Chief Operating Officer - Kent

Chief Operating Officer

£100,000 with annual salary reviews and potential for bonus structures after the first year.

Canterbury, Kent (Office based role)

Permanent/Full Time

Monday to Friday (9am – 5.30pm)

Our client, a successful and dynamic marketing and online education company located in the Canterbury area, are seeking a high performing, detail orientated and measured decision maker to help lead their growing company. 

The purpose of this role is to understand, align with, and execute the CEO’s vision and strategy. As part of the growth journey you will help professionalise operations, evaluate team performance and implement scalable systems while preserving a positive company culture.

This role requires a proactive, hands-on leader who can optimise efficiency, enforce accountability, and ensure the business runs smoothly and profitably.

You will need to be someone who thrives in the details, embraces ownership of operations, and is as committed to the success of the company as the CEO.

Want to find out more? Contact us today.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Leadership:
   • Oversee all day-to-day operations, ensuring that all processes, projects, and goals are executed effectively.
   • Implement and enforce systems, processes, and SOPs across all departments to ensure operational excellence.
   • Troubleshoot inefficiencies, identify root causes of issues and take immediate action to resolve them.
2. Performance Management:
   • Set and track KPIs for all departments (marketing, sales, client success, operations etc) to ensure targets are met.
   • Analyse data and reporting to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
   • Hold the team accountable for their performance, ensuring consistent adherence to systems and processes.
3. Proactive Reporting:
   • Provide regular updates to the CEO, including daily snapshots of key metrics and weekly progress reports.
   • Deliver detailed, accurate, and actionable reports to keep the CEO informed and confident about the state of the business.
4. Team Development and Professionalization:
   • Elevate team performance by mentoring mid-level managers and instilling accountability, discipline, and high standards across the organisation.
   • Professionalise the business by introducing efficient meeting structures, optimising workflows, and fostering a culture of operational excellence.
   • Balance accountability with maintaining the company’s positive and collaborative culture.
5. Efficiency and Scalability:
   • Optimise the use of tools like monday.com, CRMs, Google Sheets, and reporting systems to streamline operations.
   • Develop scalable systems and structures to support the company’s growth to 50+ staff and £10+ million in revenue.
6. Ownership and Availability:
   • Maintain visibility and ownership of the business at all times, ensuring smooth operations and continuity, even outside traditional office hours when needed.
   • This includes proactively addressing critical issues, delegating effectively, and ensuring weekend and evening operations are monitored and supported.
7. Onboarding and Vision Alignment:
   • Spend the first 3 months actively learning the business, with a focus on understanding the CEO’s vision, values, and expectations.
   • Regularly check in with the CEO to confirm alignment and clarify priorities. Proactively ask questions to ensure a deep understanding of the business and the CEO’s goals.

Key Attributes:

• Vision-Aligned: Thrive on executing the CEO’s vision and ensuring all actions align with the company’s strategic goals.
• Detail-Oriented Problem Solver: Obsessive about tracking metrics, analysing data, and resolving inefficiencies.
• Proactive Communicator: Take the initiative to provide regular updates to the CEO and seek clarification when needed.
• Efficiency-Driven: Passionate about maximising efficiency and minimising wastage across all areas of the business, constantly identifying opportunities for improvement.
• High Performer: A high performer who is dedicated to personal growth, constantly challenging yourself to up-level your skills and knowledge. You are equally passionate about mentoring and coaching team members to achieve their highest potential.
• High Capacity and Commitment: Willing to go above and beyond to ensure the business operates flawlessly, treating it as if it were your own.
• Operational Expertise: Experience in scaling businesses from £6 million to 10 million+ while maintaining profitability and efficiency.
• Team Mentor: Skilled at developing junior team members into high performers and creating a culture of excellence.
• Balanced Leader: Collaborative and approachable but authoritative and direct when needed.

Experience and Skills:

• Strong background in operations and team leadership at a high level.
• Experience overseeing and managing a company of 50-100 employees.
• Experience overseeing and managing a company doing in excess of £10 million annually.
• Proven track record of driving operational improvements and scaling businesses profitably.
• Familiarity with online education, live events, and coaching/consulting industries (preferred but not required).
• Proficient in tools like monday.com, CRMs, Google Sheets, and other project management and reporting software.

For further details on this role and other jobs, please submit your CV to Adam Curtis of ACS Recruitment Consultancy