Interim COO & Operations Director Recruitment

Q: How quickly can an interim COO start?

It depends on the sector and the scale of the operation. A leader with directly relevant experience may be available quickly, while a specialist turnaround brief can take longer to fill. We will be clear about the timeframe from the first conversation.

Q: What does an interim Operations Director do?

An interim Operations Director takes responsibility for day-to-day operational performance for a defined period. Depending on the mandate, they may lead a turnaround, recover an underperforming site, integrate an acquisition or hold the role while a permanent appointment is made.

Q: How long do interim COO assignments last?

Most run for three to twelve months. Turnaround and integration assignments can run longer. The length is agreed at the start and reviewed as the work progresses.

Q: Can an interim COO lead a turnaround?

Yes. Many interim COOs specialise in turnaround and recovery. They bring experience of similar situations and can make difficult decisions quickly, without the internal history a permanent team member may carry.

Interim COO Executive Search

Operational problems rarely wait for a permanent appointment.

Output has fallen. Costs are rising. A site is underperforming. An acquisition needs integrating. The Operations Director has left and the business is relying on people already stretched by their own roles.

An interim COO or Operations Director brings senior operational experience into the business quickly. They are appointed to deliver results: to stabilise performance, lead change and leave the operation in better shape than they found it.

Novo finds interim operations leaders with a record of delivering in demanding environments, from manufacturing and engineering to energy, infrastructure and support services.

Interim Operations Specialist

Dale Perrett

Founding Director

Need operational leadership quickly?

Tell us what has changed and we will advise on the experience the role needs.

Call now

Email now

Interim Operations Specialist

Jon Hollier

Founding Director

Need operational leadership quickly?

Tell us what has changed and we will advise on the experience the role needs.

Call now

Email now

Put experienced operational leadership in place

Book a confidential discussion with one of our Executive Search Directors

Discuss an Interim COO Appointment

When You Need an Interim COO

Most interim operations assignments start when performance or circumstances change.

Common situations include:

Operational performance has slipped
A turnaround or restructuring is underway
A site, plant or programme needs recovering

An acquisition needs integrating
A transformation programme needs a dedicated leader
The COO or Operations Director has left
A permanent executive search is underway

An interim COO is appointed to deliver outcomes, not simply to hold the position.

What to Expect in the First 90 Days

Most interim COO assignments are judged on what changes in the first three months.

First 30 days: Understands the operation, the data and the people. Addresses the most pressing issues and agrees priorities with the board.

By 60 days: A clear plan is in place and early improvements are showing in output, cost, safety or delivery.

By 90 days: Measurable progress against the mandate, with a plan to sustain it after the assignment ends.

Interim or Fractional COO?

Most operational turnarounds need full-time leadership. Some situations do not.

An interim COO works full time for a defined period. This suits turnarounds, site recovery and integration work, where the operation needs daily senior attention.

A fractional COO works part time on an ongoing basis. This can suit a growing business where the founder is still running operations and needs senior support to build the systems, processes and team for the next stage.

Visit our interim and fractional leadership page to see the full range of roles we cover.

Testimonials

The interim MD provided by Novo was thoughtful, steady and highly effective. They handled a sensitive restructuring process with empathy and discipline, helping us stabilise performance while rebuilding trust across the organisation.

Interim Managing Director, Engineering & Manufacturing Business

“Novo was very professional as a Search and Selection specialist, helping support me through securing a great new position. He was very well informed about the organisation, answered all my questions and kept me up to date with progress throughout.”

The Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH)

Novo ran a highly professional and thorough search process, bringing forward an impressive list of candidates for our consideration

RECCo

Novo were recently retained to recruit an HR Director for Jaywing The targeted search assignment engaged with a very strong shortlist of candidates based in the North and East Midlands resulting in the successful appointment.

Jaywing

We were delighted with Novo’s work and efforts. Theye significantly contributed to achieving our goal. We therefore would have no hesitation in recommending Novo to any other organisation looking for help or advice in executive recruitment.

Chiorino UK Ltd

Novo’s experienced Food and Drink search practice did a wonderful research job on these assignments, and we look forward to Novo helping Framptons with further projects in the future.

Framptons

Sectors Where We Place Interim Operations Leaders

Operational leadership requirements differ by sector. An interim COO leading a manufacturing turnaround needs different experience from one integrating two support services businesses.

We place interim operations leaders across sectors including:

For a permanent appointment, see our Operations Director and COO recruitment page.

Our Operations Leadership Specialists

George Woodward

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Jon Hollier

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Matthew Searle

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Dale Perrett

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Interim COO & Operations Director Recruitment

Interim COO Executive Search

Need operational leadership quickly?

Need operational leadership quickly?

Put experienced operational leadership in place

When You Need an Interim COO

What to Expect in the First 90 Days

Interim or Fractional COO?

Testimonials

The interim MD provided by Novo was thoughtful, steady and highly effective. They handled a sensitive restructuring process with empathy and discipline, helping us stabilise performance while rebuilding trust across the organisation.

“Novo was very professional as a Search and Selection specialist, helping support me through securing a great new position. He was very well informed about the organisation, answered all my questions and kept me up to date with progress throughout.”

Novo ran a highly professional and thorough search process, bringing forward an impressive list of candidates for our consideration

Novo were recently retained to recruit an HR Director for Jaywing The targeted search assignment engaged with a very strong shortlist of candidates based in the North and East Midlands resulting in the successful appointment.

We were delighted with Novo’s work and efforts. Theye significantly contributed to achieving our goal. We therefore would have no hesitation in recommending Novo to any other organisation looking for help or advice in executive recruitment.

Novo’s experienced Food and Drink search practice did a wonderful research job on these assignments, and we look forward to Novo helping Framptons with further projects in the future.

Sectors Where We Place Interim Operations Leaders

Our Operations Leadership Specialists

Matthew Searle

Dale Perrett

George Woodward

Jon Hollier

Related Case Studies

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Interim Director of Stakeholder Engagement Strengthens Industry Communication at RECCo

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Appointing an Interim HR Director to Steady an International Hospitality Group

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Interim HR Director Brings Stability to the People Function at Southern Co-op

Interim Finance Director Appointment Brings Experienced Oversight to Apogee in Paris

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Appointing an Interim COO to Stabilise and Scale a High-Growth Software Business

Strengthening a Biotech Business for IPO Through Interim CFO Leadership

Appointing an Interim MD to Stabilise and Restructure an Engineering & Manufacturing Business

Stabilising Operations at a Critical Moment: Interim Leadership for a Major International Airport

Interim Engineering Director Brings Clear Accountability at Energy Power Resources

Interim Director of Stakeholder Engagement Strengthens Industry Communication at RECCo

Interim Commercial Director Keeps Customer Relationships on Track at apetito

Appointing an Interim HR Director to Steady an International Hospitality Group

Appointing an Interim CMO to Focus Marketing Leadership at Touchstone Education

Stable Interim Leadership for CSET in the Education Trust Sector

Interim Managing Director Keeps Priorities on Track at Alumasc Water Management Solutions

Interim Managing Director Gives the Business Behind Vantablack Clear Direction

Interim General Manager Appointment Maintains Momentum at CELOX Medical

Strong Finance Leadership for Welsh Dairy Co-operative South Caernarfon Creameries

Interim HR Director Brings Stability to the People Function at Southern Co-op

Interim Finance Director Appointment Brings Experienced Oversight to Apogee in Paris

Appointing an Interim R&D Director to Keep Product Development on Track at Magstim

Appointing an Interim COO to Stabilise and Scale a High-Growth Software Business

Strengthening a Biotech Business for IPO Through Interim CFO Leadership

Appointing an Interim MD to Stabilise and Restructure an Engineering & Manufacturing Business

Stabilising Operations at a Critical Moment: Interim Leadership for a Major International Airport

Facing an operational challenge that cannot wait?

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