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- Tasks: Lead day-to-day operations and drive performance improvements across multiple sites.
- Company: Dynamic UK professional services organisation backed by Private Equity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for significant impact, and collaboration with senior leadership.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming operations and enhancing service levels.
- Qualifications: Must be ICAEW qualified with experience in professional services.
- Other info: Hands-on role requiring strong leadership and travel between sites.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
I am supporting a UK professional services organisation that is entering a significant period of operational change and turnaround. The business operates across multiple sites and requires a senior operator who can take full ownership of day-to-day performance and delivery. They are Private Equity backed. This is a hands-on, field-focused COO role. The incoming leader will spend time in the business with regional teams, driving accountability, pace and commercial improvement while acting as the primary execution partner to the CEO and Board.
Note - you MUST be ICAEW experienced and qualified for this role. We will not be able to progress applications that do not meet this criteria.
The core of the role
- Lead day-to-day operations across a multi-site UK network
- Rapidly stabilise performance, improve consistency and raise service levels
- Put in place clear KPIs, weekly cadence and operational discipline
- Deliver cost improvements, cash awareness and site turnaround actions
- Build strong relationships with regional leaders and set clear expectations
- Ensure compliance with professional and regulatory standards
- Support integration activity and process improvements across the group
- Work closely with the CEO and investors on key turnaround milestones
What the ideal profile looks like
- A true COO-first operator with a track record of improving performance in a professional services environment
- Experience operating within or alongside ICAEW-regulated firms, such as accountancy, audit, advisory, insolvency, corporate services or consulting
- Comfortable travelling regularly between sites and leading from the front
- Strong people manager with an ability to influence, coach and hold teams to account
- Evidence of delivering measurable improvements in operational efficiency, client service and commercial outcomes
- Confident working in time-sensitive, pressured and change-heavy environments
- Financially literate and able to interpret P&L, cash and site-level performance drivers, but not finance-led in identity
Chief Operating Officer employer: Mature Accountants ltd
Contact Detail:
Mature Accountants ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, especially those in professional services. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the company’s operations. Understand their challenges and think about how you can bring your ICAEW experience to the table. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate, but the solution they’ve been looking for!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You need to clearly articulate your vision for operational improvement and how you plan to drive accountability and performance. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or mentor to get comfortable with your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for top talent like you, so make sure you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your ICAEW qualifications and any relevant experience in professional services. We want to see how you've improved performance in similar environments, so don’t hold back on those achievements!
Be Specific About Your Impact: When detailing your past roles, focus on the measurable improvements you’ve made. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve driven accountability and enhanced service levels. We love a good success story!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter. We’re looking for candidates who understand our unique challenges. Make sure to tailor your application to reflect how your skills align with the specific needs of this COO role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Let’s get your journey started!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mature Accountants ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a COO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial literacy. Brush up on interpreting P&L statements and cash flow metrics. Be ready to discuss how you've used these insights to drive operational improvements in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
This role requires strong people management abilities. Prepare examples of how you've influenced and coached teams in the past. Think about specific situations where you held teams accountable and drove performance improvements.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the professional services sector, especially within ICAEW-regulated firms. Be prepared to discuss industry trends and how they might impact the organisation's operations. This shows you're not just a fit for the role but also for the industry.
✨Prepare for Change Management Questions
Given the operational change and turnaround focus, expect questions about your experience in managing change. Have concrete examples ready that illustrate your approach to stabilising performance and implementing new processes across multiple sites.
