Chief Operating Officer - PE-Backed Professional Services

Opportunity description

Job Title:

Chief Operating Officer - PE-Backed Professional Services

##### Chief Operating Officer PE-Backed, Acquisition-Led Financial Services Platform

We are partnering on a retained basis with a private equity-backed financial services group that has experienced significant growth through a combination of strong organic performance and a highly active acquisition strategy.

With continued investment and an ambitious growth plan, the business is now seeking to appoint a Chief Operating Officer to help scale the platform, strengthen governance and support the integration of multiple acquired businesses.

This is a pivotal, growth-phase appointment and is being conducted as a confidential, exclusive search given the seniority and market sensitivity of the role.

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##### The Role

Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Board and private equity investors, the COO will play a central role in shaping and executing the next phase of the business’s growth.

The focus of the role is to build and embed a scalable operating model across a multi-entity, regulated organisation, while maintaining performance and cultural alignment through continued expansion.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and implementing operating structures, governance frameworks and reporting cadence to support continued acquisitive growth
• Leading the integration of acquired businesses, including operational alignment, cultural integration and adviser engagement
• Strengthening systems, processes and organisational structure to enable scalability
• Supporting both organic and acquisitive growth initiatives across the business
• Acting as a key interface between the executive team, Board and private equity investors
• Taking ownership of operational delivery across a complex, multi-site environment

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##### Candidate Profile

We are seeking individuals who have operated within high-growth, acquisition-led environments and have played a key role in scaling operational capability as a business increases in complexity.

Candidates will typically demonstrate:

• Experience in a senior operational leadership role (COO, Operations Director, Divisional COO or equivalent) within a scaling organisation
• A strong track record of post-acquisition integration, including both operational and cultural alignment
• Experience building or evolving operating models, governance frameworks and organisational structure
• Exposure to private equity environments, including working with investors, boards and governance processes
• The ability to balance growth, control and regulatory requirements in a dynamic environment

This role is likely to suit either an experienced COO from a mid-sized, acquisitive platform, or a high-calibre “number two” from a larger organisation looking to step into a Group COO position.

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##### Sector Background

Direct experience in wealth management or financial advice is preferred but not essential.

We are also interested in candidates from:

• Accountancy and professional services consolidators
• Insurance or broking platforms
• Other regulated, multi-entity environments
• PE-backed technology or services businesses with acquisitive growth models

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##### What Will Set You Apart

• Ability to operate as both a strategic partner and hands-on delivery leader
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience influencing senior leaders and client-facing teams
• Experience working in environments where pace, change and competing priorities are constant
• A pragmatic, people-led approach to driving integration and change

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This is a rare opportunity to join a business at a critical stage of its growth journey and play a defining role in shaping its operational platform and long-term success.

Apply now

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