Chief Operating Officer

ESCO Group; Marion (IA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Scintilla, based in Marion, Iowa, seeks a Chief Operating Officer to scale and optimize shared services across its enterprise. You will align IT, HR/Employee Experience, Marketing, and Facilities to support growth and performance, mentoring leaders and driving operational excellence.

You will partner with the CEO and senior leadership to translate strategy into actionable plans, build scalable systems, and champion a high-performing, inclusive culture guided by Scintilla's values.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior leadership in operations, shared services, or enterprise infrastructure roles.
• Proven ability to scale internal systems and lead cross-functional teams.
• Track record of delivering measurable efficiency improvements and cost savings.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement long-term strategic goals for shared services in partnership with senior leadership.
• Lead IT, HR/Employee Experience, Marketing, and Facilities ensuring cohesive operations.
• Design scalable processes and controls to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Mentor leaders and establish succession planning across functions.
• Oversee budgets, staffing forecasts, and capital expenditures.
• Represent the function in executive and departmental meetings and drive best practices.

Skills

Senior leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic planning

Education

Advanced degree in Business or Operations

Job description

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

Location: Based in Marion, Iowa

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Exempt or Non-Exempt: Exempt

Status: Full-Time

Typical Working Hours: 7:30am to 4:30pm; Some travel required

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Scintilla is a 100% employee-owned holding company formed in 2021, evolving from the legacy of ESCO Group. Today, our portfolio includes ESCO Electric, ESCO Automation, ESCO Power & Safety and other specialized business units serving industrial and municipal clients. Our workforce includes over 175 employee-owners and over 200 union electricians, supported by robust corporate shared services.

As we pursue strategic growth and brand expansion, our focus is on strengthening the shared services infrastructure that enables operational excellence across all business units.

CORE VALUES

Connectivity: We believe in mutually beneficial long-term relationships. We understand the necessity to stay connected with each other, our business, our clients, and our community.

Curiosity: We approach challenges with curiosity and avoid making assumptions. We are enthusiastic about innovation, good change, and encourage the inquisitive mindset.

Human Dignity: We value every person and every role. We embrace compassion, love and empathy in our interactions.

Wellness: Our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of our employees. We work together to continuously create a safe environment and to improve processes that protect and promote the health of our ESCO family.

Courage: We have the courage to do the right thing and take responsibility for our success. We behave honorably even when no one is watching and have a foundation of honesty.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key executive leader responsible for scaling and optimizing shared services across the Scintilla enterprise. The COO ensures that Information Technology, Human Resources/Employee Experience, Marketing, and Facilities function cohesively to support business unit performance, strategic goals, and growth initiatives.

This role drives operational alignment, strengthens infrastructure, and enables scalable performance across our diverse businesses. The COO also plays a vital role in mentoring leaders, guiding strategic execution, and building the next generation of operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Partner with senior leadership to define and implement long-term strategic goals for shared services.
• Translate vision into operational plans that support business growth and innovation.
• Deliver market insights and performance trends to inform planning and decision-making.

Operational Excellence

• Lead and manage the strategic direction and performance of the IT, HR/Employee Experience, Marketing, and Facilities teams.
• Design and implement scalable systems, processes, and controls to improve efficiency, service delivery, and employee experience.
• Identify and execute cost optimization strategies that preserve service quality.
• Team Development & Succession Planning
• Provide mentorship and development opportunities for leaders and high-potential team members.
• Establish and implement succession planning strategies across shared service functions.
• Promote a high-performing, inclusive culture rooted in Scintilla's core values.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build trust and alignment with business unit leaders through deep understanding of their operational needs.
• Serve as the primary liaison between shared services and business units.
• Engage with community partners, clients, and industry leaders to enhance brand reputation and service impact.

IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE

Required Experience

• 10+ years of senior leadership in operations, shared services, or enterprise infrastructure roles.
• Demonstrated ability to scale internal systems and lead cross-functional teams in complex organizations.
• Proven track record of delivering measurable results in efficiency, cost savings, or service improvements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Industry experience within electrical, automation, industrial services, or related sectors.
• Advanced degree in Business, Operations, or relevant field.

Leadership Competencies

• Visionary Thinking: Capable of translating strategic vision into operational reality.
• Coaching & Mentorship: Approachable and supportive guide for emerging leaders.Integrity & Accountability: Embodies ethical leadership and professionalism.
• Adaptability: Navigates ambiguity and change with resilience and focus.
• Growth Mindset: Continuously develops self and others; champions innovation.

Additional Responsibilities

• Approve and monitor department budgets, staffing forecasts, and capital expenditures.
• Attend executive and departmental meetings across the organization.
• Oversee continuous improvement initiatives and drive enterprise-wide adoption of best practices.
• Stay current on industry trends, tools, and technologies that could impact operations.