Chief Operating Officer
CMC Recruiting · Chicago, IL
Tailor my CV for this job — freeThis individual will be responsible for aligning people, processes, and performance while building the operational infrastructure needed to support the firm's continued growth.This is not a traditional corporate COO role. It is a hands-on leadership opportunity within an entrepreneurial, high-accountability environment. The right leader will be comfortable stepping into ambiguity, creating structure where it does not yet exist, respectfully challenging the status quo, and bringing clarity, accountability, and momentum to a growing organization.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Operational Leadership:Partner directly with firm ownership and the executive leadership team to translate strategic vision into clear priorities and executionLead and oversee operational functions across the organization, ensuring alignment between teams and departmentsImplement and drive operating systems, including EOS/Traction or similar frameworksEstablish clear KPIs, accountability structures, and performance management processesIdentify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, scalability, and execution while maintaining an exceptional client experienceCreate structure, processes, and systems that support the firm's continued growthSupport M&A diligence and integration initiatives as neededFinancial, Compliance & Risk Oversight:Oversee financial management in partnership with firm ownership, including budgeting, performance tracking, and operational reportingUse financial and operational data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas requiring attentionLead compliance oversight and risk management processesEnsure operational decisions support both the firm's growth objectives and long-term sustainabilityLeadership & Team Development:Build leadership depth across the organization by coaching and developing managers and emerging leadersEstablish clear expectations and hold leaders and team members accountable to agreed-upon prioritiesInfluence outcomes across the organization, including with senior leaders and firm partnersMake difficult personnel decisions when necessary while maintaining strong cultural and performance standardsServe as a trusted counterbalance to ownership, with the confidence to respectfully challenge assumptions and push back when appropriateLead the organization through change with clarity, empathy, and decisivenessStrengthen communication, alignment, and accountability across teams
Qualifications
10+ years of leadership experience within financial services, wealth management, insurance, or a related professional services environmentProven experience helping grow and scale an organizationDemonstrated success leading operations within an entrepreneurial or growth-oriented businessExperience operating within or implementing EOS/Traction or a similar operating framework preferredStrong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, performance metrics, and operational reportingDemonstrated ability to lead multi-level teams and develop other leadersStrong strategic thinking paired with the ability and willingness to execute at a hands-on levelProven ability to create structure, accountability, and consistency within a growing organizationStrong communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skillsAbility to influence senior leaders and confidently navigate difficult conversationsClean compliance recordWhat We’re Looking For:The ideal candidate is a confident, steady, and highly accountable leader who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment. This person is comfortable operating without a perfect playbook and has the ability to turn ambiguity into structure, priorities, and action.They will bring a strong combination of strategic thinking and operational execution. Rather than simply maintaining existing processes, this leader will identify what needs to change, build better systems, and hold the organization accountable to following through.Just as importantly, the COO must be an effective partner to ownership—someone who understands and supports the firm's vision while bringing an independent perspective, asking difficult questions, and respectfully pushing back when necessary.What Success Looks Like:Within the first 18–24 months, the Chief Operating Officer will have:Brought greater clarity and structure to firm-wide prioritiesStrengthened accountability across partners, leaders, and team membersImproved operational efficiency and scalabilityEnhanced leadership capabilities throughout the organizationBuilt stronger systems and processes to support continued growthCreated additional capacity for ownership to focus on growth, vision, and client impactThis is an opportunity for a proven operational leader who is energized by building structure within a growth-stage firm and values partnership, accountability, and long-term impact over corporate hierarchy.