Chief Operating Officer

Harper May; London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic consulting firm is seeking an Interim Chief Operating Officer to lead operations during a critical phase of growth. This strategic role requires a commercially driven leader with a proven track record in professional services. You will work closely with the CEO and senior leadership to enhance internal operations and support service delivery. Your focus will be on optimizing processes and ensuring the business is positioned for scalable growth. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and are ready to make a significant impact, this is the opportunity for you.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a COO or senior operational leader in consulting.
• Strong background in operational transformation and business scaling.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational functions including delivery, finance, HR, and compliance.
• Implement scalable systems and improve internal processes across departments.

Skills

Operational Transformation

Business Scaling

Cross-Functional Leadership

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Job description

Harper May is partnering with a growing consulting firm that is seeking an Interim Chief Operating Officer to lead operations during a pivotal stage of evolution.This is a strategic and hands-on role, ideal for a commercially driven leader with experience in professional services who can bring structure, pace, and operational discipline to a dynamic environment.

Role Overview:
As Interim COO, you will work closely with the CEO and senior leadership team to enhance internal operations, support service delivery, and strengthen the business infrastructure.You’ll play a central role in optimising processes, embedding controls, and ensuring the business is well-positioned to scale.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate operational functions including delivery, finance, HR, and compliance

• Implement scalable systems and improve internal processes across departments

• Support senior management in driving strategic goals and improving organisational performance

• Oversee operational reporting and identify key metrics to track progress and efficiency

• Foster collaboration across teams to ensure high-quality client delivery and internal alignment

• Guide improvements in resource planning, project execution, and operational governance

• Act as a trusted partner to the CEO, providing insight and stability across the business

Key Requirements:

• Proven experience as a COO or senior operational leader, ideally within consulting or professional services

• Strong background in operational transformation, business scaling, and cross-functional leadership

• Demonstrated success in interim or contract-based leadership roles

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with a hands-on, pragmatic approach

• Commercially astute, detail-oriented, and comfortable leading change in a fast-paced environment

• Ability to build credibility quickly and work effectively with both internal and external stakeholders