Chief Operating Officer - Utility Services - Private Equity, 78769

Truenorth Executive Search - Buffalo, NY

Full-time - Executive

Buffalo, NY

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) position at our client, a middle-market utility services business under private equity ownership, is a pivotal role aimed at driving operational performance and efficiency within the professional services sector. The COO will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the business, ensuring productivity and profitability while spearheading aggressive expansion initiatives. This role is critical in maintaining and enhancing the company's momentum as it broadens its operations across multiple states and diversifies into new markets. The company is strategically positioned for growth through both acquisitive and organic strategies, and the COO will be a hands-on leader focused on expanding the company's market leadership. In this role, the COO will oversee key functions including sales, business development, project management, and customer service, while managing a true Profit and Loss (P&L) statement. The ideal candidate will possess significant experience in both large-scale and middle-market professional services organizations, having developed a robust understanding of best practices and the ability to enhance processes across the organization. This includes the introduction of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), improved reporting mechanisms, budgeting, and effective team management. Experience in a private equity-backed business or an investor-driven enterprise focused on value creation will be a significant asset, as the COO will be expected to drive initiatives that lead to tangible outcomes for the business. This position not only offers a dynamic career opportunity but also includes equity participation, allowing the COO to work in direct partnership with a substantial financial sponsor. The role is designed for a growth-focused leader who is ready to take on the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry and contribute to the company's success.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all aspects of the business to ensure productivity and profitability.
• Drive operational performance efficiency in the professional services sector.
• Lead aggressive expansion initiatives across multiple states and into new markets.
• Manage sales, business development, project management, and customer service functions.
• Run a true Profit and Loss (P&L) statement for the organization.
• Implement best practices and improve processes across the organization.
• Introduce Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and enhance reporting mechanisms.
• Oversee budgeting and team management to ensure operational success.

Requirements

• Significant experience in driving operating performance efficiency in the professional services sector.
• Proven track record in overseeing sales, business development, project management, and customer service.
• Experience managing a true P&L statement.
• Background in both large-scale and middle-market professional services organizations.
• Strong understanding of best practices in operational efficiency and process improvement.
• Experience in a private equity-backed business or investor-driven enterprise focused on value creation.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with aggressive expansion strategies in a utility services context.
• Familiarity with the utility services industry and its specific challenges and opportunities.

Benefits

• Equity participation in the company.
• Opportunity to work in direct partnership with a substantial financial sponsor.