Operations Directors & COOs Recruitment

Operations Director and COO executive search is the retained process used to identify and appoint the leader responsible for operational performance, delivery and business transformation.

It targets operational leaders already running complex organisations rather than active jobseekers, and assesses them on operational capability, strategic oversight, stakeholder management and cultural fit.

An Operations Director typically focuses on operational delivery, process improvement, supply chain, quality and productivity, while a Chief Operating Officer usually operates at board level, overseeing operational strategy across multiple functions alongside the CEO.

In many organisations the responsibilities overlap; the title may differ, but the challenge is the same – appointing a leader who can improve operational performance while preparing the business for what comes next.

Most operational leadership appointments begin when something changes, including:

• Rapid business growth creates operational complexity
• Productivity or profitability begins to decline
• Customer service or delivery performance falls
• Supply chain disruption affects operational resilience
• Operational or manufacturing transformation programmes begin
• Automation and digital technologies reshape requirements
• International expansion increases complexity
• Succession plans are activated

Often the existing operational leadership model no longer supports the business – not because the leader has failed, but because the organisation now needs broader experience or greater strategic oversight.

Through a structured, retained executive search built around five stages:

Discovery – understanding your operational context, objectives and leadership requirements

Executive search – targeted research and direct approach of proven operational leaders

Assessment – operational capability, strategic thinking, transformation experience and cultural fit

Appointment – interviews, offer negotiation, stakeholder management and transition planning

Onboarding – support through leadership integration and the early months of tenure

The strongest operational leaders are rarely active in the market; they are already leading complex organisations and are reached through a credible executive search.

A retained search typically produces a strong shortlist within four to six weeks, with most appointments completed in eight to twelve weeks.

Novo reaches offer stage within six weeks on 90% of assignments. Timelines vary with seniority, complexity and confidentiality requirements.

UK retained executive search fees are usually charged as a percentage of the appointee’s first-year package – commonly around 25-33% – paid in stages across the assignment.

Novo agrees fees confidentially against the specific mandate. The cost of a wrong appointment, in lost productivity and stalled transformation, almost always exceeds the search fee.

A successful operational leadership appointment delivers far more than operational stability, typically including:

• Improved operational performance and higher productivity
• Lower operating costs
• Better customer experience
• Stronger supply chain resilience
• Improved quality and consistency
• Greater organisational agility and more effective transformation
• Operational capability that supports long-term growth

The strongest operational leaders create clarity, accountability and continuous improvement across the organisation.

Yes. Where an operational leader needs to be replaced while still in role, the search runs discreetly to maintain stability and momentum.

These appointments require discretion and careful stakeholder management, and confidentiality is built into the process throughout.

Yes. An interim operational leader can stabilise performance and maintain momentum during transformation, restructuring or a sudden departure.

This reduces operational risk while a permanent appointment is completed.

Novo recruits Operations Directors and COOs across sectors where operational performance is critical, including:

• Manufacturing and Industrial
• Engineering
• Technology
• Construction and Property
• Energy and Renewables
• Healthcare and Life Sciences
• Consumer Products and FMCG
• Support Services

Each search is matched to the operational complexity and strategic priorities of the specific business.

Yes. Novo places operational leaders across the UK, Europe, North America and the Middle East.

This supports organisations scaling internationally or needing leaders with cross-border operational experience.