At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead teams to turn ambitious visions into actionable strategies and drive operational excellence.
- Company: High-growth scale-up focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Remote-first culture, flexible working, and recognition for your impact.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team making a real difference in climate tech.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in SaaS or climate tech, with strong strategic execution skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for global impact and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Our partner is a high-growth scale-up at a pivotal moment and they are looking for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help take them to the next level. As COO you will partner closely with the CEO to operationalise their ambitious vision: turning complexity into commercial clarity, accelerating the sustainability transition, and scaling their platform globally. You'll ensure that their strategy becomes execution, that teams are aligned, that their platform is delivered reliably, and that they operate with discipline, accountability, and agility.
Some of your key responsibilities:
- Overall leadership responsibility for all teams.
- Turn vision into execution by setting and refining quarterly priorities (Rocks) aligned to company-wide goals.
- Own delivery against plan and budget, ensuring performance targets are met.
- Drive operational excellence and discipline by leading the senior team to embed effective meeting rhythms and performance scorecards.
- Design and implement scalable systems, processes, and reporting to support growth.
- Proactively remove obstacles and unblock teams to enable consistent execution and success.
Skills and experience:
- Senior leadership experience in SaaS, geospatial, or climate tech sectors.
- Comfortable with technical products, including data pipelines, cloud architecture, and engineering practices.
- Expert in process discipline, capable of structuring and scaling fast-moving teams.
- Exceptional communicator, able to bridge technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Proven success in scaling operations and systems within growth-stage companies.
- Strategic execution skills, turning vision into actionable goals and building scalable systems for long-term growth.
- Strong financial acumen, including modelling, budgeting, and forecasting, with the ability to link financial insights to operational strategy.
- Background in Earth observation, remote sensing, or environmental science.
- Familiarity with environmental regulatory frameworks (TNFD, CSRD, EUDR).
- Experience with ISO / security certifications and data compliance.
- Experience with financial institutions or regulated clients.
- Global or multi‑region operational experience.
Who you are:
- High integrity, proactive, and able to deliver fast without compromising quality.
- Thrives in ambiguity and rapid change, with strong problem-solving skills.
- Collaborative leader with an ownership mindset, keeping teams aligned and focused.
- Acts with trust, transparency, and as a true partner to the CEO.
- Passionate about sustainability, climate, and technology for impact.
- Skilled at prioritising effectively and simplifying complex issues.
What they offer:
- Remote‑first / flexible working - must be able to come to Edinburgh twice a month.
- Occasional travel (UK / EU / global).
- Full‑time leadership role; high growth environment with fast‑moving priorities.
- Collaborative, mission‑driven culture focused on environmental impact and innovation.
- Benefits aligned with culture: flexibility, autonomy, and recognition for impact.
Diversity, Equality & Inclusion at Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions: We are committed to championing diversity, equality, and inclusion in every step of the recruitment process. We believe that diverse talent drives innovation and success, and we strive to connect employers with candidates from all backgrounds, fostering inclusive workplaces where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, religions, and backgrounds. Our recruitment processes are based on merit, skills, and potential, ensuring equal opportunities for all. If you require adjustments during the application process, please let us know we are here to support you. Let's build a more inclusive workforce together!
Chief Operating Officer - COO employer: Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions
Contact Detail:
Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer - COO
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the SaaS, geospatial, or climate tech sectors. Attend industry events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers or colleagues.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or case studies that highlight your experience in scaling operations and systems. This will help you stand out when discussing how you can turn vision into execution.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate how your skills align with the company's goals. Focus on your strategic execution skills and how you can drive operational excellence in a fast-moving environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to connect with opportunities that match your passion for sustainability and technology. Don’t miss out on the chance to join a mission-driven culture!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer - COO
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for sustainability and technology shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission, so don’t hold back on sharing why you’re excited about this role!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your senior leadership experience in relevant sectors like SaaS or climate tech. We’re looking for someone who can turn vision into execution, so connect your past achievements to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language to communicate your skills and experiences. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary, and keep your application focused on how you can contribute to our goals.
Apply Through Our Website: To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to review your application and get you one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connor Fox Recruitment Solutions
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's mission, values, and recent achievements. Understanding their focus on sustainability and technology will help you align your answers with their vision, showing that you're genuinely interested in their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a COO, your leadership approach is crucial. Be ready to discuss your experience in leading teams, driving operational excellence, and how you've turned strategic visions into actionable plans. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to foster collaboration and accountability.
✨Prepare for Technical Discussions
Given the technical nature of the role, brush up on relevant topics like data pipelines and cloud architecture. Be prepared to explain how your expertise can bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders, ensuring smooth communication across teams.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Highlight your experience with budgeting, forecasting, and linking financial insights to operational strategies. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed performance targets and delivered against plans in previous roles, showcasing your strong financial understanding.