Chief Operating Officer

Odgers; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Odgers is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to lead day-to-day operations and translate strategy into delivery across the organisation and its subsidiaries. The role demands a collaborative leader who can balance hands-on delivery with strategic oversight and maintain independent operational authority.

Reporting to the Chief Executive and working with the Finance Director, you will shape operating plans, set objectives and KPIs, drive governance, risk management, and organisational investment

Job description

The client is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join its senior leadership team during a period of organizational growth and transformation. This newly created role will serve as a key strategic partner to the Chief Executive, providing operational leadership and ensuring that strategy is effectively translated into delivery across the organization and its subsidiaries. The COO will play a pivotal role in building operational capacity, developing core functions, and establishing structures to support sustainable growth and increased impact.

The successful candidate will be responsible for shaping and implementing operating plans, setting objectives and key performance indicators, and fostering cross-functional collaboration. The role involves overseeing business operations, driving improvements, and ensuring that all departments operate in line with established policies, procedures, and regulatory expectations. The COO will also be expected to manage organization-wide risk, implement governance measures, and work closely with the Finance Director to make informed resource decisions and bring a commercial perspective to fundraising and organizational investment.

Ideal candidates may have experience in the charity, not-for-profit, or third sector, and familiarity with organizations operating across multiple entities or jurisdictions. Experience in fundraising and education functions is also desirable. The role requires a collaborative leader who is comfortable balancing hands-on delivery with strategic contribution, and who can operate effectively in environments where some functions and processes are still developing. Strong written communication skills, a practical and solutions-focused approach, and the ability to work closely with the Chief Executive while maintaining independent operational authority are essential qualities for success in this position.