Interim COO in Ipswich

Ipswich Full-Time On-site

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Description

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Interim Chief Operating Officer to join our business on a fixed-term basis, providing maternity cover and playing a key role in maintaining operational performance and momentum across the firm.

The role

This is a hands-on senior leadership role at the heart of the business. Working closely with the Managing Partner, our Partners and Group support functions, the Interim COO will take responsibility for the day-to-day operational performance of the business, with particular focus on commercial performance, quality and the experience of our people and clients.

Key Responsibilities

Client delivery and resource planning

Working closely with service line leaders to balance workloads and address capacity or delivery issues early
Coordinating effectively with central support functions to ensure the business has what it needs to deliver

Operational and commercial performance

Maintaining a strong focus on utilisation, recovery, work in progress, write-offs and job profitability
Using management information to identify operational risks, bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement
Supporting effective use of technology e.g. AI throughout the business to make it as efficient as possible

Leadership and governance

Maintaining close working relationships with Partners, service-line leaders and Group functions
Managing operational risks and ensuring appropriate issues are escalated and resolved promptly
Maintaining momentum on operational priorities and improvement initiatives throughout the fixed-term period

Integration and change

Supporting the continued adoption of Group processes, technology and ways of working
Helping teams navigate operational change while maintaining client delivery and business continuity
Ensuring that improvements are practical, embedded and sustainable rather than simply implemented
Acting as an effective bridge between local business priorities and wider Group requirements

People and culture

Creating clarity, accountability and collaboration across teams
Supporting leaders to address operational pressures while maintaining a positive working environment
Encouraging consistent ways of working and reducing unnecessary operational friction
Role modelling our values: We shine together, Make it count and Do the right thing

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

We are looking for an established senior operational leader who can quickly become a trusted member of the leadership team.

The successful candidate is likely to bring:

Experience in a COO, Operations Director or comparable senior leadership role
Experience in an accountancy, professional-services or other people and utilisation-led business, ideally within a multi-site or group structure
Confidence working with Partners and senior stakeholders, including the ability to constructively challenge when required
Strong commercial judgement with experience of using operational and financial information to drive action
Experience of leading through periods of change, integration or transformation
The ability to quickly identify what needs attention, while recognising what is already working well and should not be disrupted
Experience of supporting growth through acquisition, successfully integrating new teams and embedding consistent processes and ways of working
Ensure administrative resources are structured and deployed effectively, enabling client-facing teams to focus on excellent client service and delivery

What success looks like

Operational risks and delivery issues are identified and acted upon early
Teams continue to work effectively within Group standards and processes
Existing change and integration priorities continue to progress without unnecessary disruption
Utilisation, recovery, work in progress and profitability remain firmly in focus
Partners and service-line leaders receive clear, practical operational support
The business remains well positioned for a smooth handover at the end of the assignment