Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer | UHNW Family OfficeMenlo/Atherton area Monday through Friday, standard business hours with flexibility as neededCompensation: Up to $400,000 DOE, plus comprehensive benefitsThis is a senior-level leadership role requiring a high degree of availability and presence to effectively oversee teams and the broader operational ecosystem.Position ProfileThe Chief Operating Officer serves as the senior operating leader responsible for the seamless orchestration of the principal’s personal and operational ecosystem. This individual provides thoughtful, steady leadership across residences, support functions, projects, and shared services—ensuring all aspects of the operation run with precision, discretion, and a deep understanding of the principal’s evolving needs.This role requires a rare balance of operational rigor and emotional intelligence. The ideal candidate is not only highly strategic and structured, but also intuitive—someone who can read a room, understand nuance, and navigate complexity with calm authority. They bring both strength and sensitivity, capable of leading strong personalities while maintaining trust, alignment, and respect across all levels of the organization.Core ResponsibilitiesOrganizational Leadership & AccountabilityLead the overall operational structure with clarity, ensuring defined roles, strong accountability, and consistent executionOversee senior team members across key verticals, guiding performance while empowering autonomyEstablish operating rhythms, communication flow, and management discipline across all areasFoster a culture grounded in ownership, responsiveness, discretion, and mutual respectBuild trusted relationships with the principal, family, and internal teams, creating alignment across a complex environmentOperational Oversight & ExecutionEnsure seamless delivery across residences, principal support, projects, and day-to-day operationsMaintain high standards of service, readiness, and presentation across all properties and functionsContinuously refine systems, workflows, and protocols to improve efficiency and effectivenessAnticipate needs while managing real-time priorities with agilityNavigate a dynamic, ever-evolving environment with composure and sound judgmentFinancial Oversight & ControlsOversee budgets, spending, and financial discipline across the operationImplement checks and balances around purchasing, vendor management, and approvalsPartner with financial resources on forecasting, reporting, and planningBalance cost awareness with maintaining an elevated standard of serviceTalent Leadership & Performance ManagementLead hiring, onboarding, and development of a high-performing teamBuild strong relationships while holding clear expectations and accountabilityAddress performance issues directly yet thoughtfully, with fairness and consistencyCreate an environment where individuals feel supported, challenged, and alignedLead both up and down—supporting the principal while guiding and mentoring the teamStrategic Planning & Principal PartnershipServe as a trusted advisor on operational priorities, risks, and opportunitiesProvide forward-looking insight into the state of the operationIdentify inefficiencies or risks and proactively implement solutionsSupport special projects, events, and evolving needs with flexibility and discretionIdeal Candidate ProfileExperienced leader within complex, high-touch environments such as family offices, private estates, or hospitality-driven organizationsDemonstrated ability to manage multiple teams and functions through layered leadershipStrong operational instincts with the ability to build structure without rigidityHigh emotional intelligence—able to read nuance, manage dynamics, and respond thoughtfullyCalm, grounded presence with the ability to navigate pressure without becoming unsettledThick-skinned yet empathetic, understanding the realities of a large, ever-moving operationExceptional judgment, discretion, and problem-solving abilityStrong HR and people management experiencePolished communicator able to interface seamlessly with principals, family members, staff, and external partnersPerformance ExpectationsCreate a highly functional, organized operation with clear ownership and accountabilityMaintain strong oversight of budgets, controls, and operational disciplineEnsure issues are addressed proactively and resolved efficientlyDrive alignment across all moving parts while maintaining calm and controlContinuously refine systems and processes to elevate performanceOperate with discretion, professionalism, and a deep understanding of interpersonal dynamicsPreferred Background5+ years in senior operational leadership within private, high-touch environmentsExperience leading multi-functional teams through other leadersStrong background in budgeting, vendor oversight, and operational systemsExperience supporting high-net-worth principals and complex personal ecosystems