Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Spaulding Ridge; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 400,000 - 500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

generous time off

paid holidays

paid parental leave

401(k) with company match

highly subsidized health, dental, and-

vision plans

company-paid life and disability insur

monthly allowance for well-being and科技

reimbursement for learning and develop

Job summary

Spaulding Ridge is seeking a transformational Chief Operating Officer to lead Client & Delivery Operations and evolve the global operating model that turns demand into exceptional client outcomes. Reporting to the CEO, the COO will oversee delivery operations, practitioner leadership, and revenue operations across global markets.

The ideal candidate has 20+ years in executive leadership within professional services, a record of scaling delivery, and strong commercial acumen.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of executive leadership in professional services or similar.
• Track record of scaling delivery organizations and profitability.
• Deep expertise in professional services delivery and cost-to-serve.
• Experience building global delivery centers and talent ecosystems.
• Strong commercial acumen across sales, finance, and leadership.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead client delivery operations and performance with accountability for margins.
• Design AI-enabled, modern delivery model and scalable operations.
• Expand global delivery capabilities and talent markets.
• Coach Practice Leaders and Managing Directors to own client outcomes.
• Partner with Commercial to align sales and delivery.
• Lead Revenue Operations and end-to-end processes.
• Advance governance and quality frameworks across the organization.
• Foster accountability and high-performing leadership.

Skills

Executive leadership

Delivery transformation

Global delivery

Strategic planning

Commercial acumen

Talent development

Change leadership

Communication

Ambiguity navigation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Spaulding Ridge is an advisory and IT implementation firm. We help global organizations get financial clarity into the complex, daily sales, and operational decisions that impact profitable revenue generations, efficient operational performance, and reliable financial management.

At Spaulding Ridge, we believe all business is personal. Core to our values is our relationships with our clients, our business partners, our team, and the global community. Our employees dedicate their time to helping our clients transform their business, from strategy through implementation and business transformation.

Spaulding Ridge is seeking a transformational Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead Client & Delivery Operations and evolve the global operating model that turns demand into exceptional client outcomes. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the COO will initially prioritize evolving the delivery model and advancing the strategic and operational priorities outlined below, before ultimately assuming full leadership and ownership of the firm's client delivery functions. The role's mandate encompasses client delivery operations, practitioner leadership, delivery economics, and operational execution, including service-line performance, delivery excellence, client health, resource and capacity management, global delivery strategy, talent supply, and Revenue Operations.

This executive will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Spaulding Ridge by building an AI-enabled, globally integrated delivery organization that accelerates client value, strengthens profitability, and creates durable competitive advantage. The COO will partner closely with leadership across commercial, finance, talent, technology, and transformation functions to ensure the firm is positioned to scale while maintaining a world-class client experience.

The ideal candidate will bring enterprise-scale leadership experience within professional services or consulting environments, a proven ability to design and scale modern delivery organizations, strong commercial and operational acumen, and a track record of developing high-performing leaders and operating models. Success in this role will require a builder's mindset, exceptional organizational influence, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to translate ambitious vision into measurable business outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Prioritize evolving the delivery model and advancing the other strategic and operational priorities outlined below, then ultimately assume full leadership and ownership of the firm's delivery functions and performance. This accountability will encompass client delivery operations, practitioner leadership, delivery economics, and operational execution—including service-line execution, delivery quality, resource utilization, capacity planning, staffing effectiveness, gross margin performance, and operational excellence to translate sold work into exceptional client outcomes.
• Design and evolve a modern, AI-enabled delivery model that leverages intelligent workflows, innovative talent strategies, and emerging technologies to improve quality, speed, scalability, and economic performance.
• Build and expand Spaulding Ridge's global delivery capabilities, identifying new talent markets, workforce models, delivery centers, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem opportunities that enhance delivery capacity and competitive differentiation.
• Develop and coach Practice Leaders and Managing Directors to operate as accountable business leaders with ownership for client outcomes, team development, delivery excellence, and profitable growth.
• Partner closely with the Chief Commercial Officer to align sales and delivery operations, support strategic pursuits, strengthen client relationships, and ensure successful realization of client commitments.
• Build and lead Revenue Operations, including CRM strategy and governance, forecasting infrastructure, pipeline management, reporting frameworks, data integrity, and end-to-end commercial processes.
• Drive consistent delivery standards, governance practices, and quality frameworks that improve predictability, client satisfaction, and operational efficiency across the organization.
• Advance scalable managed services, continuous enablement, and DecisionOps offerings that deepen client relationships and create recurring value for clients and the firm.
• Establish disciplined enterprise-wide resource management practices that balance client demand, strategic opportunities, delivery quality, employee development, and long-term organizational health.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to shape enterprise strategy, operating model evolution, service portfolio priorities, and business transformation initiatives that support long-term growth and scalability.
• Lead through market, organizational, and technology transformation, translating strategic priorities into clear execution plans and measurable results across a complex, global organization.
• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement while developing and retaining exceptional leadership talent.

Qualifications

• 20+ years of executive leadership experience within professional services, consulting, technology services, or similarly complex people-based organizations, including experience leading large-scale global operations and delivery organizations.
• Proven track record of scaling delivery organizations, improving profitability, and driving operational transformation in high-growth or evolving business environments.
• Deep expertise in professional services delivery, including resource management, utilization optimization, staffing models, delivery quality, client success, gross margin performance, and cost-to-serve management.
• Demonstrated success building and leading global delivery centers, distributed workforce strategies, or international talent ecosystems.
• Experience designing and implementing innovative delivery models, managed services offerings, operating frameworks, or commercial structures that drive improved client outcomes and business performance.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to partner effectively across sales, finance, talent, technology, and executive leadership functions.
• Proven ability to develop senior leaders, strengthen organizational accountability, and build high-performing teams across multiple geographies and business functions.
• Exceptional strategic planning, organizational leadership, and operational management capabilities with a disciplined, metrics-driven approach to execution.
• Executive presence and influence, with the credibility to engage clients, board members, executive stakeholders, and senior leaders on strategic business priorities.
• Outstanding communication and change leadership skills, with the ability to articulate a compelling vision, align stakeholders, and drive transformational initiatives successfully.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate ambiguity, anticipate market shifts, prioritize effectively, and execute in a fast-changing environment.
• Leadership style characterized by high accountability, operational rigor, collaboration, and a relentless focus on client and business outcomes.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Spaulding Ridge is committed to helping team members thrive in their work and life, and we invest in comprehensive total rewards to support this goal.

• generous time off
• paid holidays
• paid parental leave
• a 401(k) with company match
• highly subsidized health, dental, and vision plans
• company-paid life and disability insurance
• a monthly allowance for well-being and technology expenses
• reimbursement for approved learning and development initiatives within defined limits

Spaulding Ridge is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. The base salary range for this position in the United States across locations is reflected below. In addition to base salary, this executive role is eligible to participate in an annual discretionary bonus program and a long-term incentive (LTI) equity program, providing meaningful opportunities to share in the company's success and long-term value creation. Actual compensation will be determined based on a range of factors, including skills, experience, qualifications, and location. Please note that the compensation range provided is subject to change at any time in accordance with internal policies and applicable law.

Salary Range- $400,000-500,000

Spaulding Ridge's Commitment to an Inclusive Workplace

When we engage the expertise, insights, and creativity of people from all walks of life, we become a better organization, we deliver superior services to clients, and we transform our communities and world for the better.

At Spaulding Ridge, we believe our team should reflect the rich diversity of society and we take seriously the responsibility to cultivate a workplace where every bandmate feels accepted, respected, and valued for who they are. We do this by creating a culture of trust and belonging, through practices and policies that support inclusion, and through our employee led Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): CRE (Cultural Race and Ethnicity), Women Elevate, PROUD and Mental Wellness Alliance.

The company is committed to offering Equal Employment Opportunity and to providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with Spaulding Ridge and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please send an e-mail with your request to our VP of Human Resources, Cara Halladay ([e-mail]). Requests for reasonable accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status or disability.