Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Bank of America; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Dorchester is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to enhance HR and compliance operations while promoting an inclusive culture. The ideal candidate will possess extensive senior management experience and demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills. This full-time role offers competitive remuneration and a variety of rewards, with a starting date agreed upon for August 2025.

Benefits

6 weeks holiday including bank holidays

Enhanced maternity pay

Work-based pension scheme

Annual salary reviews

Free parking

Qualifications

• Senior management level experience required.
• Strong HR and leadership skills essential.
• Understanding of regulatory and compliance issues necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead back-office operations including HR and Compliance.
• Collaborate on operational strategy with senior management.
• Ensure effective recruiting and compliance with regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

HR Experience

Compliance Knowledge

Decision-Making

IT Skills

Tools

Office 365

SharePoint

Job description

Symonds & Sampson LLP are searching for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) who can offer strong HR and leadership skills. This is a varied role and the ideal candidate has extensive business and HR experience at a senior management level.

Symonds & Sampson started in Dorchester, Dorset, in 1858, becoming an LLP in 2007 and now operates from 16 regional offices in 4 counties, employing more than 150 professional and support staff. Services include estate agency, lettings, management, auctioneering and property advice across the residential, rural and commercial sectors.

Full-time but some flexibility may be possible. Monday-Friday 9:00-17:30.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and enhance back-office operations including HR and Compliance, building an inclusive culture that ensures staff can thrive and that organisational goals are met
• Collaborate with the Managing Partner, CFO and Business Systems Coordinator to drive the Firm’s operations strategy forward and disseminating to staff
• Ensure effective recruiting, onboarding, professional development, performance management, and retention
• Ensure compliance with national and professional business regulations, and take appropriate action when necessary
• Management of the firm’s health & safety obligations
• Management of the firm’s estate and sustainability goals
• Lead on GDPR requirements including processing of any SARs
• Build and maintain relationships with Partners, staff and third-party suppliers
• Coordinate partner meetings, providing support as required

PREFERRED SKILLS

• HR experience and ability to take the lead on matters arising
• Excellent leadership skills with management experience in a business environment at a senior level
• Understanding of compliance and regulatory issues
• Personal integrity and empathy
• Ability to work individually and collaboratively
• Strong communication skills at all levels within an organisation
• Willingness to take responsibility and make decisions, whether in familiar or new territory
• Ability to consider the big picture and foresee potential issues
• Strong IT and presentation skills (Office 365 and SharePoint used)

REWARDS

• Competitive salary, depending on relevant experience
• 6 weeks holiday including bank holidays plus company days
• A strong professional environment, with an opportunity for the right person to progress in the partnership
• Company days at Christmas
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Work-based pension scheme
• Firm-wide events
• Sporting and social
• Free parking
• Annual salary reviews

THE OFFICEThe Head Office is in Poundbury, with shops, eateries and parks within walking distance. It is a multi-disciplinary office, home to the accounts, agricultural, professional, commercial, and marketing departments.

It is envisaged that this role will be largely office-based, but travel to visit other offices will be required from time to time so a suitable car is required.

CLOSING DATEMonday 30th June 9am. The closing date may be brought forward should we receive a high volume of applications. To avoid disappointment, we suggest submitting your application promptly.

STARTING DATEAugust 2025 to be agreed

APPLICATIONSPlease send a CV with a covering letter to [e-mail] or by post to Symonds & Sampson LLP, Burraton House, 5 Burraton Square, Poundbury, Dorset, DT1 3GR. All applications will be received in the strictest of confidence. For further information, please call 01305 236237.

C1OO