At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic operations to scale a purpose-driven business focused on sustainability.
- Company: Join a mission-driven company reconnecting people with nature and their potential.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunity for impact, and a vibrant work culture.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with a focus on growth and values.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a sustainable brand while driving real change.
- Qualifications: Experience in scaling brands, finance, and systems transformation required.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
We exist to reconnect people with nature and their natural potential and we’re looking for a COO who can scale our purpose-led business with precision, heart, and systems-level thinking. If you’re driven by profit and planetary impact, this is a rare opportunity to help shape how our business operates.
As our Chief Operating Officer, you’ll co-lead the rhythm of the business: financial planning, data systems, product flow, sourcing resilience, and the digital infrastructure that supports our teams and community. Working closely with the CEO, CFO, and senior leadership, you’ll act as a strategic co-pilot, balancing creative vision with disciplined execution.
What does the role look like?
- Strategic Leadership
- Partner with the CEO and the leadership team to define and execute business strategy.
- Translate vision into operational plans and measurable outcomes.
- Ensure alignment with sustainability and regenerative business goals.
- Co-lead annual and long-range planning with the CEO and CFO.
- Champion data-driven decision-making and transparent reporting.
- Support fundraising, investor relations, and Board engagement with clear operational and financial storytelling.
- Operational Excellence
- Oversee supply chain, manufacturing, logistics, and retail operations.
- Implement systems and processes that improve efficiency and reduce costs.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives across departments.
- Financial & Performance Management
- Collaborate with CFO to manage budgets, forecasts, and KPIs.
- Monitor operational performance and report to the board.
- Drive accountability for P&L delivery, margin improvement, and working-capital optimisation.
- Ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical standards.
- Technology & Innovation
- Champion digital transformation and adoption of tech and analytics tools.
- Leverage data-driven insights to optimize decision-making.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong relationships with suppliers, distributors, and partners.
- Represent the company externally with investors, regulators, and industry bodies.
- Merchandising, Planning & Supply Chain
- Lead global merchandise planning and inventory health.
- Strengthen forecasting accuracy, SKU efficiency, and margin mix.
- Oversee sourcing, production, and logistics across global regenerative partners.
- Work with Product to align design, sourcing, and sustainability, moving toward circular and on-demand manufacturing.
- Leadership & Culture
- Lead with Vivobarefoot’s values — Posture, Rhythm, Relax, Sensory.
- Develop high-performing operational teams and strong cross-functional interfaces.
- Embed circular and regenerative principles into decision-making.
What does success look like?
- Sustainable revenue growth with strong margins.
- Improved cash conversion and reduced inventory obsolescence.
- Integrated, reliable real-time reporting across systems.
- Operational performance consistently above 95%.
- High engagement and trust across operational teams.
- Progress toward circular, regenerative supply models.
What does your profile look like?
- Proven experience scaling a purpose-driven, product-based, multi-channel brand (ideally footwear, apparel, or consumer goods).
- Deep expertise in finance, planning, sourcing, and systems transformation.
- Systems thinker with strong commercial acumen and emotional intelligence.
- Thrives in entrepreneurial, high-growth, values-led environments.
- Passionate about nature, health, and regenerative business.
COO - Bristol England employer: Vivobarefoot
Contact Detail:
Vivobarefoot Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land COO - Bristol England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that COO role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for sustainability and innovation during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've driven change in previous roles, especially in areas like supply chain or operational excellence. We want to see that heart behind your skills!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky interview questions by practising your responses. Think about how you can align your experience with our mission of reconnecting people with nature. We love candidates who can articulate their vision clearly!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our purpose-led journey.
We think you need these skills to ace COO - Bristol England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for nature and regenerative business shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours, so don’t hold back on sharing why this role excites you!
Be Specific: Use concrete examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your skills in financial planning, operational excellence, and stakeholder engagement. We love a good story that showcases your journey and achievements!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the COO role. We’re looking for someone who can balance creative vision with disciplined execution, so show us how you fit the bill!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to help shape our business operations!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vivobarefoot
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into the company's mission and values. Understand how they reconnect people with nature and their potential. This will help you align your answers with their purpose-led approach and show that you're genuinely interested in their vision.
✨Prepare Your Strategic Insights
As a COO, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to translate vision into operational plans. Come prepared with examples of how you've successfully implemented strategic initiatives in the past, especially those that align with sustainability and regenerative practices.
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with financial planning, budgeting, and performance management. Highlight specific KPIs you've managed and how you've driven accountability for P&L delivery. This will reassure them that you can handle the financial aspects of the role effectively.
✨Emphasise Relationship Building
The role involves engaging with various stakeholders, so be prepared to talk about how you've built strong relationships in previous roles. Share examples of how you've collaborated with suppliers, partners, and internal teams to achieve common goals, showcasing your emotional intelligence and leadership skills.