Chief Operating Officer

Hutcheon Mearns

Dundee

On-site

GBP 80,000 - 120,000

Full time

14 days+

Application generator

Don’t send a generic resume — generate a resume and cover letter tailored to this exact role.

Get past ATS filters

Benefits offered by this job

35 days holiday

Private health insurance

Employer pension

Flexible working

Long-term incentive plan

Job summary

A prestigious family office in Dundee seeks a Chief Operating Officer to lead operational excellence and strategic growth. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of a diverse investment portfolio while working closely with the Head of Family Office and Chairman. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a strategic mindset, and a proven track record in operational leadership.

Qualifications

Minimum of five years' experience in senior operational leadership roles.
Strong academic background with post-qualification experience.
Comprehensive understanding of core business functions.

Responsibilities

Translating strategy into actionable operational plans.
Designing and implementing governance structures.
Coaching and supporting portfolio business leaders.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Commercial acumen

Leadership

Analytical mindset

Education

Business administration, law or finance

Job description

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

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

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.

Seniority level