Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Lakeland, FL Leadership
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