Chief Operating Officer (Ref: 196617)
4 days ago
Wokingham
Chief Operating Officer (Ref: 196617) Location: Wokingham Contact: daniel.scott@forsythbarnes.com Salary: £100,000 - £110,000 About Us We are partnering with a fast-growing, technology-led business operating within the retail and B2B services sector, currently undergoing significant operational transformation and international growth. Following a period of sustained expansion, the business has consolidated multiple operating entities into a unified group structure and is now entering the next phase of its evolution. With a major ERP transformation underway, international expansion plans across Europe, Australia and the US, and ongoing acquisition activity, the organisation is investing heavily in operational scalability, governance and customer delivery excellence. The business operates in a fast-paced, high-growth environment, supporting globally recognised brands and retail partners through a combination of technology, operational services and strategic partnerships. As part of its continued growth journey, the business is now seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join the executive leadership team and play a critical role in scaling operations, driving transformation and building the operational infrastructure required for long-term growth. Job Description Reporting directly to the Group CEO, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will oversee day-to-day business operations while leading operational transformation, process optimisation and strategic delivery across the organisation. This role will be responsible for ensuring operational efficiency, customer onboarding excellence, service delivery performance and cross-functional alignment across operations, onboarding/client services and project delivery functions. The COO will work closely with the executive leadership team to implement business strategy, improve operational maturity and support the organisation through its next stage of growth and international expansion. This is a highly visible executive leadership position suited to an operationally focused leader who thrives in scale-up and transformation environments. Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership Lead and oversee day-to-day operational performance across the business Drive operational efficiency, scalability and continuous improvement initiatives Ensure customer SLA performance across fulfilment, delivery and operational services Oversee inventory management, stock control and supply chain performance Develop and implement operational frameworks, governance and reporting structures Support the rollout of future operational services and capabilities Customer Onboarding & Client Services Oversee customer onboarding processes to ensure seamless client experiences Improve onboarding efficiency, customer journey and service delivery processes Lead support strategy development across multiple customer sectors Drive optimisation of operational workflows and service processes Project & Transformation Leadership Oversee delivery of operational and strategic transformation projects Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope and aligned to business objectives Implement structured project governance and accountability frameworks Support ongoing ERP development, optimisation and associated operational programmes Strategic Growth & Partnerships Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic partners and stakeholders Support operational readiness for international growth and market expansion Collaborate with leadership teams across sales, technology, product and finance Identify opportunities to improve operational scalability and customer experience Leadership & Culture Lead, mentor and develop high-performing operational teams Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement Act as a key member of the executive leadership team Represent the business externally with clients, partners and industry stakeholders Requirements Proven experience operating as a COO, Operations Director or senior operational leader within a high-growth business Strong track record of scaling operational teams and improving operational performance Experience leading operational transformation, process optimisation and business change initiatives Strong understanding of B2B operations, customer onboarding and service delivery environments Experience overseeing cross-functional operational teams Ability to operate effectively within fast-paced, evolving and entrepreneurial environments Strong commercial awareness and strategic thinking capabilities Excellent stakeholder management and leadership skills Experience working alongside executive leadership teams Exposure to ERP transformation, operational systems implementation or large-scale change programmes is highly desirable International operations or multi-market experience would be advantageous Benefits Executive leadership opportunity within a high-growth business Opportunity to play a key role in operational transformation and international expansion High-impact position with direct influence on business strategy and operational direction Collaborative and entrepreneurial leadership environment Competitive executive salary package Hybrid working flexibility following initial onboarding period Other Location: Wokingham, Berkshire Working Pattern: Primarily onsite (4 days per week expected) Reporting To: Group CEO Direct Reports: Head of Operations Head of Onboarding & Client Services Project Manager This is an excellent opportunity for an operational leader looking to make a tangible impact within a scaling, transformation-focused business entering an exciting new phase of growth.