000–€90,000 gross annual salary + 10–15% performance premio + company car

About the Role

An established manufacturing organisation is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to work directly with senior leadership and oversee the company's core operational functions.

This is a strategic and hands-on leadership position responsible for coordinating and optimising Procurement, Production, Logistics, Warehousing and Project Operations, with a strong focus on operational efficiency, performance management and continuous improvement.

The role will help translate business strategy into effective operational execution while ensuring strong coordination across functions and teams.

Key Responsibilities

- Lead and oversee Procurement, Logistics & Warehousing, Production/Transformation and Project Operations.
- Define, implement and monitor operational procedures, workflows and KPIs.
- Manage and develop relationships with suppliers and subcontractors, including selection, negotiation and order management.
- Coordinate procurement planning in collaboration with Commercial and Production teams.
- Monitor purchasing, deliveries, quality and adherence to timelines.
- Optimise production processes, including productivity, labour efficiency, material yield, waste and production planning.
- Oversee inventory, logistics, deliveries and stock-taking activities.
- Coordinate project progress, installation schedules and site activities.
- Support the resolution of operational issues, customer complaints and non-conformities.
- Lead, motivate and develop functional managers and their respective teams.
- Identify inefficiencies and implement organisational and operational improvement initiatives.




- Support senior leadership in defining and implementing the company's operational strategy.
- Drive continuous improvement and strengthen operational performance across the organisation.

Requirements

- 7–10 years of experience in senior Operations, Production, Supply Chain or Operational Management roles.
- Proven experience managing multiple operational functions in an integrated environment.
- Experience in industrial/manufacturing environments, preferably involving project-based or made-to-order production.
- Strong experience managing suppliers, procurement and commercial negotiations.
- Proven leadership experience managing and developing teams and functional managers.
- Strong ability to establish processes, procedures and KPI-based performance monitoring.
- Good knowledge of Excel and familiarity with ERP/MRP systems.
- Knowledge of Lean methodologies and continuous improvement is advantageous.
- Willingness to travel to suppliers, trade fairs, customers and project sites as required.
- Strong leadership, organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Results-oriented, pragmatic and highly hands-on approach.
- Ability to move effectively between strategic planning and day-to-day operational execution.
- Strong decision-making skills and the ability to resolve operational challenges quickly and effectively.

Key Skills

Chief Operating Officer | COO | Operations Management | Manufacturing Operations | Supply Chain Management | Procurement | Production Management | Logistics | Warehouse Management | Project Operations | Supplier Management | Negotiation | KPI Management | ERP | MRP | Lean Manufacturing | Continuous Improvement | Operational Strategy | Team Leadership

Compensation & Benefits

- €60,000–€90,000 gross annual salary.
- Performance-based variable compensation of 10–15% of annual salary.
- Company car.
- Employment under the Italian CCNL Commercio framework.
- Seniority-based classification at 1st Level or Quadro.

📌 Chief Operating Officer (Lombardia)
🏢 SoTalent
📍 Lombardia