Interim COO / Operational Director - property services sector
* Location: Salford, Manchester
* Contract Type: Interim Contract Assignment
* Duration: Initial 6–12 months (subject to project requirements)
* On‑Site Requirement: Significant on‑site presence required during the initial stages of the engagement, with flexibility to be agreed as the project progresses.
The company
Our client is a family‑owned group of three businesses based in Salford, Greater Manchester, employing approximately 20 people across the group. Following a period of growth, the business has reached a point where its operational structures, management framework and organisational processes require review and development to support the next phase of its evolution.
The shareholders are seeking an experienced transformation professional to work closely with them to assess the current organisation, implement operational improvements, establish a sustainable management structure and prepare one of the group companies for divestment.
The role
This is a hands‑on transformation role suited to an experienced consultant, interim executive or operational leader who has successfully delivered change programmes within SME and family‑owned businesses.
The successful candidate will conduct a comprehensive review of the group's operations, people, processes and governance structures before developing and implementing a practical roadmap for change.
A key objective of the assignment will be to help transition the group from a founder‑led operating model to a more structured and scalable management environment. In parallel, the role will support the preparation and separation of one business entity as part of a planned divestment process.
This role requires an individual who is comfortable working both strategically and operationally, engaging directly with owners and employees to drive meaningful and lasting change.
First 60–90 Days
* Review current organisational and operational structures.
* Identify key operational risks, inefficiencies and dependencies.
* Assess management capability, accountability and reporting lines.
* Produce a transformation roadmap with prioritised recommendations.
* Identify requirements for separation and divestment of one group company.
During the Assignment
* Implement agreed organisational and operational improvements.
* Establish appropriate management structures and governance processes.
* Introduce reporting, performance management and accountability frameworks.
* Improve operational efficiency and clarify roles and responsibilities.
* Support leadership development and succession planning.
* Lead preparations required to facilitate the divestment process.
* Work with external advisers where appropriate.
Ideal Candidate
* Significant experience leading business transformation programmes within SMEs or owner‑managed businesses.
* Experience professionalising organisations that have grown beyond founder‑led structures.
* Strong operational and organisational development expertise.
* Demonstrable experience of implementing practical change and delivering measurable outcomes.
* Experience supporting business sales, carve‑outs, divestments or ownership transitions.
* Excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to work closely with family shareholders.
* A pragmatic, hands‑on approach with a focus on delivery rather than consultancy reports.
Measures of Success
* A clear and sustainable management structure is established.
* Operational processes are documented, improved and embedded.
* Accountability and performance management systems are in place.
* Key business dependencies are identified and addressed.
* One group company is operationally prepared for divestment.
* The shareholders have a clear platform for future growth and succession.
Contract & Assignment Details
Contract / Interim assignment.
Significant on‑site presence required, particularly during the diagnostic and implementation phases.
Based in Salford, Greater Manchester.
Immediate or short‑notice availability preferred.
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