Chief Operating Officer

About the CompanyWe are working with a growing specialist professional services business operating within the HR, payroll and HR technology space. With an established client base, strong market reputation and ambitious plans for further growth, the business is now seeking a commercially driven Chief Operating Officer to play a pivotal role in its next stage of development.About the RoleChief Operating Officer (COO) Hybrid – predominantly remote, with regular travel to offices within East Midlands. Salary: £100k package, inclusive of bonus. Full Time, Permanent.This is a newly created senior leadership position, that would suit a senior operations individual from a Saas background, ideally within the HR tech space looking for a step into a COO role. Reporting directly to the Group CEO, the successful candidate will take ownership of the company's operational performance, ensuring that strategy is translated into effective execution while driving growth, profitability, service excellence and organisational development. You will act as a key adviser to the CEO and provide visible leadership across the business, combining strategic thinking with a hands-on approach to getting things done. Please Note: Experience within Saas / HR Tech is essential for this role.

Responsibilities

Operational LeadershipTake overall responsibility for the effective day-to-day running of the business.Establish clear operational priorities, performance measures and accountability across functions.Oversee service delivery, resourcing, financial performance and client operations.Develop an effective management rhythm covering business reviews, forecasting, budgeting and performance reporting.Deputise for the CEO when required and provide informed challenge and support on key business decisions.Commercial GrowthTranslate the company's growth strategy into practical commercial plans and measurable targets.Identify opportunities to increase revenue, improve margins and strengthen client retention.Support the development and launch of new services and propositions.Develop relationships with strategic technology and service partners to broaden the company's offering and create new commercial opportunities.Strengthen the company's market position, reputation and visibility.Leadership & PeopleLead, coach and develop the senior management team, creating a culture of ownership, collaboration and high performance.Establish clear objectives and ensure leaders are accountable for delivering against them.Identify capability gaps and develop appropriate succession and talent plans.Address performance issues constructively while recognising and rewarding strong contribution.Champion a positive, inclusive and values-led culture throughout the organisation.Client & Service ExcellenceMaintain a strong focus on client satisfaction, service quality and long-term relationships.Ensure consistent delivery standards across all client-facing functions.Monitor key measures such as revenue, margin, client retention and service performance.Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and the overall customer experience.Governance, Risk & ComplianceMaintain effective governance, risk management and quality assurance frameworks.Oversee information security and ISO 27001-related governance, ensuring standards are maintained and continually improved.Ensure appropriate compliance with employment legislation, data protection and other relevant regulatory requirements.Develop robust processes that support sustainable and scalable business growth.Business Transformation & Future DevelopmentReview and evolve the organisational structure to support the company's growth plans.Drive improvements to systems, processes and ways of working.Develop a scalable operating model that improves efficiency without compromising service quality.Establish clear delivery standards and performance expectations across the business.Encourage the effective use of AI, automation and emerging technologies to enhance both internal operations and client solutions.

Qualifications

Significant senior operational leadership experience, ideally within professional services, Saas, consultancy, HR/ HR tech or another people-focused environment is essential.

Required Skills

A strong track record of managing day-to-day business operations while delivering sustainable commercial growth.Experience working closely with a CEO, Managing Director or shareholders as a trusted senior adviser or deputy.Demonstrable experience developing and implementing growth strategies.Experience launching new services, propositions or revenue streams.Strong commercial and financial understanding, including revenue, margin and budgeting.Experience developing strategic partnerships and managing important external relationships.Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop senior teams.A strong understanding of governance, risk and compliance; experience with ISO 27001 would be advantageous.Excellent communication, influencing and decision-making skills.A collaborative leadership style, with the confidence to challenge constructively when required.Experience within HR, payroll or HR technology would be particularly beneficial.Above all, you will be a pragmatic and energetic leader who enjoys turning strategy into action and creating the structure, accountability and momentum needed to support growth.Preferred Skills:Experience within HR, payroll or HR technology would be particularly beneficial.Experience with ISO 27001 would be advantageous.Pay range and compensation package:£100k package, inclusive of bonus.Performance-related bonus.Hybrid and predominantly remote working.Regular presence across Milton Keynes and Kettering offices.Senior leadership position with direct influence on business strategy.Supportive wider group environment.Professional development opportunities.Genuine scope to shape the structure, culture and direction of a growing organisation.Equal Opportunity Statement</