Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Reports to:
Chief Executive Officer
Search conducted exclusively by Harkaye Core Talent
The Opportunity
Harkaye Core Talent have been appointed exclusively to identify an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a leading international law firm. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to step into a transformative leadership role within a rapidly expanding business that operates across multiple jurisdictions.
As COO, you will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and the Board, acting as a trusted strategic partner and operational leader. You will be responsible for ensuring the firm's ambitious growth strategy is delivered effectively, embedding operational excellence, and driving cultural alignment across the global business. This role will suit an experienced leader from the legal sector who thrives in complex, fast-paced environments and has the vision, resilience, and commercial acumen to help shape the future of the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
* Partner with the CEO to refine and implement the firm's strategic vision, ensuring alignment between business priorities and operational execution.
* Lead the day-to-day running of the business across multiple offices, ensuring that systems, processes, and teams are working seamlessly.
* Oversee legal operations, risk management, and compliance frameworks across diverse regulatory landscapes.
* Drive financial discipline through effective budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation to ensure sustainable and profitable growth.
* Spearhead the development and integration of new technologies, systems, and processes to enhance operational efficiency and client service delivery.
* Build, develop, and mentor senior leadership teams, embedding a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
* Play a key role in international expansion, mergers and acquisitions, and large-scale change programmes.
* Act as a visible and trusted advisor to both the CEO and wider leadership team, helping to steer the business through opportunities and challenges.
Candidate Profile
We are seeking a leader with a unique blend of legal expertise and operational acumen. You will have the ability to balance the demands of a complex, multi-jurisdictional business while ensuring a forward-thinking and commercial approach.
* Significant senior leadership experience within the legal sector, ideally within a large or multinational law firm.
* Qualified lawyer (or equivalent legal background) with strong understanding of litigation, corporate, or regulatory environments.
* Demonstrated success in operational leadership, particularly in organisations undergoing growth, transformation, or international expansion.
* Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience managing budgets and resources at scale.
* Exceptional leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire, influence, and develop senior teams.
* Skilled communicator with credibility at Board level and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder landscapes.
* Strategic thinker who can translate vision into action, while remaining agile and solutions-focused in dynamic environments.
Why This Role?
This position offers the opportunity to join an ambitious and innovative law firm at a critical moment in its growth journey. As COO, you will have a lasting impact on the business's future trajectory — shaping its global operations, supporting expansion, and ensuring the highest standards of excellence. This is not only a career-defining role but also a chance to be at the heart of an organisation that is pushing boundaries in the legal sector.
How to Apply
Harkaye Core Talent are managing this search exclusively. If you would like to arrange a
confidential chat
about the role, please contact
Jaye Haynes
at
.