UK | Significant Six-figure Salary + Package
The Opportunity
We are partnering with a large, established, multi-site consumer-facing organisation to appoint a Chief Operating Officer (COO).
This is a senior executive appointment offering the opportunity to lead a diverse portfolio of customer-facing businesses, with responsibility for commercial performance, operational delivery and long-term business growth.
Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in translating business strategy into measurable results, improving operational effectiveness and building a high-performing leadership team.
The Role
- Take executive responsibility for the performance of a diverse portfolio of multi-site businesses, driving sustainable revenue growth, profitability and operational efficiency.
- Work closely with the CEO and wider executive team to develop and deliver strategic priorities, ensuring clear accountability and measurable outcomes.
- Lead and develop a team of senior business leaders, establishing a strong performance culture and clear expectations around delivery.
- Drive operational excellence across multiple business areas, improving productivity, customer experience, service standards and consistency of execution.
- Identify opportunities for business growth, diversification, innovation and improved commercial performance.
- Lead transformation and continuous improvement initiatives, challenging existing ways of working and ensuring investment delivers tangible business benefits.
- Maintain executive oversight of operational risk, governance, compliance, health and safety and business continuity.
- Champion a customer-first approach while balancing commercial objectives with long-term organisational sustainability.
- Build strong relationships across the executive team, ensuring effective collaboration between commercial, financial, people and operational functions.
About You
- Significant senior leadership experience within a complex, multi-site, customer-facing or multi-business organisation.
- A strong track record of delivering commercial results, improving profitability and driving operational performance.
- Experience leading diverse operational teams and developing senior leaders in a performance-driven environment.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, including budget ownership, cost management, productivity improvement and investment decisions.
- Demonstrable experience leading business transformation, operational change and continuous improvement programmes.
- The ability to translate strategic objectives into practical plans, measurable targets and consistent execution.
- A customer-focused leadership approach, with a clear understanding of service delivery, operational standards and customer experience.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the credibility to influence at executive and board level.
- A collaborative, accountable and values-led leadership style, with the judgement to balance commercial opportunities, operational risks and long-term business objectives.
Experience within retail, consumer services or another complex operational environment would be advantageous. Experience in a purpose-led organisation would also be beneficial.
Interested?
If you are an experienced operational leader looking for an opportunity to shape strategy, drive commercial performance and lead a diverse portfolio of businesses, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
Please get in touch to find out more about the opportunity.