Chief Operating Officer

Gemba; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in Sports and Entertainment is on the lookout for a dynamic Chief Operating Officer. This pivotal role involves driving growth and operational excellence while overseeing financial activities and compliance. The ideal candidate will have a strong finance background, with a proven track record in managing technology strategies and enhancing efficiency. Join a passionate team that values empathy and integrity, and contribute to innovative projects in a fast-paced environment. If you thrive in a collaborative setting and are eager to make a significant impact, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Job share opportunities

Employee benefits

Remote working options

Qualifications

• Over 5 years’ experience in finance management in a medium-sized business.
• Advanced understanding of accounting systems and data integration.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial reports, cash flow management, and statutory compliance.
• Develop operational budgets and growth strategies.

Skills

AAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA qualifications

Accounting systems

Data integration

Technology strategies

Financial reporting

GDPR and ISO requirements

Management and communication

Education

Finance qualification (AAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA)

Tools

Accounting software

Data automation tools

Job description

Gemba is a leading organisation in Sports and Entertainment across Strategy, Data & Analytics, Insights and Communications. We are passionate about our business, proud of what we do and love working in one of the most dynamic industries on the global stage.

Our Insights Division research and insights to sport and entertainment organisations, brands and government, with specialised expertise in proprietary quant research, and customized quant and qual research.

Our values of empathy, dynamism, discipline and integrity drive our business. More than just words in a vision document, we take our values seriously. We measure them, hold ourselves accountable and hire accordingly. We invest in our people, offering a wide range of employee benefits designed to provide a positive, professional, fun and inclusive workplace.

About the Role

We are seeking an ambitious Chief Operating Officer with over 5 years’ experience in a similar role to drive growth, profitability, and operational excellence across our global business. The business is in the midst of a fast growth period with ambitious plans for the next five years.

You will oversee accounting, treasury, and financial activities for Gemba, whilst managing legal compliance, timely reporting, and strategic growth initiatives, as well as the effective delivery of Tech & Systems.

You will provide leadership to the broader business and nurture high-performing teams, ensuring the protection of Gemba’s culture. You will also collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership to ensure sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the preparation and delivery of financial reports (monthly, year-end, profitability, and billability), cash flow management, and statutory compliance, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and monitor annual and half-yearly divisional plans, operational and capital budgets, and growth strategies, including business acquisitions, equity solutions, and due diligence processes.
• Provide contract reviews, ensure profitability and billability targets for projects and retainers, and support business negotiations, pitches, and tenders.
• Lead the development of a Tech & Systems strategy, manage external technology partners, and oversee system improvements to meet operational needs and enhance internal satisfaction.
• Drive professional development for Finance and Operations teams, implement training programmes, and identify and nurture top talent to ensure high performance.
• Support carbon footprint analysis, implement environmentally friendly office solutions, and oversee investments tied to sustainability goals like the Healthy Planet dividend.

Skills/Experience Required

• Preferably AAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA and CIPFA qualified, with over 5 years’ experience managing the finance function of a medium-sized business, ideally within a professional services environment.
• Advanced understanding of accounting systems, integration of software packages, data integration, and automation processes.
• Proven experience in developing and managing technology strategies to drive efficiency.
• Accomplished finance leader with a track record of delivering top-tier financial reporting and commercial success.
• High financial literacy with the ability to present results clearly to stakeholders.
• Experience in consulting, advertising, or digital sectors is advantageous, alongside a strong understanding of GDPR and ISO business requirements.
• Effective in management, communication, and relationship-building, with adaptability to thrive in fast-paced environments.
• Customer-centric and proactive in fostering collaboration.
• Demonstrates strong organisational capabilities, paired with a positive and flexible attitude to navigate complex challenges effectively.

How to Apply

Written applications, including a CV and cover letter, should be addressed Vicki Wilkinson, at [e-mail]

Note: All candidates require working rights of this country to perform the role and the successful completion of a criminal record check. We are required to work in the office in London 4 days per week, with 1 day per week remote working from home.

Gemba supports flexible working hours and will consider job share for this role. Gemba is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and encourage people of all different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or other protected characteristics or similar.

Role Type

Company Overview

We are a leading authority in the ever-changing world of Sport and Entertainment. Offering specialised services across data & analytics, insights, strategy and communications, we are passionate about our clients, proud of the work we do and love operating in one of the most dynamic industries on the global stage.