Chief Operating Officer / Managing Director in London
Chief Operating Officer / Managing Director

Chief Operating Officer / Managing Director in London

London Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and scale operations for a fast-growing fire safety company with full P&L ownership.
  • Company: Join one of the UK's fastest growing national fire safety companies.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, share options, and extensive health benefits.
  • Other info: Hybrid working with opportunities for travel and career advancement.
  • Why this job: Be part of an executive team driving sustainable growth and operational excellence.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in B2B service businesses with P&L ownership and team leadership.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

Preventr® is one of the fastest growing national fire safety companies in the UK. We deliver end-to-end fire protection solutions to the public and private sector, providing fire door manufacturing and installation, and a full suite of passive fire protection services. We are one of the most comprehensively accredited passive fire businesses in the country.

Since March 2024, we have grown revenue from £4.4m to £13.2m, delivering a 73% CAGR and 164% YoY growth in FY26. We are now entering a more scaled phase, targeting £17m in FY27 (~29% YoY growth), with a focus on sustainable expansion, operational strength, and continued market share gains.

We have created the position of COO / Managing Director to allow our CEO to focus entirely on strategy and M&A. This is your business to run — full P&L ownership, Heads of Division reporting directly to you, and a workforce of 70+ employees and subcontractors across national, multi-site operations spanning fire door manufacturing, on-site passive fire works, fleet, supply chain, HSEQ, HR, L&D and recruitment.

You will be scaling something that already works, and building the platform from which we grow through both organic performance and acquisition. You will be part of the executive team, working closely with the CEO, CFO and CCO, supported by a dedicated team of Divisional Heads, Contract Managers and Operational Team Leaders.

What We Are Looking For

  • Proven COO / MD / Director of Operations experience in a B2B service, construction, FM, fire safety, or manufacturing business
  • Full P&L ownership at £30–50m+ revenue — not just exposure, ownership
  • Team leadership at scale — 70+ employees and subcontractors, 4+ direct reports
  • Operating model transformation — proven track record of systemising businesses for scale
  • OKR and KPI leadership — building cultures of measurable outcomes, not activity
  • PE-backed business experience — comfortable with M&A processes and investor reporting
  • Technology-confident — able to evaluate, implement, and embed digital tools that actually stick
  • National, multi-site management with genuine willingness to travel regularly
  • ISO 9001 / 45001 / 14001 familiarity — working knowledge, not just awareness
  • HSEQ leadership — safety as a value, not a compliance function
  • Degree educated — Business, Management, Finance, or related discipline
  • A people-first leader — visible, trusted, and as effective on a job site as in a boardroom

Desirable — strongly preferred:

  • Passive fire, active fire, or building safety sector experience as a senior leader
  • Management consulting experience alongside operational roles
  • Familiarity with BM TRADA / FIRAS / SSIP accreditation environments
  • M&A integration and post-acquisition operating experience

The Package

  • Base salary — negotiable, commensurate with experience
  • Company car allowance
  • Performance-related annual bonus
  • Share option plan — long-term, performance-based, meaningful
  • Vitality Private Health Insurance & Private GP
  • Employee Assistance Programme · private prescriptions · counselling sessions
  • Annual health check through Vitality
  • Laptop, company phone and eSim
  • 50% off monthly memberships at Virgin Active, Nuffield Health or PureGym
  • 25% off Specialized Bikes · 25% off Gymshark
  • 12-month Headspace subscription · Mindful Chef discounts
  • Up to 75% off Champneys Health Spa
  • Up to 25% cashback at Waitrose & Partners
  • Up to 20% off Expedia · up to 25% off Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels
  • 30 days annual leave + bank holidays

The role will involve hybrid working from our HQ at 8 Bishopsgate, London, as well as regular visits to our manufacturing facility in West Yorkshire, and our operational base in Poole.

Chief Operating Officer / Managing Director in London employer: Preventr®

Preventr® is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With competitive packages including share options, private health insurance, and generous annual leave, we foster a supportive environment where leaders can thrive. Our rapid growth and commitment to operational excellence provide unique opportunities for impactful contributions in the fire safety sector, making it an exciting time to join our team in London.
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Contact Detail:

Preventr® Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer / Managing Director in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that COO gig.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their growth trajectory and operational challenges. We want to see you not just as a candidate, but as someone who can genuinely contribute to our journey.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership style! We’re looking for a people-first leader, so be ready to share examples of how you’ve built strong teams and fostered a culture of accountability and success in your previous roles.

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 love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.

We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer / Managing Director in London

P&L Ownership
Team Leadership
Operating Model Transformation
OKR and KPI Leadership
M&A Processes
Digital Tools Implementation
National Multi-Site Management
ISO 9001 Familiarity
HSEQ Leadership
People-First Leadership
Fire Safety Sector Experience
Management Consulting Experience
Accreditation Environments Familiarity
Post-Acquisition Operating Experience

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of COO/Managing Director. Highlight your experience in B2B service businesses and any relevant achievements that showcase your operational leadership skills.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for Preventr®. Share specific examples of how you've driven growth and transformation in previous roles.

Showcase Your Leadership Style: We want to know about your people-first approach! In your application, give us insights into how you lead teams, foster collaboration, and create a culture of measurable outcomes.

Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of getting noticed, apply directly through our website. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures your details land in the right hands!

How to prepare for a job interview at Preventr®

Know Your Numbers

As a COO or Managing Director, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of P&L ownership. Be prepared to discuss specific revenue figures and growth metrics from your previous roles. Highlight how you’ve driven financial performance and operational efficiency.

Showcase Leadership Experience

With a workforce of 70+ employees, it's crucial to convey your leadership style. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams, managed direct reports, and fostered a people-first culture. Be ready to discuss your approach to team development and engagement.

Demonstrate Operational Transformation Skills

This role requires someone who can scale operations effectively. Prepare to talk about past experiences where you've systemised processes for growth. Discuss any frameworks or methodologies you've implemented that have led to measurable outcomes.

Be Technology-Savvy

In today's digital age, being technology-confident is key. Be ready to discuss the digital tools you've evaluated and implemented in previous roles. Highlight how these tools improved operational efficiency and employee engagement, showing that you can embed technology that sticks.

Chief Operating Officer / Managing Director in London
Preventr®
Location: London

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