Chief Operating Officer in London
Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer in London

London Full-Time 72000 - 108000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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Royall

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead operational excellence and drive international expansion for a top events agency.
  • Company: Award-winning independent events agency with a people-first culture.
  • Benefits: 27 days holiday, private healthcare, fitness memberships, and professional development.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Join a vibrant team that values collective decision-making and employee wellbeing.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in operations within the events industry and strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.

Orchestrate the Future of an Industry-Leading Global Experience Agency.

Are you a seasoned operational leader ready to take the helm of one of London's most successful independent event agencies? This is a rare opportunity to join a fast-tracked, high-growth "Experience Partner" that has transitioned from a boutique startup into a global powerhouse without external investment. If you are looking for a C-Suite role where people matter as much as profit, this is your next career move.

What's Different About This Role?

Unlike traditional corporate structures, this agency operates with an "agility-first" mindset. As COO, you will report directly to the Founder/CEO and sit on the Board of Directors, serving as the bridge between visionary strategy and operational excellence. You won't just be managing a department; you will be the architect of the agency's international expansion (including a US launch) while safeguarding a culture that has won multiple industry accolades for its focus on employee wellbeing and individuality.

What You'll Bring:

  • Proven Pedigree: You are currently a COO, Operations Director, or Head of Department within a medium-to-large events agency environment.
  • Operational & Legal Literacy: You have deep knowledge of industry standards, mass-participation protocols, risk management, and contract compliance.
  • Strategic Growth Experience: You've successfully led teams through scaling phases and have a "working knowledge" of setting up operations in new global territories.
  • High EQ Leadership: You are an emotionally intelligent leader who can "be good on a bad day," staying calm under the intense pressure of the events cycle.
  • Financial & Technical Acumen: You possess a high level of financial literacy and are comfortable with tools like Salesforce and ProCim to drive data-led decisions.

What You'll Do:

  • Scale the Agency: Lead the integration of new services and geographic locations, ensuring the agency's core values remain intact during rapid growth.
  • Operational Strategy: Own the day-to-day running of the agency, evolving processes and workflows to be scalable and highly efficient.
  • Risk & Compliance: Partner with external legal counsel and internal heads to oversee data protection, health and safety, and contractual obligations.
  • Workforce Planning: Oversee resourcing and billable hour metrics to ensure the business model remains profitable while preventing team burnout.
  • Sustainability Leadership: Spearhead the implementation of the agency's sustainability strategy, aligning operations with modern environmental standards.

Why You'll Love It:

  • People-Before-Profit Culture: Join a business that genuinely believes in "collective decision-making" and supports working parents and career-starters alike.
  • Vibrant Environment: Work from a modern London-based office known for its social culture—think weekly drinks, team away days, and annual overseas offsites (recent trips include South Africa and the South of France).
  • Growth & Reward: Enjoy 27 days of holiday (plus your birthday), private healthcare, fitness memberships, and a structured L&D program that invests in your professional evolution.
  • Independence: Benefit from working in an environment free from external investor pressure, allowing for purposeful and authentic leadership.

The Ideal Fit:

The successful candidate is a "natural problem solver" who can balance authority with support. You aren't afraid to get stuck into the details of a pitch or a process, but you excel at high-level board participation. You are self-motivated, hold incredibly high standards, and are looking for a "home" where your contribution is both visible and highly rewarded.

Ready to take your career to the next level? Apply now and let's chat about how this opportunity could be the perfect fit for you!

Chief Operating Officer in London employer: Royall

Join an award-winning independent events agency in London that prioritises people over profit, fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture. With a focus on employee wellbeing, you will enjoy generous benefits including 27 days of holiday, private healthcare, and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic environment free from external investor pressures. This is your chance to lead a high-growth agency while making a meaningful impact on its international expansion and sustainability initiatives.
Royall

Contact Detail:

Royall Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company culture and values. This agency is all about people before profit, so be ready to share how your leadership style aligns with that ethos.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your strategic growth experience! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully led teams through scaling phases and what impact it had on the organisation.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our vibrant team.

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

Operational Leadership
Strategic Growth Experience
Emotional Intelligence (EQ)
Financial Literacy
Risk Management
Contract Compliance
Data Analysis
Agility in Operations
Workforce Planning
Sustainability Strategy Implementation
High Standards of Excellence
Problem-Solving Skills
Adaptability to Rapid Growth
Technical Acumen with Tools like Salesforce and ProCim

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the COO role. Highlight your operational leadership experience and any strategic growth initiatives you've led, as these are key to what we're looking for.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about this role and how your values align with our people-before-profit culture. Be genuine and let your personality come through!

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on quantifiable achievements. Did you lead a successful expansion? Improve operational efficiency? We want to see how you've made an impact in previous positions, so don't hold back!

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. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Royall

✨Know the Agency Inside Out

Before your interview, dive deep into the agency's history, values, and recent projects. Understanding their unique 'agility-first' mindset will help you articulate how your experience aligns with their culture and operational goals.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Growth Experience

Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams through scaling phases. Highlight your experience in setting up operations in new territories, as this is crucial for the role of COO in a rapidly expanding agency.

✨Demonstrate High EQ Leadership

Be ready to discuss how you've managed teams under pressure, especially during busy event cycles. Share anecdotes that showcase your emotional intelligence and ability to maintain a positive work environment, even on challenging days.

✨Familiarise Yourself with Financial Tools

Brush up on your knowledge of financial literacy and tools like Salesforce and ProCim. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data-led decisions to drive operational success, as this will be key in demonstrating your fit for the role.

Chief Operating Officer in London
Royall
Location: London
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