Head of Operations for Family Office

Head of Operations, Family Office (COO Level)Menlo Park / Atherton AreaMonday through Friday, standard business hours with flexibility as neededCompensation: Up to $400,000 DOE, plus comprehensive benefitsWe are seeking a senior operational leader to bring structure, alignment, and thoughtful oversight to a highly dynamic private office environment. This individual will act as the connective force across the principal’s ecosystem, overseeing teams, refining operations, and ensuring the day to day runs with precision, discretion, and calm control.This is a private, principal-facing role centered on managing people, operations, and infrastructure across a complex personal and residential landscape. It is not a traditional corporate COO position.The ideal candidate brings a rare balance of operational rigor and emotional intelligence. They are both structured and intuitive, able to lead strong personalities while fostering trust, alignment, and respect at every level. This is a senior leadership role that requires a high degree of presence and availability to effectively oversee teams and maintain continuity across the environment.This role is best suited for someone who enjoys operating behind the scenes, leading through others, and bringing order to complexity. It calls for a forward-thinking mindset, with the ability to assess, refine, and evolve operations over time. Individuals seeking a purely strategic or corporate leadership position will likely not find this role to be the right fit.Key ResponsibilitiesOrganizational Leadership and AccountabilityLead the overall operational structure with clarity, ensuring defined roles and strong accountabilityOversee senior team members across key functions, guiding performance while empowering autonomyEstablish clear operating rhythms, communication flow, and management disciplineFoster a culture grounded in ownership, responsiveness, discretion, and mutual respectBuild trusted relationships with the principal, family, and internal teamsOperational Oversight and ExecutionEnsure seamless execution across residences, principal support, projects, and daily operationsMaintain exceptional standards of service, readiness, and presentation across all propertiesContinuously refine systems, workflows, and protocols to improve efficiencyAnticipate needs while managing real time priorities with sound judgmentNavigate a fast moving, evolving environment with composureFinancial Oversight and ControlsOversee budgets, spending, and financial discipline across the operationImplement checks and balances across purchasing, vendor management, and approvalsPartner with financial teams on forecasting, reporting, and planningBalance cost awareness with maintaining a high level of serviceTalent Leadership and Performance ManagementLead hiring, onboarding, and development of a high performing teamCreate a cohesive and collaborative environment across multiple support staffHold clear expectations while addressing performance issues thoughtfully and directlyMentor and guide team members while maintaining accountabilityLead both up and down, supporting the principal while managing the teamStrategic PartnershipServe as a trusted advisor on operational priorities, risks, and opportunitiesProvide forward looking insight into the overall health of the operationIdentify inefficiencies and implement thoughtful, practical 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 layers of leadershipStrong operational instincts with the ability to build structure without rigidityHigh emotional intelligence with the ability to read nuance and manage dynamics thoughtfullyCalm, grounded presence with the ability to navigate pressure without becoming unsettledStrong judgment, discretion, and problem solving abilitySolid HR and people management experiencePolished communicator able to interface seamlessly with principals, family members, and staffPerformance ExpectationsCreate a highly functional and 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 overall performanceOperate with discretion, professionalism, and strong interpersonal awarenessPreferred Background5+ years in senior operational leadership within family offices, private estates, or similarly high touch environmentsProven experience managing multiple teams through layers of leadershipStrong background in budgeting, vendor oversight, and operational systemsExperience supporting high net worth principals in complex, multi property environments