At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and scale a fast-growing engineering and consultancy business with a focus on delivery excellence.
- Company: Dynamic engineering firm in London, thriving in the public sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, board-level position, and opportunity for significant impact.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for hands-on operators looking to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join a growth-focused team and drive change in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in scaling project-led businesses and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 121500 - 148500 £ per year.
SF Search Partners are supporting the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer to join the board of a fast-growing engineering and consultancy business headquartered in London. This is a critical hire for an experienced, hands-on operator who thrives in pace-driven, project-led environments and brings strong commercial and delivery discipline.
The Opportunity
- Board-level COO role with a mandate to scale the business
- Strong focus on customer service, mobilisation, and delivery excellence
- Operating across a diverse customer base including Local Authorities, Social Housing providers, and NHS Trusts
The Business
- Engineering and consultancy model successfully applied into the Public Sector space
- Design and build capability with strong margins relative to the sector
- Growth mindset embedded across the leadership team - speed, efficiency, and execution matter
- Likely private equity involvement, or well-suited to a PE-backed operating model
The Person
- This role will suit a confident, commercially astute operator with:
- Proven experience scaling project-led, design & build or engineering businesses
- Strong exposure to multiple concurrent projects in fast-paced environments
- A hands-on leadership style with pace, urgency, and decisiveness
- Deep understanding of margin management, delivery risk, and operational efficiency
- Experience from commercial fit-out, offices, or similar D&B environments highly regarded
- Respect for existing culture, paired with the confidence to drive change
- Ideally experienced in, or highly credible for, PE-backed growth journeys
This is a rare opportunity to step into a true growth COO role.
Chief Operating Officer employer: SF Search Partners
At SF Search Partners, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities for advancement within our ambitious event services sector. Located in the vibrant UK market, we offer a unique chance to lead a forward-thinking team backed by private equity, ensuring that your contributions directly impact our success and the satisfaction of our customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Chief Operating Officer role you’re after at SF Search Partners.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at SF Search Partners a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at SF Search Partners.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Chief Operating Officer at SF Search Partners, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Chief Operating Officer, it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at SF Search Partners a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to SF Search Partners specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at SF Search Partners
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with SF Search Partners, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like SF Search Partners want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
