Chief Operating Officer (COO) Job Description for Senior Operations Leaders

The Chief Operating Officer is a senior executive responsible for managing day to day operations and translating strategic plans into measurable outcomes. Candidates who should apply are experienced operational leaders with a track record of improving performance, managing P&L, leading cross functional teams and delivering organisational change.

Chief Operating Officer Job Profile

The Chief Operating Officer provides operational leadership across the organisation, ensuring efficient delivery of products and services while supporting strategic growth. This role focuses on aligning operational capabilities with strategic priorities, optimising processes and ensuring high standards of service and compliance.

The post holder will partner with the chief executive and executive team to develop and implement operational plans, drive performance metrics and lead continuous improvement programmes that support sustainable growth and resilience.

Chief Operating Officer Job Description

The Chief Operating Officer oversees the operational functions of the organisation and is accountable for operational performance, cost management and service delivery standards. The role requires setting clear priorities, establishing robust operational controls and ensuring consistent delivery against targets while maintaining compliance and managing risk.

Working in a complex, cross functional environment, the COO will manage senior operational leaders, foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, and support major change initiatives. The role demands strong stakeholder management, financial acumen and the ability to translate strategic objectives into detailed operational plans.

The COO is expected to provide visible leadership, develop talent within the operations function and ensure that operational decisions reflect the organisation's values and long term objectives.

Chief Operating Officer: Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies that support organisational goals and strategic plans.
• Lead and manage day to day operations to ensure efficient, high quality service delivery and operational excellence.
• Own P&L accountability for operational units and drive cost effective resource allocation and budgeting.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators and operational metrics to measure effectiveness and progress.
• Design and implement process improvement and productivity initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, internal policies and external standards across operations.
• Identify, evaluate and mitigate operational risks and implement robust controls and contingency plans.
• Lead cross functional projects and transformation programmes including mergers, integrations and major change activities.
• Manage supplier and partner relationships to secure service levels, cost control and operational continuity.
• Drive a high performance culture through leadership, performance management and talent development.
• Collaborate with finance to develop forecasts, budgets and capital plans aligned to operational needs.
• Champion customer focus and continuous improvement to enhance customer experience and satisfaction.
• Provide regular reporting to the board and executive team on operational performance and strategic initiatives.
• Promote health and safety standards and ensure safe working practices within operational areas.

Chief Operating Officer: Requirements and Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, finance or a related discipline; postgraduate qualification such as an MBA is desirable.
• Significant senior operational experience, typically 10 or more years in leadership roles with increasing responsibility.
• Proven track record of managing P&L and delivering measurable operational improvements at scale.
• Strong strategic planning and execution skills with experience translating strategy into operational plans.
• Excellent financial literacy and experience in budgeting, forecasting and cost control.
• Demonstrable experience of leading large teams and developing senior managers and future leaders.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to influence at board level.
• Experience of change management and delivering transformation programmes successfully.
• Good understanding of regulatory, compliance and risk management frameworks relevant to operations.
• Data driven decision making and analytical skills with a focus on metrics and continuous improvement.
• Strong problem solving, prioritisation and project management capabilities.
• High personal integrity, resilience and the capacity to work in a complex, fast paced environment.
• Experience in the relevant sector is preferred but not essential; ability to quickly learn sector specific requirements.