Chief Operating Officer - Student Living

We are working with a fast-growing, vertically integrated operating platform within the living sector to appoint a Chief Operating Officer. This is a genuinely broad, hands-on operational leadership role, reporting directly to the CEO, and working closely with the founder shareholders, you'll take ownership of operations across a multi-site portfolio, spanning several core business functions.What you'll be doing:Owning day-to-day operations across a multi-site, asset-heavy portfolioDriving cost discipline and efficiency programmes tied directly to asset performanceSetting and monitoring KPIs across all business functionsLeading compliance, risk management, and governance standards across every siteUnifying previously siloed functions under a single operational structureBuilding and developing internal talent, with a strong focus on succession planningReporting directly to the CEO and Board on performance, risk, and strategic opportunityWhat we're looking for:A track record running multi-site, operationally intensive businesses within the living sector or a comparable operational environmentStrong financial acumen, comfortable owning budgets, NOI targets and cost reduction programmesProven ability to integrate and lead multiple departments under one structureA governance-first mindset, with experience embedding compliance and risk frameworksA genuine interest in developing people and building internal capability, not just processComfortable operating in a founder-led business with high visibility and accountabilityThis is a rare opportunity to shape the operational backbone of a business at a pivotal stage of growth, with real influence over strategy, culture, and long-term value creation. Contact Alistair Carter on 020 7318 1774 or email at acarter@macdonaldandcompany.com