My client in North Yorkshire is a privately owned well established and profitable distribution group operating across the UK, Europe, North America and Asia. As part of the management succession planning, the business is seeking a commercially focused COO to work alongside the CEO and help lead the next phase of growth. Applications will be considered both from those seeking an assignment for up to 2 years to work on the specific phase of development, or candidates seeking a longer term situation. This is a broad executive leadership role with responsibility for operational performance, strategic execution, governance, business transformation and organisational development. The company operates a 1 day/week WFH policy and the role will involve some international travel. You will act as the CEO's principal business partner, ensuring alignment across multiple business units and supporting key initiatives including acquisitions, systems development, process improvement and international operations. This is a great opportunity to lead a business, driving performance and developing capability across the organisation. The COO will provide strategic and operational leadership across the business, ensuring the successful execution of business strategy, driving operational excellence and supporting continued growth across major markets. At a detailed level responsibilities will include Acting as second-in-command to and deputising for the CEO. Leading the day-to-day operations. Ensuring alignment between business strategy and operational execution. Driving accountability across the leadership team. Work with the Commercial Director to drive profitable growth whilst supporting key customer and supplier relationships. Monitoring commercial performance including pricing, margin and market opportunities. Oversight of strategic initiatives including acquisitions and integrations, ERP implementation and digital transformation. Have oversight of finance working with the Group FD reviewing performance against budget and participating in banking and investor discussions. Potential candidates should be experienced, hands on leaders with a track record of delivering growth, managing change and building high-performing teams in a B2B environment. Taken as given will be Significant executive leadership experience. Proven track record leading multi-site businesses. Strong commercial and operational background. Experience managing change and business transformation. On a personal level you should be pragmatic and down-to-earth, commercially astute and a strong decision maker. Salary will be in the £110,000 to £120,000 pa range plus car allowance of £8,000 pa and bonus.
