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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead day-to-day operations and drive growth in a rapidly expanding compliance services group.
- Company: Join a dynamic, investor-backed company making waves in the UK compliance sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £150,000, bonuses, car allowance, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for significant career advancement in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal leadership role in a high-growth environment with real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven COO or MD experience in operational environments, strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 150000 £ per year.
Salary: up to £150,000 + Bonus + Car Allowance + Benefits
Location: London HQ with occasional national travel
About the Role
Our client is a rapidly growing, investor-backed compliance and technical services group operating nationally across the UK. The business is scaling quickly through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, with ambitious plans to build a market-leading platform within its sector. The Group comprises specialist operational businesses spanning manufacturing, installation, remediation, and compliance-led service delivery. Backed by a highly entrepreneurial investment platform, the organisation is entering a significant growth phase and is investing heavily in operational capability, systems, and infrastructure.
As part of this growth journey, the business is seeking a Chief Operating Officer / Managing Director to join the Executive Team and take full ownership of day-to-day operations across the Group. Reporting directly to the CEO and operating alongside the CFO and Commercial leadership team, this role will be responsible for leading and scaling the operational platform of the business while delivering exceptional commercial and operational performance. This is a rare opportunity to take a leadership role within a high-growth, investor-backed platform at a pivotal stage of its evolution.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Operational Leadership
- Take full ownership of the day-to-day operational running of the Group, with accountability for operational performance and P&L delivery
- Lead senior divisional leaders across operations, manufacturing, service delivery, HSEQ, and support functions
- Oversee multi-site national operations across manufacturing, operational, and corporate locations
- Drive operational excellence across delivery, workforce planning, fleet, supply chain, and training
- Partner closely with the CEO and CFO to deliver the Group’s growth and revenue objectives
- Establish and embed KPI and OKR frameworks across all divisions
- Drive operational efficiency and cost optimisation while maintaining quality and compliance standards
- Support acquisition activity including operational due diligence, integration planning, and post-acquisition embedding
- Contribute to the long-term strategic direction of the Group as part of the Executive Leadership Team
- Lead the systemisation and scaling of the business through improved processes, governance, and technology adoption
- Build an operating platform capable of integrating future acquisitions effectively
- Drive operational transformation initiatives across systems, reporting, compliance, workforce management, and service delivery
- Act as a visible and people-focused leader across the business, building credibility from boardroom to frontline teams
- Lead organisational capability development, succession planning, and leadership growth
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience as a COO, Managing Director, or Operations Director within fire safety, construction, engineering services, facilities management, compliance services, or a related operational environment
- Strong track record managing multi-site, national operations within a B2B service-led business
- Full P&L ownership experience within a business of comparable scale and complexity
- Experience leading operational transformation, business systemisation, and scalable operating models
- Experience managing large operational teams through structured divisional leadership
- Strong commercial acumen combined with operational delivery capability
- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Desirable Experience
- Experience within passive fire, active fire, compliance, or technical services sectors
- Experience integrating acquired businesses into operational platforms
- Management consulting background alongside operational leadership experience
- Familiarity with accredited operational environments and regulated compliance frameworks
Chief Operating Officer in City of London employer: Tarka Talent
Contact Detail:
Tarka Talent 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! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a COO role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company thoroughly. Understand their operational challenges and think about how your experience can help them scale effectively. Tailor your pitch to show you’re the perfect fit for their growth journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you note expressing your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you top of mind and shows your genuine interest in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application and get back to you quicker!
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 the role of Chief Operating Officer. Highlight your experience in operational leadership, P&L management, and any relevant industry knowledge. We want to see how your background aligns with our ambitious growth plans!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven operational excellence and transformation in previous roles. Let us know what excites you about joining our team!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: As a COO, your leadership style is crucial. In your application, give us a glimpse of how you lead teams and foster a positive culture. We’re looking for someone who can connect with both boardroom executives and frontline staff, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen on being part of our journey at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tarka Talent
✨Know the Business Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company’s operations, especially their compliance and technical services. Understand their growth strategy, recent acquisitions, and how they plan to scale. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to contribute to their ambitious goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential COO, it’s crucial to articulate your leadership approach. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-site operations and transformed businesses in the past. Highlight your experience in managing large teams and driving operational excellence, as this will resonate with their need for strong leadership.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Expect to discuss strategic initiatives and operational efficiencies during the interview. Be ready to share your thoughts on KPI and OKR frameworks, and how you’ve implemented them in previous roles. This shows that you’re not just about day-to-day operations but also about long-term growth and transformation.
✨Engage with Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about their current operational challenges and future plans. This not only demonstrates your strategic thinking but also your eagerness to be part of their journey. It’s a great way to show that you’re invested in their success.