Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Succession-Led Executive Leadership Opportunity

Asset Management company based in Chester

The Opportunity

An established and growing asset management business is seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer (Designate) to join its executive leadership team as part of a planned succession strategy.

This is a rare opportunity for an ambitious commercial leader to step into a genuine executive succession role, working alongside the Founder and Board before assuming full responsibility for the strategic and operational leadership of the business.

The organisation has built a strong reputation through its client-first approach, commercial expertise, and ability to deliver consistent results within a competitive market. With significant growth ambitions and strong commercial momentum, the business is now looking for a proven leader to drive the next phase of expansion.

Initially joining as COO Designate, you will spend approximately six months working closely with the existing leadership team, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the business, its people, clients, operations, and growth strategy. Following a structured transition period, you will assume full executive leadership responsibility, including direct ownership of the national sales function.

This role is ideally suited to someone who began their career in sales, progressed into sales leadership, and has evolved into a commercially focused senior executive. Someone who understands that disciplined sales execution, operational excellence, and strong leadership are the foundations of sustainable business growth.

You will inherit an established, high-performing sales operation and a respected market position. Your challenge will be to take both to the next level.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Executive Leadership

Assume full P&L responsibility within the agreed transition period.

Develop and execute the organisation's long-term commercial strategy and growth plans.

Provide strategic leadership across all areas of the business.

Drive business performance through clear objectives, accountability, and operational discipline.

Represent the company externally with clients, strategic partners, regulators, and industry stakeholders.

Build, develop, and retain a high-performing senior leadership team.

Lead board-level reporting, business planning, and financial performance reviews.

Support long-term planning, business expansion, acquisition opportunities, and future strategic initiatives.

Sales Leadership (Direct Ownership)

A key component of this role will be the direct leadership of the national sales function.

Responsibilities include:

• Taking ownership of all sales leadership responsibilities currently managed at director level.
• Managing, coaching, and developing a national sales team.
• Overseeing pipeline management, territory planning, forecasting, incentive structures, and performance management.
• Driving measurable improvements in:
  • Revenue growth
  • Conversion rates
  • Average deal values
  • Customer retention
  • Client lifetime value
• Leading from the front with key clients and strategic opportunities.
• Personally supporting the acquisition and closure of major commercial contracts.
• Embedding a culture of accountability, professionalism, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement.

Operations, Finance & Compliance

• Ensure the business operates effectively within all applicable regulatory and compliance frameworks.
• Oversee finance, operations, HR, technology, and support functions through departmental leadership teams.
• Identify and implement operational improvements that increase efficiency, profitability, and scalability.
• Manage budgeting, forecasting, resource planning, and financial performance.
• Work closely with the Founder and Board on strategic planning and long-term value creation.
• Drive initiatives that strengthen operational capability and support future growth objectives.

Essential Experience

• A genuine sales background, having progressed from individual contributor to sales leadership and ultimately senior management.
• Demonstrable success building, developing, and scaling high-performing sales teams.
• Proven ability to deliver significant revenue growth and commercial transformation.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing P&L performance.
• Comfortable operating within entrepreneurial, founder-led businesses while introducing the structure and governance associated with larger organisations.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable Experience

• Existing relationships across institutional investors, wealth management firms, IFAs, distribution networks, or other relevant commercial channels.
• Experience leading a business through succession planning or leadership transition.
• Previous ownership of a P&L within a business of comparable scale.
• Experience supporting acquisitions, business integration projects, or strategic growth initiatives.

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will be:

A highly credible and inspirational leader.

Commercially astute and growth-focused.

Decisive, resilient, and accountable.

Entrepreneurial in mindset and approach.

Confident operating under pressure and within highly visible leadership positions.

Passionate about developing people and building successful teams.

Naturally curious and always looking for opportunities to improve performance, efficiency, and profitability.

Ambitious both for themselves and the organisation they lead.

This opportunity is designed for someone who wants to take ownership of a business, not simply oversee its operations

Career Progression

This is a genuine succession-led appointment with a clearly defined pathway to full executive leadership responsibility within approximately six months.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to shape the future direction of the organisation, influence strategic decisions, build and develop leadership teams, and play a key role in creating long-term business value.