At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence and drive strategic initiatives across multiple locations.
- Company: Dynamic investment management firm with a focus on growth and restructuring.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, equity options, and extensive travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a fast-growing company while shaping its operational future.
- Qualifications: Proven COO experience in accounting/audit, strong financial acumen, and leadership skills.
- Other info: Ideal for hands-on leaders ready to drive change and enhance performance.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 180000 £ per year.
Group COO Opportunity in the Professional Services Industry. Requires travel between London, Midlands and Manchester. Salary circa. £150,000 p.a. Bonus and Equity available.
Simpson Judge are exclusively partnering with an Investment Management firm, who are seeking to appoint a permanent COO into a business they are partnering closely with. With annual turnover currently standing at £16m, this business has already seen significant growth in its ongoing restructure, and we are now looking to add to the Senior Leadership Team to direct and strengthen operational cohesion and synergy across the group.
In order to be considered for this role, you need to possess a strong combination of strategic and granular operations expertise, alongside strong previous experience in an Accountancy and/or Audit services business.
Key Responsibilities:- Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring service quality and compliance with regulatory standards.
- Establish robust KPIs and reporting frameworks for performance monitoring.
- Implement process improvements and technology upgrades to enhance scalability.
- Take responsibility for delivery of regional KPIs against Group's financial objectives.
- Lead restructuring initiatives for underperforming sites.
- Drive cost optimisation, cash flow improvement, and operational efficiency across all business units.
- Engage with investors, lenders, and key stakeholders to maintain confidence during restructuring.
- Support CRO with M&A pipeline execution, including target evaluation and integration planning.
- Align operational capabilities with Group growth objectives post-turnaround.
- Build and lead a high-performing operations team.
- Drive cultural change to support accountability, resilience, and client-centricity.
- Proven track record in COO or senior operational leadership roles within accounting or audit firms.
- Demonstrated success in turnaround or restructuring environments, including insolvency and performance improvement.
- Familiarity with UK regulatory frameworks (ICAEW/ACCA standards) and compliance obligations.
- ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified (or equivalent) with strong experience working within an accountancy or audit firm.
- Strong financial acumen and ability to interpret complex P&L and cash flow dynamics.
- Exceptional stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
- Operational excellence mindset with ability to implement process and technology change.
- Hands-on leader with strategic vision and execution capability.
- High integrity and commitment to professional standards.
- Located in or near to one of the main business hubs (West London, Manchester, Midlands) and happy to travel extensively between them.
My client would also consider candidates seeking interim opportunities. Immediate availability, or a short notice period would be a significant advantage.
Chief Operating Officer in City of London employer: Simpson Judge
Contact Detail:
Simpson Judge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, especially those in the investment management and professional services sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out for informational chats.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their recent projects, challenges, and successes. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in their operations and growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership style! Be ready to discuss how you've driven cultural change and operational efficiency in past roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your impact and how you align teams with business objectives.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out, and applying directly can give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in operational leadership, especially within accounting or audit firms. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for the COO role. Share specific examples of your success in turnaround environments and how you've driven operational efficiency in previous roles.
Showcase Your Strategic Vision: In your application, emphasise your strategic mindset and ability to implement process improvements. We’re looking for someone who can not only manage day-to-day operations but also drive long-term growth and cultural change.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Simpson Judge
✨Know Your Numbers
As a COO, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've interpreted P&L statements and cash flow dynamics in your previous roles. This will show that you understand the financial health of a business.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision
Prepare to articulate your strategic vision for operational excellence. Think about how you've implemented process improvements and technology upgrades in the past. Be specific about the outcomes and how they aligned with business objectives, as this will highlight your capability to drive change.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder management is crucial for a COO role. Be prepared to discuss your experience engaging with investors, lenders, and other key stakeholders. Share examples of how you've maintained confidence during restructuring initiatives, as this will demonstrate your ability to navigate complex relationships.
✨Cultural Change Champion
Cultural change is a big part of the COO role. Think about how you've driven accountability and client-centricity in your teams. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've built high-performing teams and fostered a resilient culture, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
