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Our client is a high performing, private equity backed consultancy that specialises in project management, cost consultancy, and building surveying. Founded less than 40 years ago, the business has grown from a small start-up into a global operation with over 2,500 professionals delivering mission-critical projects across multiple sectors.
Within the UK and Europe, the business now employs circa 800 people and has ambitions to double in size within the next five years. The company operates across major UK cities and is particularly active in large-scale infrastructure, commercial, and public sector developments. The business remains focused and disciplined in its service offering, eschewing a multi- disciplinary model in favour of deep expertise and consistent delivery.
With strong financial backing and a leadership team focused on operational excellence, the business is on a clear path to significant growth, driven by a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions.
The Opportunity
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to take on a strategic leadership role at the heart of a well-funded and rapidly expanding consultancy. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will work alongside the CEO to align multiple businesses across the UK and mainland Europe, some of which have been acquired and now require integration and standardisation.
This is not a back-office or maintenance role. It’s a growth-focused, forward-looking position where you will help shape the future of the business, establish scalable operational practices, and professionalise key processes across the region.
You will ideally come from a quantity surveying background and bring with you the confidence and credibility to influence at board level, while also being comfortable implementing robust reporting, compliance, and operational governance frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Planning:
* Shape and execute the regional strategy in alignment with overall business objectives.
Operational Efficiency:
* Standardise and streamline processes to drive consistency, efficiency, and cost- effectiveness across all projects.
Project Delivery:
* Oversee the timely and high-quality execution of projects, ensuring client expectations are met or exceeded.
Compliance & Reporting:
* Own monthly operational reporting, ensuring accurate data flows into commercial, financial, and performance dashboards.
Resource Management:
* Optimise resource allocation and talent deployment to meet project and regional growth demands.
* Lead and mentor key operations staff across the region, building a high-performance culture that reflects the company’s values.
* Implement and monitor risk mitigation strategies, ensuring the business remains compliant across jurisdictions.
* Drive innovation and best practices in delivery, leveraging technology, data, and internal feedback to improve performance.
Stakeholder Engagement:
* Serve as a critical link between leadership, clients, and delivery teams—ensuring alignment and proactive communication.
Ideal Candidate Profile
* Quantity Surveying or related technical background, ideally MRICS or equivalent
* Track record in scaling or integrating consultancy operations across multiple geographies
* Deep understanding of project management and cost consultancy environments
* Strong commercial awareness and systems-thinking mindset
* Experienced in working with private equity stakeholders or investor-backed businesses
* Gravitas and leadership presence; equally comfortable on site or in the boardroom
* Passionate about driving standards, mentoring teams, and delivering results
The Package
* Highly competitive base salary, bonus and equity participation
* Opportunity to be part of a transformative growth story in a market-leading consultancy
* Autonomy, board-level influence, and a supportive, values-driven leadership culture
Why Join?
You’ll be joining a business at a pivotal moment, ambitious, well-capitalised, and already delivering on major programmes. You’ll play a central role in shaping the next phase of growth, professionalising operations, and leaving a legacy of operational excellence. If you’re excited by the challenge of scaling a consultancy without compromising its quality or identity, this is your platform.
Seniority level
* Seniority level
Not Applicable
Employment type
* Employment type
Full-time
Job function
* Job function
Project Management
* Industries
Construction and Real Estate
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