Chief Operating Officer (Ref: 196617)
Chief Operating Officer (Ref: 196617)
Location: Wokingham
Contact: daniel.scott@forsythbarnes.com
Salary: £100,000 - £110,000
About Us
We are partnering with a fast-growing, technology-led business operating within the retail and B2B services sector, currently undergoing significant operational transformation and international growth.
Following a period of sustained expansion, the business has consolidated multiple operating entities into a unified group structure and is now entering the next phase of its evolution. With a major ERP transformation underway, international expansion plans across Europe, Australia and the US, and ongoing acquisition activity, the organisation is investing heavily in operational scalability, governance and customer delivery excellence.
The business operates in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, supporting globally recognised brands and retail partners through a combination of technology, operational services and strategic partnerships.
As part of its continued growth journey, the business is now seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join the executive leadership team and play a critical role in scaling operations, driving transformation and building the operational infrastructure required for long-term growth.
Job Description
Reporting directly to the Group CEO, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will oversee day-to-day business operations while leading operational transformation, process optimisation and strategic delivery across the organisation.
This role will be responsible for ensuring operational efficiency, customer onboarding excellence, service delivery performance and cross-functional alignment across operations, onboarding/client services and project delivery functions.
The COO will work closely with the executive leadership team to implement business strategy, improve operational maturity and support the organisation through its next stage of growth and international expansion.
This is a highly visible executive leadership position suited to an operationally focused leader who thrives in scale-up and transformation environments.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Lead and oversee day-to-day operational performance across the business
Drive operational efficiency, scalability and continuous improvement initiatives
Ensure customer SLA performance across fulfilment, delivery and operational services
Oversee inventory management, stock control and supply chain performance
Develop and implement operational frameworks, governance and reporting structures
Support the rollout of future operational services and capabilities
Customer Onboarding & Client Services
Oversee customer onboarding processes to ensure seamless client experiences
Improve onboarding efficiency, customer journey and service delivery processes
Lead support strategy development across multiple customer sectors
Drive optimisation of operational workflows and service processes
Project & Transformation Leadership
Oversee delivery of operational and strategic transformation projects
Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and aligned to business objectives
Implement structured project governance and accountability frameworks
Support ongoing ERP development, optimisation and associated operational programmes
Strategic Growth & Partnerships
Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic partners and stakeholders
Support operational readiness for international growth and market expansion
Collaborate with leadership teams across sales, technology, product and finance
Identify opportunities to improve operational scalability and customer experience
Leadership & Culture
Lead, mentor and develop high-performing operational teams
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement
Act as a key member of the executive leadership team
Represent the business externally with clients, partners and industry stakeholders
Requirements
Proven experience operating as a COO, Operations Director or senior operational leader within a high-growth business
Strong track record of scaling operational teams and improving operational performance
Experience leading operational transformation, process optimisation and business change initiatives
Strong understanding of B2B operations, customer onboarding and service delivery environments
Experience overseeing cross-functional operational teams
Ability to operate effectively within fast-paced, evolving and entrepreneurial environments
Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking capabilities
Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills
Experience working alongside executive leadership teams
Exposure to ERP transformation, operational systems implementation or large-scale change programmes is highly desirable
International operations or multi-market experience would be advantageous
Benefits
Executive leadership opportunity within a high-growth business
Opportunity to play a key role in operational transformation and international expansion
High-impact position with direct influence on business strategy and operational direction
Collaborative and entrepreneurial leadership environment
Competitive executive salary package
Hybrid working flexibility following initial onboarding period
Other
Location: Wokingham, Berkshire
Working Pattern: Primarily onsite (4 days per week expected)
Reporting To: Group CEO
Direct Reports:
Head of Operations
Head of Onboarding & Client Services
Project Manager
This is an excellent opportunity for an operational leader looking to make a tangible impact within a scaling, transformation-focused business entering an exciting new phase of growth.