I am supporting a UK professional services organisation that is entering a significant period of operational change and turnaround. The business operates across multiple sites and requires a senior operator who can take full ownership of day-to-day performance and delivery.
This is a hands-on, field-focused COO role. The incoming leader will spend time in the business with regional teams, driving accountability, pace and commercial improvement while acting as the primary execution partner to the CEO and Board.
Availability
The organisation is moving quickly and is prepared to engage immediately with the right individual. If this sounds like it could be relevant to your experience, or if you know someone in your network who fits this operational profile, I would welcome a confidential conversation.
The core of the role
Lead day-to-day operations across a multi-site UK network
Rapidly stabilise performance, improve consistency and raise service levels
Put in place clear KPIs, weekly cadence and operational discipline
Deliver cost improvements, cash awareness and site turnaround actions
Build strong relationships with regional leaders and set clear expectations
Ensure compliance with professional and regulatory standards
Support integration activity and process improvements across the group
Work closely with the CEO and investors on key turnaround milestones
What the ideal profile looks like
A true COO-first operator with a track record of improving performance in a professional services environment
Experience operating within or alongside ICAEW-regulated firms, such as accountancy, audit, advisory, insolvency, corporate services or consulting
Comfortable travelling regularly between sites and leading from the front
Strong people manager with an ability to influence, coach and hold teams to account
Evidence of delivering measurable improvements in operational efficiency, client service and commercial outcomes
Confident working in time-sensitive, pressured and change-heavy environments
Financially literate and able to interpret P&L, cash and site-level performance drivers, but not finance-led in identity
Who this would suit
A Head of Operations, Operations Director or COO who has grown up in or around accounting and advisory firms
Someone who enjoys fixing things on the ground rather than operating from a central function
An operator who can make fast decisions, build trust quickly and drive change through people and process
An individual who thrives in a PE-backed or high-expectation environment