Chief Operating Officer (COO) – Automotive Wiring Harness Manufacturing
Position Overview
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be responsible for leading and managing the factory operations of the automotive wiring harness manufacturing unit. Reporting directly to the MD, the COO will oversee plant operations covering areas of engineering, production, quality, purchasing and sales while ensuring efficiency, safety, and profitability. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in the automotive wiring harness industry, including knowledge of global OEM standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices in design, assembly, and logistics. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong execution skills, operational excellence expertise, and proven leadership in automotive manufacturing environments.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Lead day-to-day operations across manufacturing plants for wiring harness production.
- Ensure operational efficiency, productivity, and compliance with automotive OEM standards.
- Implement Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Industry 4.0 practices specific to wiring harness assembly.
- Oversee production planning, tooling, and capacity management.
Strategic Planning
- Translate corporate strategy into operational goals tailored for the automotive wiring harness business.
- Drive scaling initiatives to serve OEM and Tier-1 customers.
- Anticipate market trends in electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid systems, and advanced electronics integration.
Financial & Cost Management
- Manage budgets and drive cost optimization across raw materials (copper, terminals, connectors, , etc.) and Labour costs.
- Monitor wire harness production costs and reduce scrap, rework, and inventory waste.
- Responding to customers quotations and providing pricing information
- Collaborate with finance on profitability analysis and customer pricing strategies.
Supply Chain & Procurement
- Ensure timely Material Resource Planning (MRP) based on open customer Sales Order
- Oversee purchasing of all raw materials inline with vendors identified by Strategic Sourcing teams. .
- Build resilient supply chains, minimizing risks such as raw material price fluctuations and supplier disruptions.
- Manage vendor relationships with component suppliers, logistics providers, and Tier-1 OEMs.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with ISO 9001 and IPC 620 requirements.
- Drive zero-defect culture and implement advanced quality systems (PPAP, APQP, FMEA, SPC).
- Promote workplace safety and compliance with environmental standards.
People & Culture
- Lead, mentor, and develop plant managers, engineering managers, and sales Manager.
- Foster a performance-driven culture with a strong focus on teamwork, innovation, and accountability.
- Partner with HR to attract and retain skilled technicians and engineers in wiring harness assembly.
Technology & Innovation
- Oversee adoption of automation in harness cutting, crimping, soldering, taping, and assembly processes.
- Drive innovation in EV harnesses, high-voltage cables, lightweight materials, and modular harness designs.
- Leverage data analytics and digital tools to improve traceability and production monitoring.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Harness production output vs. OEM/Tier-1 schedules
- Cost per harness / scrap and rework rates
- On-time delivery and supply chain reliability
- Customer PPM (parts per million defects) and warranty claims
- Safety metrics (lost-time incidents, compliance rates)
- Employee retention and training effectiveness
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field (MBA preferred).
- 15+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, with at least 7–10 years in the Automotive Wiring Harness industry.
- Deep knowledge of IATF 16949, APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and OEM customer quality standards.
- Proven expertise in managing wiring harness design, assembly, testing, and logistics.
- Strong knowledge of ERP systems – especially SAP
- Strong understanding of EV/hybrid harness requirements, high-voltage safety, and lightweight harness innovations.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and change management skills.
Reporting To Managing Director (MD)
Location Avalon Rd, Kirton, Boston PE20 1FF
Last Date of Application 24th October 2025
Candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. Those with time limited Right to Work must ensure that they maintain their Right to Work during their employment.
