Chief Operating Officer

Symonds & Sampson; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Symonds & Sampson is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to enhance operational leadership with a strong HR focus. The ideal candidate will lead back-office operations, ensure compliance, and contribute to a thriving organizational culture, all while operating from the office in Poundbury. This role offers a competitive salary, generous holiday perks, and the growth potential within the firm.

Benefits

6 weeks holiday including bank holidays

Enhanced maternity pay

Work-based pension scheme

Annual salary reviews

Free parking

Qualifications

• Extensive business and HR experience at senior management level.
• Ability to take the lead on HR matters.
• Strong IT and presentation skills (Office 365 and SharePoint).

Responsibilities

• Lead and enhance back-office operations including HR and compliance.
• Ensure effective recruiting, onboarding, and retention.
• Manage firm's health & safety obligations.

Skills

Leadership

HR Management

Compliance Knowledge

Communication Skills

IT Skills

Job description

Symonds & Sampson LLP are searching for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) who can offer strong HR and leadership skills. This is a varied role and the ideal candidate has extensive business and HR experience at a senior management level.

Symonds & Sampson started in Dorchester, Dorset, in 1858, becoming an LLP in 2007 and now operates from 16 regional offices in 4 counties, employing more than 150 professional and support staff. Services include estate agency, lettings, management, auctioneering and property advice across the residential, rural and commercial sectors.

Full-time but some flexibility may be possible. Monday-Friday 9:00-17:30. Office-based in Poundbury, Dorset.

Please apply with a CV and a Cover Letter highlighting how you meet the requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and enhance back-office operations including HR and Compliance, building an inclusive culture that ensures staff can thrive and that organisational goals are met
• Collaborate with the Managing Partner, CFO and Business Systems Coordinator to drive the Firm’s operations strategy forward and disseminating to staff
• Ensure effective recruiting, onboarding, professional development, performance management, and retention
• Ensure compliance with national and professional business regulations, and take appropriate action when necessary
• Management of the firm’s health & safety obligations
• Management of the firm’s estate and sustainability goals
• Lead on GDPR requirements including processing of any SARs
• Build and maintain relationships with Partners, staff and third-party suppliers
• Coordinate partner meetings, providing support as required

PREFERRED SKILLS

• HR experience and ability to take the lead on matters arising
• Excellent leadership skills with management experience in a business environment at a senior level
• Understanding of compliance and regulatory issues
• Personal integrity and empathy
• Ability to work individually and collaboratively
• Strong communication skills at all levels within an organisation
• Willingness to take responsibility and make decisions, whether in familiar or new territory
• Ability to consider the big picture and foresee potential issues
• Strong IT and presentation skills (Office 365 and SharePoint used)

REWARDS

• Competitive salary, depending on relevant experience
• 6 weeks holiday including bank holidays plus company days
• A strong professional environment, with an opportunity for the right person to progress in the partnership
• Company days at Christmas
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Work-based pension scheme
• Firm-wide events
• Sporting and social
• Free parking
• Annual salary reviews

THE OFFICEThe Head Office is in Poundbury, with shops, eateries and parks within walking distance. It is a multi-disciplinary office, home to the accounts, agricultural, professional, commercial, and marketing departments.

It is envisaged that this role will be largely office-based, however travel to visit other offices will be required from time to time so a suitable car is required.

CLOSING DATEMonday 30th June 9am. The closing date may be brought forward should we receive a high volume of applications. To avoid disappointment, we suggest submitting your application promptly.

STARTING DATEAugust 2025 to be agreed

APPLICATIONSPlease send a CV with a covering letter to [e-mail] or post to Symonds & Sampson LLP, Burraton House, 5 Burraton Square, Poundbury, Dorset, DT1 3GR. All applications will be received in the strictest of confidence. For further information, please call 01305 236237.

No agencies.