Chief Operating Officer (COO), High-Growth Leadership Consultancy
Are you a grounded, operationally brilliant leader who knows how to bring structure, calm execution, and clarity to a fast-moving, founder-led environment?
I am representing an extraordinary leadership development and culture transformation consultancy. With a global reach spanning 6 continents, their mission is deeply human: to build inclusive, transformative spaces and "be the change" they want to see in the world.
They are seeking a COO to step in as a trusted partner to the Founder, own the operational delivery engine, and help scale the business sustainably.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Operational Ownership & Delivery Engine: Own day-to-day operations across delivery teams, pillar leads, and unique experiential formats. Build scalable programme management systems that create visibility, remove friction, and bring calm consistency to execution.
- Commercial Scaling & Future Readiness: Oversee operational impact on margins, profitability, and forecasting. Build clean, well-documented operations and predictable KPIs to ensure the business is robust, scalable, and prepared for future growth or potential exit readiness.
- Founder Partnership & Culture: Act as a true strategic anchor to the Founder, offering thoughtful challenge, prioritisation, and operational balance. Nurture an accountable, high-performance culture that aligns delivery with deep human values.
The Type of Person We Are Looking For
We need someone who balances a sharp commercial mind with real heart, emotional intelligence, and relational agility. You are someone who easily grasps what makes a purpose-led business special and knows how to protect that essence while building structure.
- Proven Senior Operational Leadership: Experienced as a COO, Operations Director, or similar, with full accountability for delivery and execution.
- Thrives in Founder-Led Environments: Adaptable, hands-on, and experienced in fast-moving, owner-managed businesses where priorities evolve, and authentic leadership is key.
- Commercial & Process Acumen: Skilled at introducing structure, accountability, and project frameworks without adding unnecessary bureaucracy or losing the human touch.
- Location & Travel: Fully remote, with the ability to travel regularly to London and the South East for face-to-face connection and strategic alignment.
Desirable Extras:
- Formal project management credentials (PRINCE2, Agile, PMP, or similar).
- Experience in leadership development, executive coaching, or supporting delivery-focused operations leads.
Location: Fully Remote (with regular travel to London / South East England)
Salary: From £95,000 + Discretionary Annual Bonus + Potential Future Equity
Role Type: Permanent, Full-Time; a 4-day week (pro rata) is an option
Note: With the current COO retiring in June 2027, this role offers a generous, structured handover, giving you the time and space to fully understand the heart of the business before leading its next phase.
Why Apply?
This isn't just about keeping the engine running. It’s about freeing the Founder to focus on growth, creating predictable delivery for global clients, and helping a deeply purpose-driven team walk their own path of leadership and transformation.
If you are a purpose-driven operational leader ready to bring heart, scale, and calm structure to a high-impact global business, apply with your CV today.
Full details regarding client identity, culture, and operational scope will be shared with shortlisted candidates following an initial discussion.