Chief Operating Officer (COO)

DescriptionThe 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 InitiativesPartner with the COO to develop, refine, and execute the firm’s overall business strategy and long-range operational plansTranslate strategic objectives into actionable operational initiatives, measurable goals, and clear accountabilityLead cross-functional strategic initiatives focused on growth, profitability, operational excellence, and scalabilityEvaluate market conditions, organizational capabilities, and competitive positioning to inform strategic decision-makingDrive change management efforts to support new strategies, systems, structures, and ways of workingMonitor 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 opportunitiesProfit & Loss (P&L) ManagementOwn and manage company-wide and departmental P&L, ensuring financial targets and margin goals are achievedPartner with the COO and finance team on budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and long-term financial planningAnalyze financial and operational data to identify trends, improvement opportunities, and risksImplement cost-control, margin-improvement, and efficiency initiatives aligned with strategic objectivesOperational & Organizational ManagementOversee daily operations across engineering, project management, operations, and administrative functionsDesign and implement scalable systems, processes, and governance structures to support company growthEnsure effective workforce planning, resource allocation, and utilization across all projectsContinuously assess organizational structure and recommend improvements to support strategic prioritiesStaff Management & LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop department heads, project managers, and operational leadersFoster a high-performance culture emphasizing accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvementSupport talent acquisition, onboarding, performance management, and leadership developmentEnsure alignment between individual, departmental, and company-wide goalsBusiness Development & Growth SupportPartner with the COO and business development leaders to support growth strategy, market expansion, and key pursuitsProvide operational, financial, and risk input for proposals, pricing, and contract negotiationsEnsure operational readiness for new clients, contracts, and expanded service offeringsIdentify process and structural improvements to support higher win rates and profitable deliveryCompliance, Risk & Quality ManagementEnsure compliance with Florida regulations, professional licensing requirements, and company policiesOversee risk management, contract compliance, insurance coordination, and internal controlsSupport quality assurance programs and continuous improvement initiativesPromote a culture of safety, ethical conduct, and operational disciplineTechnology, Systems & Continuous ImprovementOversee internal systems supporting finance, operations, project management, and HRDrive system integration, automation, and data visibility to support informed decision-makingEvaluate and manage key vendors, consultants, and external partnersChampion innovation and efficiency initiatives that improve scalability and performanceRequirementsQualifications & ExperienceBachelor’s degree required; Engineering, Business, Finance, or related field preferred10+ years of senior leadership experience in engineering, construction, or professional servicesProven success in managing P&L and leading operational and strategic initiativesStrong understanding of project-based business models and utilization-driven revenueExperience scaling organizations, implementing change, and building executive-level teamsCore CompetenciesStrategic planning and executionFinancial and operational leadershipEnterprise-level problem solvingOrganizational design and change managementPeople leadership and executive presence