Barden has been retained by a well‑established Irish Services business headquartered in Cork, to appoint a Chief Operations Officer.
This is a critical senior leadership appointment within a business that has built a strong reputation over 15+ years delivering specialist talent solutions to major Irish and international clients. The organisation is now entering an ambitious phase of European expansion, with a clear strategy to scale its operating model, leadership capability, and financial performance.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO, the Chief Operations Officer will take full P&L responsibility and lead a high‑performing leadership team across Sales, Operations, Finance, HR, IT, Marketing, and Compliance.
This is a highly visible, CEO‑facing role with genuine influence across the organisation. The successful person will play a central role in shaping strategy, driving operational excellence, strengthening commercial performance, and helping scale the business internationally.
This role will suit a commercially driven, ambitious senior leader who enjoys building scalable service businesses, professionalising operations, and contributing at the highest level within a respected, owner‑led organisation.
Key Responsibilities
Lead, coach, and develop the senior management team, driving strong financial and operational performance
Partner closely with the CEO to define and execute the company’s growth strategy, including expansion into new European markets
Drive operational efficiency across service delivery and commercial functions, standardising processes to improve productivity and scalability
Own overall financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, and delivery of improvements in profitability, ROI, and cashflow
Oversee client and candidate service delivery, ensuring consistently high standards and strong long‑term stakeholder relationships
Develop and deliver strategic initiatives aligned with the company’s long‑term growth and value‑creation objectives
About You
10+ years’ senior leadership experience, ideally within workforce solutions, professional services, or another people‑led services environment
Proven experience leading sizeable teams with full P&L ownership
Strong commercial, operational, and financial acumen with the ability to operate at both strategic and hands‑on levels
Credible, engaging leader with excellent communication and influencing skills
Ambitious, growth‑oriented, and motivated by the opportunity to help scale an already successful and well‑regarded business
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