Job Description
Symonds & Sampson LLP are searching for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) who can offer strong HR and leadership skills. This is a varied role and the ideal candidate has extensive business and HR experience at a senior management level.
Symonds & Sampson started in Dorchester, Dorset, in 1858, becoming an LLP in 2007 and now operates from 16 regional offices in 4 counties, employing more than 150 professional and support staff. Services include estate agency, lettings, management, auctioneering and property advice across the residential, rural and commercial sectors.
Full-time but some flexibility may be possible. Monday-Friday 9:00-17:30. Office-based in Poundbury, Dorset.
Please apply with a CV and a Cover Letter highlighting how you meet the requirements.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead and enhance back-office operations including HR and Compliance, building an inclusive culture that ensures staff can thrive and that organisational goals are met
- Collaborate with the Managing Partner, CFO and Business Systems Coordinator to drive the Firm’s operations strategy forward and disseminating to staff
- Ensure effective recruiting, onboarding, professional development, performance management, and retention
- Ensure compliance with national and professional business regulations, and take appropriate action when necessary
- Management of the firm’s health & safety obligations
- Management of the firm’s estate and sustainability goals
- Lead on GDPR requirements including processing of any SARs
- Build and maintain relationships with Partners, staff and third-party suppliers
- Coordinate partner meetings, providing support as required
PREFERRED SKILLS
- HR experience and ability to take the lead on matters arising
- Excellent leadership skills with management experience in a business environment at a senior level
- Understanding of compliance and regulatory issues
- Personal integrity and empathy
- Ability to work individually and collaboratively
- Strong communication skills at all levels within an organisation
- Willingness to take responsibility and make decisions, whether in familiar or new territory
- Ability to consider the big picture and foresee potential issues
- Strong IT and presentation skills (Office 365 and SharePoint used)
REWARDS
- Competitive salary, depending on relevant experience
- 6 weeks holiday including bank holidays plus company days
- A strong professional environment, with an opportunity for the right person to progress in the partnership
- Company days at Christmas
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Work-based pension scheme
- Firm-wide events
- Sporting and social
- Free parking
- Annual salary reviews
THE OFFICE The Head Office is in Poundbury, with shops, eateries and parks within walking distance. It is a multi-disciplinary office, home to the accounts, agricultural, professional, commercial, and marketing departments.
It is envisaged that this role will be largely office-based, however travel to visit other offices will be required from time to time so a suitable car is required.
CLOSING DATE Monday 30th June 9am. The closing date may be brought forward should we receive a high volume of applications. To avoid disappointment, we suggest submitting your application promptly.
STARTING DATE August 2025 to be agreed
APPLICATIONS Please send a CV with a covering letter to hr@symondsandsampson.co.uk or post to Symonds & Sampson LLP, Burraton House, 5 Burraton Square, Poundbury, Dorset, DT1 3GR. All applications will be received in the strictest of confidence. For further information, please call 01305 236237.
No agencies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer in Dorchester
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Chief Operating Officer at Symonds & Sampson!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Symonds & Sampson or be willing to refer you for that Chief Operating Officer position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Symonds & Sampson who’s on the lookout for their next Chief Operating Officer star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Chief Operating Officer role at Symonds & Sampson!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Symonds & Sampson. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Symonds & Sampson
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Symonds & Sampson. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
