Chief of Operations - PHAR Industries

AI overview

This strategically critical position offers a direct path to Group CEO, focusing on operational excellence, strategic development, and leadership across international manufacturing.

Our client is an established international manufacturer with over 100 years of heritage, specialising in high-quality fittings and valves for the Plumbing, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration (PHAR) sectors. With manufacturing facilities across Europe and a global distribution network spanning multiple continents.

This is a strategically critical appointment designed as a CEO-designate position. The successful candidate will work closely with the Group CEO, initially focusing on products, manufacturing, and supply chain excellence, with accountability expanding over time to include sales, marketing, and full Group leadership. This role offers a clear pathway to Group CEO, subject to performance and Board approval.

The role requires extensive international travel and on-site presence at the UK headquarters when not travelling.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Excellence

  • Attain deep technical and commercial understanding of the product portfolio and end-to-end supply chain
  • Strengthen and optimise international manufacturing performance across facilities in Germany, Spain, and Poland
  • Drive cost control, delivery excellence, and operational efficiency across the manufacturing network
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers whilst protecting the Group's commercial interests

Strategic Development

  • Track market trends, regulatory developments, and customer requirements across global markets
  • Propose and sponsor new product development, range extensions, and market-specific introductions
  • Identify and execute opportunities to increase sales, improve profitability, and reduce structural costs
  • Lead the evolution of sales and marketing strategy to accelerate growth and margin expansion

Leadership & Governance

  • Provide clear direction, accountability, and motivation to international management teams
  • Maintain strong internal credibility across engineering, operations, and commercial functions
  • Conduct structured weekly reviews with direct reports and deliver concise monthly performance reports to the CEO and shareholders
  • Build enduring relationships with key customers, suppliers, and partners through regular engagement
  • Represent the Group externally with professionalism, authority, and sound judgement

CEO Transition Preparation

  • Work in close partnership with the Group CEO to prepare for leadership transition
  • Gradually assume responsibility for Business Unit Directors and broader commercial operations
  • Demonstrate increasing capability to operate at Group CEO level throughout the tenure

Requirements

Required Qualifications

  • Education: Engineering-based degree or equivalent qualification
  • Industry Experience: Proven senior leadership experience within the Plumbing, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration (PHAR) sectors
  • Manufacturing Expertise: Demonstrated track record in international manufacturing and distribution environments
  • Supply Chain Mastery: Deep understanding of end-to-end supply chain management and optimisation
  • Commercial Acumen: Strong commercial, sales, and marketing track record with ability to bridge technical excellence with commercial growth
  • Leadership: Proven ability to lead international teams with clarity, motivation, and firm protection of company interests
  • Languages: Fluency in English is essential
  • Travel: Willing and able to travel extensively throughout the year across Europe and international markets
  • Location: Ability to be on-site at the UK headquarters (Kingswinford, West Midlands) when not travelling

Preferred Qualifications

  • Knowledge of Polish, Spanish, French, Italian, or German is advantageous
  • Experience working with shareholders and Board-level governance
  • Track record of successful CEO or senior executive transitions
  • Experience in family-owned or privately-held manufacturing businesses

Benefits

Package & Benefits

Compensation

  • Base Salary: £150,000 - £160,000 per annum (negotiable for exceptional candidates)
  • Bonus Structure: Performance-related bonus scheme
  • Car Allowance: Provided
  • Pension Contribution: Company pension scheme
  • Private Medical Insurance: Comprehensive cover
  • Life Assurance: Included

Leave & Additional Benefits

  • Annual Leave: 25 days per year plus UK bank holidays
  • Relocation Assistance: Available for the right candidate (package to be defined and agreed)

Career Development

  • Structured pathway to Group CEO position within two years
  • Comprehensive onboarding and support plan for first 6-12 months
  • Close mentorship and partnership with current Group CEO
  • Support from Board of Directors throughout transition

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, nationality, ethnic or national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010 and other applicable UK laws.

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Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We recognise and celebrate the rich diversity across the United Kingdom.

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Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable adjustments to enable disabled applicants and employees to participate fully in the recruitment process and workplace.

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For client positions, compensation information will be provided in accordance with applicable UK laws. When required by law or good practice, salary information will be included in job postings or provided during the recruitment process. We are committed to pay transparency and equal pay for equal work, in line with the Equality Act 2010 and employment law requirements regarding pay equity.

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We respect the rights of employees to join and participate in trade unions and other forms of employee representation in accordance with the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 and other applicable UK laws.

Nation-Specific Declarations

While this policy provides a general framework applicable across the UK, it's important to note that specific employment laws can vary between England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. To ensure full compliance with local regulations, we make the following provisions:

Local Law Compliance: In addition to UK-wide regulations, we comply with all laws and regulations of the specific nation (England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland) where the employment takes place.

Nation-Specific Addenda: For each UK nation where we operate, we maintain nation-specific addenda to this policy where required. These addenda outline any additional requirements, protections, or procedures mandated by local law that go beyond or differ from UK-wide standards.

Language Requirements: In Wales, where appropriate and in accordance with the Welsh Language Act 1993 and the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011, we will make available Welsh language versions of employment materials upon request.

Notification of Applicable Laws: During the recruitment process, candidates will be informed of the specific laws that apply to their potential employment, including any nation-specific provisions.

Regular Updates: We commit to regularly reviewing and updating our nation-specific addenda to reflect any changes in employment laws.

Precedence of Local Law: Where local law provides greater protection or additional rights to employees beyond what is outlined in this general UK policy, the local law will take precedence.

Specific Declarations: Where required by law or good practice, we will make specific declarations regarding matters such as:

  • Pay transparency and gender pay gap reporting
  • Working time arrangements
  • Collective bargaining and trade union recognition agreements
  • Data protection and privacy measures
  • Whistleblowing protection mechanisms (in accordance with the Employment Rights Act 1996)
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Apprenticeship levy and training obligations
  • Immigration and right to work requirements

Access to Information: Employees and candidates can request information about the nation-specific policies applicable to their employment or potential employment by contacting [email protected].

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Right to Work

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with UK immigration laws and will verify the right to work in the UK for all employees in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 and subsequent legislation. We are committed to preventing illegal working whilst ensuring a fair and consistent approach to all applicants.

Local Laws

Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws, ordinances, and regulations regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate within the United Kingdom.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location within the UK.

Keller Executive Search International is a global executive search that recruits senior leaders for prominent brands and organizations. We offer full-spectrum services, such as Executive Search, Board Services, CEO Succession Planning, Executive Assessment, Business Culture Review, and Corporate Handover.

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£150,000 – £160,000 per year
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