Interim COO (12m FTC)

Sumer; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sumer Group is seeking an Interim Chief Operating Officer to lead operations on a fixed-term basis in Ipswich. The role focuses on sustaining performance, delivering client-centric service, and guiding commercial outcomes during the maternity cover period.

The post requires senior leadership experience, strong stakeholder management and proven capability to drive profitability, operational improvements and group-wide process adoption while maintaining continuity for clients and teams.

Qualifications

• Senior operational leader with ability to join leadership team quickly.
• Experience in COO or Operations Director or equivalent role.
• Proven track record in driving operational and financial performance.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations with a focus on commercial performance, quality and client experience.
• Lead client delivery and resource planning with service line leaders to balance workloads.
• Monitor utilisation, work in progress, write-offs and job profitability; manage operational risks.
• Drive integration, change and adoption of Group processes, technology and ways of working.
• Foster clear accountability, collaboration and a positive working environment across teams.

Skills

COO level leadership

Operations leadership

Commercial judgement

Change management

Stakeholder management

Growth via acquisition

Job description

Interim COO (12m FTC)

Department: Operations

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Location: Ipswich

Description

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Interim Chief Operating Officer to join our business on a fixed-term basis, providing maternity cover and playing a key role in maintaining operational performance and momentum across the firm.

The role

This is a hands‑on senior leadership role at the heart of the business. Working closely with the Managing Partner, our Partners and Group support functions, the Interim COO will take responsibility for the day‑to‑day operational performance of the business, with particular focus on commercial performance, quality and the experience of our people and clients.

Key Responsibilities

Client delivery and resource planning

• Working closely with service line leaders to balance workloads and address capacity or delivery issues early
• Coordinating effectively with central support functions to ensure the business has what it needs to deliver

Operational and commercial performance

• Maintaining a strong focus on utilisation, recovery, work in progress, write‑offs and job profitability
• Using management information to identify operational risks, bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement
• Supporting effective use of technology e.g. AI throughout the business to make it as efficient as possible

Leadership and governance

• Maintaining close working relationships with Partners, service‑line leaders and Group functions
• Managing operational risks and ensuring appropriate issues are escalated and resolved promptly
• Maintaining momentum on operational priorities and improvement initiatives throughout the fixed‑term period

Integration and change

• Supporting the continued adoption of Group processes, technology and ways of working
• Helping teams navigate operational change while maintaining client delivery and business continuity
• Ensuring that improvements are practical, embedded and sustainable rather than simply implemented
• Acting as an effective bridge between local business priorities and wider Group requirements

People and culture

• Creating clarity, accountability and collaboration across teams
• Supporting leaders to address operational pressures while maintaining a positive working environment
• Encouraging consistent ways of working and reducing unnecessary operational friction
• Role modelling our values: We shine together, Make it count and Do the right thing

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise

We are looking for an established senior operational leader who can quickly become a trusted member of the leadership team.

The successful candidate is likely to bring:

• Experience in a COO, Operations Director or comparable senior leadership role
• Experience in an accountancy, professional‑services or other people and utilisation‑led business, ideally within a multi‑site or group structure
• Confidence working with Partners and senior stakeholders, including the ability to constructively challenge when required
• Strong commercial judgement with experience of using operational and financial information to drive action
• Experience of leading through periods of change, integration or transformation
• The ability to quickly identify what needs attention, while recognising what is already working well and should not be disrupted
• Experience of supporting growth through acquisition, successfully integrating new teams and embedding consistent processes and ways of working
• Ensure administrative resources are structured and deployed effectively, enabling client‑facing teams to focus on excellent client service and delivery

What success looks like

We would expect the Interim COO to ensure:

• Operational risks and delivery issues are identified and acted upon early
• Teams continue to work effectively within Group standards and processes
• Existing change and integration priorities continue to progress without unnecessary disruption
• Utilisation, recovery, work in progress and profitability remain firmly in focus
• Partners and service‑line leaders receive clear, practical operational support
• The business remains well positioned for a smooth handover at the end of the assignment

Belong @ Sumer

At Sumer, we know everyone's journey is different. That’s why we’re committed to fairness, removing barriers, and giving people the support they need to do their best work. If you need any support during the hiring process, just let us know.

Our values represent what matters most to us and guide how we work every day:

• We Shine Together
• We Do the Right Thing
• We Make It Count

We know diverse teams make us stronger. That’s why we’re creating an inclusive workplace where everyone belongs and differences are valued and celebrated.