Chief Operating Officer

Hutcheon Mearns; Dundee; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious family office in Dundee seeks a Chief Operating Officer to lead operational planning and governance. The role offers broad responsibilities across diverse investments and requires strong leadership experience, strategic acumen, and a collaborative approach to stakeholder management. This is a unique opportunity for an operational leader to shape the future of a values-driven organization.

Benefits

35 days holiday

Private health insurance

Employer pension

Flexible working

Long-term incentive plan

Qualifications

• Minimum five years' experience in senior operational roles or multi-entity environments.
• Strong academic background in business administration, law, or finance.
• Track record of implementing governance frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Translate strategy into actionable operational plans.
• Design and implement systems, procedures, and governance structures.
• Oversee brand marketing strategy and reporting for the Chairman.

Skills

Operational leadership

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Stakeholder management

Analytical mindset

Education

Business administration

Law

Finance

Job description

Hutcheon Mearns is delighted to be exclusively partnering with a prestigious, privately held family office, based in Dundee, Scotland. This organisation manages a diverse and evolving portfolio of investments across multiple sectors including premium spirits, hospitality, property, healthcare and philanthropic initiatives.

With a clear commitment to legacy, operational excellence, and strategic growth, the family office is embarking on a transformational phase A new leadership structure is being established, and a Chief Operating Officer is now sought to bring rigour, oversight and forward momentum to its day-today and long term operational planning. This role represents an exceptional opportunity for a commercially astute, strategically minded professional in a fast-paced environment.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Head of Family Office, and working closely with the Chairman, the COO will be responsible for the efficient running of all operational aspects of the business. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of a growing and values-driven organisation, where no two days are the same.

Key responsibilities will include;

• Translating strategy into actionable operational plans and performance frameworks
• Designing and implementing robust systems, procedures and governance structures
• Coaching and supporting portfolio business leaders at Board level, to drive value and consistency
• Oversee brand marketing strategy, marketing alignment and external communications
• Producing detailed reporting and insight for the Chairman across operational, strategic and project areas
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with key stakeholders and partners
• Ensure compliance with local and national business regulations and GDPR requirements

This is a role that requires both high-level strategic thinking and the ability to "get stuck in". The COO will work across a small but high-performing leadership team, with access to a wide array of businesses and entrepreneurial ventures.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will be a proven operational leader with the gravitas, commercial acumen and strategic capability to drive performance across a diverse portfolio of investments. They will demonstrate sound judgement, a structured approach to problem-solving and the ability to influence and collaborate at senior levels.

Key requirements include;

• A minimum of five years' experience in executive of senior operational leadership roles, ideally within multi-entity or entrepreneurial environments
• A strong academic background in business administration, law of finance with post-qualification experience
• A comprehensive understanding of core business functions, including operations, finance, marketing, HR and property
• A track record of implementing effective governance frameworks and operational best practices
• Exposure to mergers and acquisitions, as well as investor and stakeholder relations
• A pro-active and analytical mindset, capable of navigating complexity with clarity and rigour
• Flexibility to travel within the UK and beyond as required

Further information

• Base salary: Commensurate with experience
• Office base: Dundee
• 35 days holiday
• Private health insurance
• Employer pension
• Flexible working - office presence preferred but hybrid working available
• Long-term incentive plan which may include discretionary bonus/shares
• Director-level appointment

Next steps?

If you bring the vision, discipline, and experience to lead across complexity with clarity—and are motivated by the opportunity to influence at the highest level—please contact Andrew McLeod at Hutcheon Mearns in confidence to learn more.