Chief Operating Officer

Role OverviewThis is a newly created role and a rare opportunity for a commercially-driven executive with CFO experience to step into a newly created, hands-on Chief Operating Officer role with genuine influence and seniority within one of ANZ’s most successful agencies, Thrive.Working alongside the CEO, you'll provide strategic direction and oversight of Finance, Operations, HR and IT while driving commercial performance, operational excellence and business transformation. You'll be empowered to make local decisions that accelerate growth, improve profitability and build the systems, processes and capability that will support Thrive's next stage of expansion.This role is ideal for a commercial leader who is excited by innovation, enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution and who wants to play a defining role in shaping the future of an ambitious agency.About UsThrive is a values-driven communications agency with a trans-Tasman footprint across Australia and New Zealand. We exist to help brands grow through relevance, reputation and relationships, creating work that earns attention and builds long-term cultural and commercial value.Together with Acuity, our corporate communications agency, Thrive delivers integrated communications, reputation management, media relations, social, digital and creative solutions for some of the world's most recognised brands, including The LEGO Group, Diageo, BYD, ANZ Group and more.As a founder-led business with the capability and ambition of a leading global network agency, we're entering an exciting new phase of growth and have created this new executive role, to play a major part in the agency’s future.What you'll doStrategic LeadershipPartner closely with the Founder & CEO as a trusted strategic and commercial advisor.Lead strategic planning, financial performance and operational execution across Australia and New Zealand.Make commercially sound local decisions that improve performance and propel agency growth.Identify opportunities to improve profitability, scalability and operational effectiveness.Drive business transformation and continuous improvement across the agency.Finance & Commercial LeadershipLead the agency's financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting and commercial performance working in collaboration with the Head of Finance.Strengthen financial discipline, pricing frameworks, reporting and profitability.Partner with the Head of Finance and Business Leads to improve margins, utilisation and commercial accountability.Develop financial insights that support confident business decisions and long-term growth.Operations & GrowthOversee Finance, Operations, HR and IT across Australia and New Zealand.Improve forecasting, resource planning and operational efficiency.Implement scalable systems, AI and technology that enhance productivity and client delivery.Build high-performing teams and foster a culture of accountability, innovation and collaboration.What You'll BringSignificant CFO, Finance Director or senior commercial finance leadership experience.CPA or CA qualification (mandatory).20+ years' experience leading Finance, Operations and commercial strategy.Experience within a large-scale PR, communications, marketing or creative network agency environment (mandatory).Proven experience partnering directly with CEOs, Founders and executive leadership teams.Strong understanding of agency financials, profitability, pricing, procurement and commercial performance.Experience leading business transformation, operational improvement and digital innovation through AI.A collaborative leadership style with the confidence to make decisions, influence stakeholders and drive change.Why Thrive?You'll get to shape the future of a growing agency, work alongside an ambitious leadership team and make a genuine impact on the direction of the business.Benefits include:Visa Support: Support for eligible visa holders, including long-term sponsorship pathways for valued team members.Culture Connections: Weekly Thrive O'Clocks with guest speakers, quarterly agency-funded social events and regular client and team celebrations.Flexibility & Travel: Hybrid working (three in-office collaboration days per week), WFH Mondays and Fridays, plus up to four weeks of approved Work From Anywhere across our trans-Tasman offices.Extra Time Off: An annual "Thriving Birthday Me Day" and early 4:00pm finishes during Summer Fridays (December to February).Supercharged Parental Support: Additional paid parental leave (plus superannuation) on top of the government scheme, with a structured return-to-work program.Growth & Learning: Opportunity to join our AI Digital Council, external learning budget, memberships and seminars, plus internal development programs including Thrive Bites,Lunch'n Learns and Thrive Academies.