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
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