Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Yorktown Search Partners; Toronto; Remote; CAD 150,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Yorktown Search Partners is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a high-growth client in advisory and investment. This strategic role involves leading operational execution and building scalable systems to enhance the firm's performance. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in operations and a proven track record in investment or consulting environments, with a focus on driving excellence across various functions including finance and compliance. Compensation includes equity participation and performance-related incentives.

Benefits

Equity participation

Performance-driven incentives

Flexible working environment

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in operations, strategy, or systems roles.
• Proven success in institutionalizing boutique platforms or founder-led firms.
• Background in consulting or operational leadership in investment advisory preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead operational systems supporting advisory and investment execution.
• Implement and optimize core tools including CRM and workflow automation.
• Lead hiring, onboarding, and team enablement.

Skills

Operational Strategy

Implementation Capability

Entrepreneurial Mindset

Process Design

Tech Integration

Job description

Position Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: Remote / Hybrid

Reports To: Managing Director / Managing Partner

Compensation: Performance-linked incentives and equity participation

Search Mandate: Yorktown Search Partners is conducting a confidential executive search on behalf of a high-growth client in the advisory and investment sector.

Role Overview

Yorktown Search Partners has been retained to recruit a Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a confidential client operating at the intersection of merchant banking, capital advisory, and private investments. This is a founder-aligned opportunity for a proven operator to lead internal execution, build scalable systems, and help institutionalize a high-performing platform.

As COO, you will work closely with the firms leadership to ensure the smooth execution of mandates from origination through to close. You'll design and oversee all internal processes across operations, finance, compliance, talent, and systems infrastructure. This role is ideal for a strategic operator with deep systems thinking, strong implementation capability, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

This is a senior-level role with no base salary. Compensation is entirely aligned with performance and firm-wide equity value creation.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Strategy & Execution:

• Design and lead end-to-end operational systems that support the seamless execution of advisory and investment mandates
• Translate the firms strategic roadmap into daily workflows, task management structures, and accountability dashboards
• Drive operational excellence and standardization across deal origination, client onboarding, mandate delivery, and post-close execution
  
  

Systems, Technology & Data

• Implement and optimize core tools including CRM, compliance tracking, AI-driven dashboards, and workflow automation
• Build a tech-enabled operations stack that supports scale and provides visibility across key functions
• Own internal KPIs, performance metrics, and execution reporting frameworks
  
  

People & Culture

• Lead all aspects of hiring, onboarding, HR compliance, and team enablement
• Establish and evolve the firms internal culture, playbooks, and collaboration practices
• Build a high-functioning, distributed operations team aligned with firm values and strategic goals
  
  

Finance, Compliance & Risk

• Manage firm-wide compliance programs in collaboration with external counsel and regulatory advisors
• Oversee vendor relationships, financial systems, budgeting, and operational cash flow planning
• Ensure the firm meets regulatory, tax, and legal requirements for institutional readiness
  
  

Ideal Candidate Profile

• 10+ years of experience in operations, strategy, or systems roles at investment firms, consultancies, or high-growth startups
• Proven success in institutionalizing boutique platforms or founder-led firms
• Deep experience in process design, tech integration, and operational risk management
• Familiarity with capital markets, advisory workflows, and investor reporting frameworks
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the discipline to scale complex systems and build team infrastructure
• Background in consulting (e.g., Bain, McKinsey, boutique strategy) or operational leadership in investment advisory is preferred
  
  

Ideal First Hire

Upon joining, the COO is expected to recruit and oversee a Director of Operations-ideally a process-minded ex-consultant or early-stage operator capable of executing workflows, managing day-to-day processes, and building operational leverage across the firm.

Equity Participation & Alignment Requirement

This role is designed for a senior executive seeking true ownership. Compensation includes equity participation, access to performance-driven upside, and firm-wide carried interest opportunities. To formalize alignment, the selected candidate will be required to make a $50,000 capital investment, securing equity ownership and long-term participation in the platforms value creation. Investment details will be disclosed under NDA to shortlisted candidates.