UK Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating OfficerAbout ValconAt Valcon, we are a European powerhouse in data & Al-driven business transformation. We combine deep expertise in data and Al with our heritage in operational excellence, failsafe delivery and organisational change. Trusted partner to Europe’s leading organisations, we don’t just advise – we implement and deliver sustainable business transformation.Backed by private equity, Valcon has brought together leading firms to form one of Europe’s fastest-growing consultancies. In the UK, we’re scaling quickly, while maintaining a collaborative, hands-on, and down-to-earth culture.Purpose of the RoleThe COO works alongside the UK Managing Partner to run Valcon UK’s operations. The role translates strategic direction into efficient day-to-day delivery, ensuring the business runs smoothly, profitably, and at scale. The COO is accountable for embedding governance, processes, and operational discipline across finance, people and culture, talent acquisition and resourcing, sales and marketing, delivery excellence and client engagements, supporting the UK Managing Partner in focusing on growth and client relationships.Key ResponsibilitiesBusiness OperationsLead daily operations, working with the UK Managing Partner to translate strategy into practical delivery.Partner with the Head of Finance on budgets, forecasting, cashflow, and commercial reporting.Work with the wider Valcon group to drive consistency across regions and support business integration and acquisitions.Design and embed governance frameworks, policies, and processes that provide control and consistency across the business.Build repeatable and scalable processes to support growth and efficiency.Oversee operational KPIs and management reporting, providing insight to the UK leadership team.Governance, Risk & ComplianceEstablish and maintain operational governance structures that track and control business performance.Implement and oversee governance, controls, and policies aligned with Valcon Group standards.Identify and manage operational risks across financial, delivery, and data security areas.Oversee ISO and regulatory compliance in the UK market, embedding governance discipline into daily operations.Strategy ExecutionTranslate Valcon UK’s strategic objectives into measurable operational plans and outcomes.Provide the UK Managing Partner and leadership team with governance and operational insights to guide decision making.Drive continuous improvement by identifying opportunities for automation, tooling, and process optimisation.Client Delivery OversightMonitor project performance, profitability, and utilisation to maintain high-quality delivery.Provide operational input to bids and proposals, ensuring robust pricing and realistic delivery plans.Enforce the use of Valcon tools, accelerators, and methods across all client work.Introduce delivery governance structures that improve visibility, accountability, and client satisfaction.People, HR & ResourcingWork with HR, Resourcing, and practice leads to align workforce planning with client demand.Support recruitment planning, forecasting, and onboarding processes to meet growth needs.Enhance governance and reporting around utilisation, capacity planning, and career progression.Ensure policies and processes reinforce Valcon’s people-focused culture while supporting operational discipline.Skills and ExperienceSenior operational leadership experience in consulting or professional services.Strong background in governance, operational control, and process implementation.Experience partnering with finance leads to manage budgets, forecasting, and commercial performance.Proven ability to oversee delivery performance, project governance, and client-facing operations.Knowledge of HR processes, workforce planning, and resourcing in a consulting environment.Experienced in managing teams, developing capability, and driving performance improvement.Involved in business mergers and integrations, with a focus on aligning operations, systems, and culture.Skilled in management reporting, KPIs, and operational analysis.Personal AttributesPragmatic and commercially focused.Structured and disciplined, with a process and governance mindset.Strong communicator, able to influence at senior levels internally and with clients.Collaborative, supporting the UK Managing Partner, Head of Finance, Head of People, and leadership team to keep the business running effectively.