Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Description

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a senior executive and key member of the leadership team responsible for translating company strategy into operational execution while driving profitability, efficiency, and scalable growth. The COO provides enterprise-level leadership across operations, finance, people, and delivery functions, ensuring the organization is strategically aligned, operationally disciplined, and positioned for long-term success.

This role requires a strategic, hands-on leader with strong financial acumen, organizational leadership capability, and experience operating within a mid-size, project-based engineering firm.

Strategic Leadership & Enterprise Initiatives

• Partner with the COO to develop, refine, and execute the firm’s overall business strategy and long-range operational plans
• Translate strategic objectives into actionable operational initiatives, measurable goals, and clear accountability
• Lead cross-functional strategic initiatives focused on growth, profitability, operational excellence, and scalability
• Evaluate market conditions, organizational capabilities, and competitive positioning to inform strategic decision-making
• Drive change management efforts to support new strategies, systems, structures, and ways of working
• Monitor and report on enterprise-level performance metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Act as a strategic advisor to the COO and leadership team on organizational priorities, risks, and opportunities
  
  

Profit & Loss (P&L) Management

• Own and manage company-wide and departmental P&L, ensuring financial targets and margin goals are achieved
• Partner with the COO and finance team on budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and long-term financial planning
• Analyze financial and operational data to identify trends, improvement opportunities, and risks
• Implement cost-control, margin-improvement, and efficiency initiatives aligned with strategic objectives
  
  

Operational & Organizational Management

• Oversee daily operations across engineering, project management, operations, and administrative functions
• Design and implement scalable systems, processes, and governance structures to support company growth
• Ensure effective workforce planning, resource allocation, and utilization across all projects
• Continuously assess organizational structure and recommend improvements to support strategic priorities
  
  

Staff Management & Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop department heads, project managers, and operational leaders
• Foster a high-performance culture emphasizing accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Support talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, and leadership development
• Ensure alignment between individual, departmental, and company-wide goals
  
  

Business Development & Growth Support

• Partner with the COO and business development leaders to support growth strategy, market expansion, and key pursuits
• Provide operational, financial, and risk input for proposals, pricing, and contract negotiations
• Ensure operational readiness for new clients, contracts, and expanded service offerings
• Identify process and structural improvements to support higher win rates and profitable delivery
  
  

Compliance, Risk & Quality Management

• Ensure compliance with Florida regulations, professional licensing requirements, and company policies
• Oversee risk management, contract compliance, insurance coordination, and internal controls
• Support quality assurance programs and continuous improvement initiatives
• Promote a culture of safety, ethical conduct, and operational discipline
  
  

Technology, Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee internal systems supporting finance, operations, project management, and HR
• Drive system integration, automation, and data visibility to support informed decision-making
• Evaluate and manage key vendors, consultants, and external partners
• Champion innovation and efficiency initiatives that improve scalability and performance
  
  

Requirements

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; Engineering, Business, Finance, or related field preferred
• 10 years of senior leadership experience in engineering, construction, or professional services
• Proven success in managing P&L and leading operational and strategic initiatives
• Strong understanding of project-based business models and utilization-driven revenue
• Experience scaling organizations, implementing change, and building executive-level teams
  
  

Core Competencies

• Strategic planning and execution
• Financial and operational leadership
• Enterprise-level problem solving
• Organizational design and change management
• People leadership and executive presence