Chief Operating Officer - Infrastructure Delivery
A large-scale project delivery organisation is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to take overall responsibility for operational performance across a complex portfolio of infrastructure projects.
This is a senior executive role for a leader who can bring structure, alignment, and accountability across multiple delivery teams, ensuring consistent performance against safety, schedule, cost, and quality objectives.
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The Opportunity
You will play a central role in integrating multiple operational workstreams into a unified execution model, enabling the business to deliver projects efficiently at scale.
The position requires a balance of strategic oversight and hands-on leadership, with direct engagement across project teams, commercial functions, and executive stakeholders.
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Key Responsibilities
Operational Integration & Leadership
* Establish a unified operating structure across multiple project teams
* Align leadership on delivery priorities, performance standards, and execution frameworks
* Remove silos and drive collaboration across functions
Programme Performance
* Oversee consolidated project schedules and delivery timelines
* Monitor performance trends and ensure alignment with key milestones
* Implement corrective actions and recovery strategies where required
Commercial Oversight
* Maintain visibility of financial performance across the portfolio
* Support cost control, forecasting, and risk management
* Ensure alignment between delivery execution and commercial objectives
Governance & Reporting
* Develop and standardise reporting frameworks and performance dashboards
* Provide clear, accurate updates to executive stakeholders
* Ensure consistency in metrics, controls, and decision-making processes
Safety & Quality
* Drive a strong, consistent safety culture across all operations
* Ensure adherence to quality standards and compliance requirements
* Oversee audits, reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives
Stakeholder & Contractor Management
* Act as senior escalation point for delivery challenges
* Maintain alignment across contractors, suppliers, and internal teams
* Manage complex interfaces between workstreams and stakeholders
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Background & Experience
* 15+ years' experience in infrastructure, construction, or industrial project environments
* Significant experience in senior leadership roles overseeing large-scale delivery
* Proven ability to manage complex, multi-team or multi-project environments
* Strong commercial, contractual, and operational understanding
* Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline (MBA advantageous)
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Key Competencies
* Executive leadership and organisational alignment
* Strong programme and performance management capability
* Commercial and strategic awareness
* Ability to operate across complexity and ambiguity
* Clear, confident communication at board level
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Personal Profile
* Decisive, structured, and delivery-focused
* Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence senior teams
* High ownership mindset and accountability
* Resilient and adaptable in fast-paced environments
