Forsyth Barnes Consultancy
Chief Operating Officer (Ref: 196617)
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Chief Operating Officer (Ref: 196617)
Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Scaling Operations in a High-Growth Retail & B2B Business
About the Role
We are partnering with a fast-growing, technology-led business in the retail and B2B services sector, currently undergoing major operational transformation and international expansion.
After multiple acquisitions and consolidation into a unified group, the business is now in its next phase of evolution:
- ERP transformation underway
- Emerging international presence across Europe, Australia, and the US
- Heavy investment in operational scalability, governance, and customer excellence
The company supports globally recognised brands and retail partners through technology, operations, and strategic partnerships in a high-growth, fast-paced environment.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join the executive leadership team and drive: ✔ Operational scaling and transformation ✔ Process optimisation and customer delivery excellence
This is an executive leadership position for an operational scale-up leader with transformation experience in fast-growth environments.
Job Description
The COO will:
- Report directly to the Group CEO
- Oversee daily business operations
- Lead operational transformation initiatives
- Ensure operational efficiency, SLAs, and cross-functional alignment
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Lead and manage day-to-day operational performance
- Drive efficiency, scalability, and continuous improvement
- Oversee customer SLA performance (order fulfilment, delivery, service delivery)
- Optimise inventory management, stock control, and supply chain
- Develop and implement operational frameworks, governance, and reporting
- Support future operational services and capabilities
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Customer Onboarding & Client Services
- Oversee seamless customer onboarding
- Improve onboarding, customer journey, and service delivery processes
- Lead cross-sector customer support strategies
- Drive workflow and process optimisation
Project & Transformation Leadership
- Lead operational and strategic transformation projects
- Ensure on-time, on-budget, and objective-aligned project delivery
- Implement structured project governance and accountability
- Support ERP optimisation and associated operational programmes
Strategic Growth & Partnerships
- Build strategic stakeholder and partner relationships
- Prepare operations for international expansion
- Collaborate with sales, technology, product, and finance teams
- Identify scalability and customer experience improvements
Leadership & Culture
- Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing operational teams
- Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Represent the business externally (clients, partners, industry)
- Engage actively with the executive leadership team
Requirements
Essential:
- Proven COO, Operations Director, or senior operational leadership experience in a high-growth business
- Strong track record in scaling operational teams and improving performance
- Experience in operational transformation, process optimisation, and business change
- Deep knowledge of B2B operations, customer onboarding, and service delivery
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams
- Thrives in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments
- Strong commercial and strategic thinking
- Exceptional stakeholder and leadership skills
- Experience with executive leadership teams
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Desirable:
- ERP transformation or systems implementation experience
- International or multi-market operations experience
Benefits
✅ Executive-grade opportunity in a high-growth company ✅ Shape operational transformation and international expansion ✅ High-impact role with direct strategic influence ✅ Collaborative and entrepreneurial leadership culture ✅ Competitive executive remuneration package ✅ Hybrid working flexibility post-index period
Other Details
- Location: Wokingham, Berkshire
- Working Pattern: Primarily onsite (4 days/week expected)
- Reports To: Group CEO
- Direct Reports:
- Head of Operations
- Head of Onboarding & Client Services
- Project Manager
This is a proven opportunity for an operational leader looking to drive tangible impact in a scaling business during a pivotal transformation phase.
Contact: Daniel Scott Principal Recruitment Consultant 📧 daniel.scott@forsythbarnes.com 🏢 ETail Specialist | Additional roles available
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills