Chief Operating Officer

About the Role

We are partnering with a private equity-backed organization undergoing a substantial expansion through acquisitions, managing a diverse and growing set of businesses across multiple sectors. They are seeking a Chief Operating Officer to take direct control of operational management throughout the group as it scales.

This position demands a practical, hands-on leader who actively improves business performance rather than just providing strategic guidance. Some companies in the portfolio are performing well, while others have untapped potential. The COO’s mission is to enforce discipline, accelerate progress, and assure accountability across operations, identifying overlooked value opportunities and directly resolving challenges rather than merely overseeing them.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full ownership of operational outcomes across all portfolio companies by establishing clear performance indicators, instituting structured reporting processes, and conducting regular operational reviews.
• Intervene in underperforming businesses to lead turnaround efforts and restore success.
• Promote value enhancement through cost management, improved processes, and system upgrades, including leading the operational integration of newly acquired businesses.
• Provide continual support and constructive challenge to management teams within each company.
• Collaborate closely with investors and the CFO on strategic planning, capital allocation, and essential business case development.

Candidate Profile

• An experienced operational leader who has managed multiple locations or diverse business units, adaptable to various business models, and thrives in fast-paced, acquisition-oriented environments.
• A dependable and steady professional with a proactive mindset who identifies operational issues and directly resolves them without waiting for direction.
• Previous experience in managing multi-site or multi-business operations rather than a purely strategic or advisory role.
• Comfortable working within a private equity or investor-backed, high-growth context.
• Financially knowledgeable, capable of partnering closely with CFOs and investment teams.
• Backgrounds such as portfolio operations director, group operations director, or operating partner are advantageous.

Additional Information

This position offers the opportunity to take ownership in a dynamic and expanding group focused on building and improving its portfolio companies.