Chief Operating Officer

SBFM; Leeds; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a transformational Chief Operating Officer to drive operational excellence and lead strategic initiatives. This role offers the chance to shape the future of soft facilities management, focusing on innovation and inclusivity. As part of the executive leadership team, you will oversee operations at scale, manage P&L, and foster a values-led culture. If you are a bold, capable leader passionate about operational excellence and team empowerment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Car allowance

Private healthcare

Critical Illness cover

Life Insurance Cover

Company pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Personal development support

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in high-growth environments with P&L ownership.
• Experience in operational transformation and data-driven decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational excellence and implement robust systems.
• Collaborate with leadership to execute strategic plans.

Skills

Leadership in high-growth environments

Operational transformation

P&L ownership

Data-driven decision-making

Operational tech utilization

Cultural leadership

Risk management

Stakeholder relations

Job description

Are you a bold, capable leader ready to scale a high-growth business?

Do you combine operational excellence with a hands-on, strategic mindset? If so, SBFM wants to hear from you.

At SBFM, we’re not just managing spaces; we’re redefining how they work. As a high-growth, tech-enabled, people-first business, we’re pioneering a new era of soft FM delivery, grounded in innovation, inclusivity, and operational brilliance.

Now, we’re searching for a transformational Chief Operating Officer to join our team, to help us scale boldly, operate flawlessly, and lead our mission to set new standards in the industry.

What you will lead as COO:

Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead our entire operational platform. You’ll be a core member of the Executive Board, responsible for delivering operational excellence at pace and scale, ensuring our target operating model remains agile and ahead of the curve.

– Architect Operations at Scale
Lead the engine room with our Business Unit Directors, managing our fast-growing workforce, multiple sites, and 24/7 service delivery.

– Bridge People & Tech
Utilize in-house developed technology, data-driven decision making, and operational tech as enablers of excellence.

– Own the P&L
Oversee every process, margin, and decision to ensure financial health.

– Shape Culture
Champion our inclusive, values-led culture and empower colleagues to become the next generation of SBFM leaders.

– Drive Expansion
Lead M&A integrations, sector rollouts, and rapid scaling efforts with precision.

Key Responsibilities:

– Operational Excellence
Implement robust systems and processes; drive efficiencies using data-driven insights.

– Strategic Execution
Collaborate with leadership to turn strategic ideas into actionable plans.

– Cultural Team Leadership
Build and empower future leaders, modeling our values, inspiring belief, and fostering inclusive innovation.

– Cost Discipline
Enhance margins through automation, efficiencies, and innovative thinking, working closely with the CFO on financial sustainability and budgeting.

– Risk Management and Compliance
Ensure adherence to legal, regulatory, and compliance standards.

– Stakeholder Relations
Maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, representing the company in negotiations, partnerships, and customer interactions.

What you will bring:

• Proven leadership in high-growth environments
• Experience in operational transformation and P&L ownership
• Data-backed decision-making skills, leading with insight and evidence
• Ability to leverage operational tech and processes for excellence
• Passion for culture, inclusion, and purpose-led business practices

You will thrive at SBFM if you are:

–Strategically Hands-On
Able to dive into details to understand nuances across Business Units and contracts.

– Values-Driven & People-First
Able to inspire and make your team feel valued and heard.

– Calm Under Fire
Capable of bringing order and clarity during challenging times.

– Unphased by Pace
Energized by growth, resilient, and capable of leading through change.

– Credible & Approachable
Comfortable in both boardrooms and on-site, building trust quickly.

– Comfortable Challenging
Ask insightful questions, challenge respectfully, and seek continuous improvement.

– Obsessed with Delivery
Driven to achieve outcomes, leading teams to operational excellence.

As part of our executive leadership team, you will receive:

• A competitive executive compensation package
• Car allowance
• Private healthcare and wellbeing support
• Critical Illness cover
• Life Insurance Cover (Death in service benefit)
• Company pension scheme
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Personal development support
• A values-led culture emphasizing inclusion and impact

Our Values:

– Be a Good Person
We promote opportunities, uphold integrity, and foster respect and kindness.

– Play as a Team
We value community and communication, working inclusively to grow and make an impact together.

– Think Differently
We encourage growth, innovation, and boundary-pushing for sustainable progress.

– Make an Impact
We aim to exceed expectations, deliver results swiftly, and challenge norms to succeed.

About Us

SBFM is a leading provider of soft facilities management services across the UK and ROI, delivering high-quality, sustainable, modern services to top brands and sectors including logistics, manufacturing, retail, and hospitality. Our innovative approach fosters diversity, equality, and inclusivity, challenging the status quo in the FM market.