Chief Operating Officer (COO), Administration & Finance

The Company is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to provide senior professional services leadership and advise on strategy, ensuring people, finances, infrastructure, systems, and services support organizational objectives. The role leads a multidisciplinary professional services team across finance, people, communications, research support, estates, IT, health and safety, and administration. Responsibilities include accountability for financial sustainability, organizational effectiveness, governance, risk management, and business continuity. The COO will also lead a major change program and contribute to broader organizational initiatives. Candidates should bring significant senior leadership experience in a large, complex, decentralized organization, with a record of translating strategy into effective delivery through managers and specialist teams. Experience leading complex organizational change and major transitions is essential, along with strong financial and commercial acumen and stewardship of significant budgets. The role requires exceptional communication, influencing, and stakeholder-management skills, sound judgment, and confidence in sensitive and ambiguous environments. Candidates should also be able to develop high-performing teams and foster inclusion and staff wellbeing.