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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 compliance and technical services sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £150,000, bonuses, car allowance, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement in a fast-paced, innovative company.
- Why this job: Be part of a pivotal leadership role in a high-growth environment with significant impact.
- Qualifications: Proven COO or MD experience in operational environments, strong leadership, and commercial acumen.
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 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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks on LinkedIn or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their values and how they align with your experience. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the COO role. Keep it concise and impactful, focusing on your leadership and operational achievements.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer in 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 your achievements in operational transformation and team leadership. Let us know how you can contribute to our exciting journey!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. We’re looking for someone who can inspire teams and drive operational excellence. Share stories that demonstrate your people-focused approach and how you've built credibility across different levels of an organisation.
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 about your application status. Plus, it shows us you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tarka Talent
✨Know Your Numbers
As a COO, you'll need to demonstrate your grasp of P&L management. Brush up on financial metrics relevant to the role and be ready to discuss how you've driven operational performance in previous positions. Show them you can not only manage but also optimise costs while maintaining quality.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about how you can convey your approach to leading teams. Prepare examples of how you've built credibility and fostered a positive culture in past roles. Be ready to discuss how you engage with both boardroom executives and frontline staff.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Expect questions about your experience with business transformation and strategic growth. Have specific examples ready that highlight your ability to drive operational excellence and integrate new acquisitions. This is your chance to show how you can contribute to their ambitious growth plans.
✨Understand Their Market
Research the company’s position within the compliance and technical services sector. Familiarise yourself with their competitors and market trends. Being able to discuss these insights will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the challenges and opportunities they face.