Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Birmingham, Staffordshire
LT Selection
LT Selection – Exec Solutions has been exclusively selected as the specialist recruiter to lead this process, drawing on extensive experience in building senior leadership teams.
Role Profile
Position Title: Chief Operating Officer
Salary: Dependent on Experience
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Hybrid/Remote, with a preference for a regional branch as the base office
Team: Senior Leadership Team
Reports to: Managing Director
Direct Reports: Operations Managers/Senior Operations Manager, Head of Apprenticeships
Job Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic management and oversight of the organisation’s operational functions. The COO will develop and implement the operational strategy to ensure high-quality delivery aligned with value-for-money principles for government and stakeholders. They will ensure contractual compliance and operational efficiency, while driving performance and optimising resources to achieve organisational goals.

The COO will play a pivotal role in developing long-term client relationships, ensuring staff alignment with the organisation’s priorities, and recruiting and nurturing talent for long-term success. This role demands strategic collaboration with senior management to maximise market share, ensure financial sustainability, and maintain compliance with all legislative and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the organisation’s operational strategy, providing regular updates to senior stakeholders.
• Lead operational delivery for all funded contracts, including Apprenticeships and Adult Skills programmes.
• Participate in monthly strategic meetings with senior leaders.
• Analyse operational processes to identify and implement improvement strategies for efficiency.
• Collaborate with People and Culture to foster an inclusive and productive work environment.
• Maintain comprehensive knowledge of industry regulations and ensure compliance across all programmes.

Senior Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership as part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT).
• Communicate strategies, initiatives, and decisions clearly to the SLT.
• Prepare and present reports for governance board meetings as required.
• Contribute to strategic decision-making at an organisational level.

Operational Responsibilities

• Oversee operational performance across all contracts to maximise profitability and market share.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide feedback to managers on a regular basis.
• Drive recruitment and staff development in line with organisational needs and HR policies.
• Ensure managers are well-prepared for budget and performance reviews.
• Oversee financial planning, including budget management, forecasting, and profitability analysis.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including local agencies and education providers.
• Take responsibility for data protection and ensure compliance with information security standards.
• Develop and implement innovative strategies to improve learner outcomes and employer engagement.

General Responsibilities

• Manage budgets and ensure contract targets are met.
• Use knowledge of local labour markets and skills gaps to inform decision-making.
• Maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders across public, private, and third-sector organisations.
• Uphold company policies, including safeguarding, data protection, and health and safety.
• Take a proactive approach to professional development and training.
• Commit to minimising the organisation’s environmental impact.

Person Specification
Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Level 5 qualification or equivalent.
• Demonstrable senior operational management experience.
• Strong understanding of financial principles, including budgeting and cash flow.
• Knowledge of Ofsted regulatory frameworks and quality compliance measures.
• Experience managing performance frameworks and achieving contractual KPIs.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Management qualification.
• Experience in bid writing for government contracts within the employability or skills sector.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Proficient in IT systems, including the Microsoft Office suite.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to identifying growth opportunities.

Personal Attributes

• Determined, ethical, and reliable.
• A team player who leads with kindness and integrity.

Organisational Values

• Ambitious and courageous learners.
• Reliable, authentic, and unified as one team.

Please note: The successful candidate will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check.

This role description reflects current requirements and may be reviewed and updated as duties evolve in consultation with the post-holder.

For further details or to express interest, contact LT Selection – Exec Solutions, specialists in building senior leadership teams.