Chief Operating Officer

About the Role

Our client, a private equity-backed industrial services company experiencing rapid growth by acquisition and organic expansion, is seeking a Chief Operating Officer. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will be responsible for overall operational effectiveness, successful integration after acquisitions, and enhancing scalability of business operations nationwide. This role works closely with the CEO, board members, and investors and represents a crucial leadership position with succession visibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all field and corporate operations nationwide, ensuring performance meets EBITDA targets, safety standards, and service commitments.
• Lead the operational integration post-acquisition, managing due diligence efforts, execution during the critical first 100 days, and realizing synergies aligned with underwriting assumptions.
• Develop and implement operational infrastructure to support scalability, including establishing systems, consistent processes, and management rhythms across locations.
• Evaluate and strengthen the leadership team, including regional managers and site general managers.
• Collaborate with the CFO on financial decisions such as capital allocation, margin enhancements, and operational data for board and lender reports.
• Represent operations in quarterly board meetings, presenting updates on execution progress, risk management, and value creation.

Candidate Qualifications

• More than 20 years of progressively senior operations leadership experience, including roles as COO, President, or equivalent enterprise-level operating leadership.
• Experience with full profit and loss responsibility managing multi-site or multi-region operations generating revenues exceeding $150 million.
• Proven track record working successfully in private equity-held companies, engaging effectively with boards and sponsors.
• Demonstrated ability to lead acquisition integrations from deal close through synergy realization.
• An undergraduate degree is required, with a preference for an MBA or similar advanced degree.

Compensation

The compensation package includes a base salary from $350,000 to $575,000 annually, performance-based incentives, and significant equity participation.