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