COO (Chief Operation Officer)

About the Position

Our client is a Ukrainian defense technology company specializing in the development and manufacturing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The company is currently undergoing a phase of rapid growth and operational transformation. We are looking for a strong Chief Operating Officer (COO) who can build a transparent and scalable operating model, ensure the seamless execution of production processes, implement modern automation solutions, and create a solid foundation for the company’s continued expansion.

This role is ideal for a hands-on operational leader with experience in operational transformation, process design, business digitalization, and change management within complex manufacturing or technology-driven environments.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the stable, efficient, and uninterrupted operation of the company's production and business processes.
• Design, optimize, standardize, and continuously improve key operational workflows.
• Lead the implementation and development of ERP-driven business process automation.
• Drive the digitalization of production, warehouse, and management reporting processes.
• Establish a KPI-driven operating model supported by management reporting and executive dashboards.
• Monitor operational performance, process quality, productivity, and efficiency metrics.
• Coordinate and align the work of production, procurement, warehouse, logistics, and other operational functions.
• Develop and implement SOPs, operational standards, and governance frameworks across the organization.
• Identify operational risks and implement preventive measures to ensure business continuity.
• Reduce operational losses, defects, downtime, and inefficient resource utilization.
• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing operations management team.
• Manage operational budgets and ensure efficient allocation of company resources.
• Participate in strategic planning and prepare the organization for future growth and scaling.
• Drive operational improvement initiatives and lead organizational change programs.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience as a COO, Operations Director, or in a similar executive leadership role.
• Proven experience managing manufacturing, operational, or highly complex business environments.
• Strong track record of designing and implementing business processes, SOPs, governance frameworks, and performance management systems.
• Hands-on experience leading ERP implementation projects and digital transformation initiatives.
• Deep understanding of management reporting, KPI frameworks, operational analytics, and business intelligence.
• Experience building quality management systems, operational controls, and risk management processes.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to drive organizational change and cross-functional alignment.
• Analytical mindset with experience using operational data and performance metrics to support decision-making.
• Experience managing operational budgets and cost optimization initiatives.

Will be a plus:

• Experience leading a full ERP implementation or large-scale digital transformation project.
• Experience within manufacturing, logistics, industrial, or operationally complex organizations.
• Proven success supporting companies during periods of rapid growth and scaling.
• Experience building operational structures and management systems from the ground up.
• Exposure to business automation, AI-powered tools, business intelligence platforms, and advanced reporting systems.

We Offer

• Competitive compensation aligned with the level of responsibility and business impact.
• High level of autonomy and ownership in decision-making and operational improvements.
• Direct partnership with the CEO.
• Opportunity to lead strategic automation, ERP, and digital transformation initiatives.
• Environment with ambitious growth objectives and significant opportunities for professional impact.

About the Company

Our client is a Ukrainian defense technology company specializing in the development and manufacturing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The company is currently undergoing a phase of rapid growth and operational transformation.