Chief Operating Officer

ESCO Automation; Marion (IA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

ESCO Automation is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) who will be instrumental in driving strategic leadership and operational excellence across the Scintilla enterprise in Marion, Iowa. This executive leader will oversee various functions including IT, Human Resources, Marketing, and Facilities to ensure cohesive performance aligned with business goals.

The ideal candidate has over 10 years of senior leadership experience and a proven ability to drive efficiency and innovation within complex organizations.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in operations or shared services.
• Ability to scale systems and lead cross-functional teams.
• Track record of delivering measurable results.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement long-term strategic goals for shared services.
• Lead the IT, HR, Marketing, and Facilities teams.
• Mentor leaders and establish succession planning.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Operational excellence

Team development

Collaboration

Education

Advanced degree in Business or Operations

Job description

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.

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.

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.
• 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.