Job Description
Group COO Opportunity
Professional Services Industry
Requires travel between London, Midlands and Manchester
Salary circa. £150,000 p.a.
Bonus and Equity available
Simpson Judge are exclusively partnering with an Investment Management firm, who are seeking to appoint a permanent COO into a business they are partnering closely with. With annual t/o currently standing at £16m, this business has already seen significant growth in it's ongoing restructure, and we are now looking to add to the SLT to direct and strengthen operational cohesion and synergy across the group. In order to be considered for this role, you need to possess a strong combination of strategic and granular operations expertise, alongside strong previous experience in an Accountancy and/or Audit services business.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring service quality and compliance with regulatory standards.
* Establish robust KPIs and reporting frameworks for performance monitoring.
* Implement process improvements and technology upgrades to enhance scalability.
* Take responsibility for delivery of regional KPIs against Group's financial objectives.
* Lead restructuring initiatives for underperforming sites.
* Drive cost optimisation, cash flow improvement, and operational efficiency across all business units.
* Engage with investors, lenders, and key stakeholders to maintain confidence during restructuring.
* Support CRO with M&A pipeline execution, including target evaluation and integration planning.
* Align operational capabilities with Group growth objectives post-turnaround.
* Build and lead a high-performing operations team.
* Drive cultural change to support accountability, resilience, and client-centricity.
Candidate Profile
* Proven track record in COO or senior operational leadership roles within accounting or audit firms.
* Demonstrated success in turnaround or restructuring environments, including insolvency and performance improvement.
* Familiarity with UK regulatory frameworks (ICAEW/ACCA standards) and compliance obligations.
* ACA, ACCA or CIMA qualified (or equivalent) with strong experience working within an accountancy or audit firm.
* Strong financial acumen and ability to interpret complex P&L and cash flow dynamics.
* Exceptional stakeholder management and negotiation skills.
* Operational excellence mindset with ability to implement process and technology change.
* Hands-on leader with strategic vision and execution capability.
* High integrity and commitment to professional standards.
* Located in or near to one of the main business hubs (West London, Manchester, Midlands) and happy to travel extensively between them.
My client would also consider candidates seeking interim opportunities. Immediate availability, or a short notice period would be a significant advantage.