Chief Operating Officer

Job Description

About Us

We are looking to appoint a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead the day-to-day operations delivery function of a multi-office, multi-disciplinary professional services practice and to play an active part in the Firm's future development, success and ambitious growth plans.

The COO will deliver within the firms culture and strategy and assist in the ongoing development of the Partnerships future business plans.

Brown&Co was formed in 1993 following a management buyout from Royal Life Estates. Since then the firm has grown substantially and today we are a leading provider of agency, professional and consultancy services across the whole range of rural, commercial and residential property, agriculture and the environment.

From an increasing network of offices throughout East Anglia, the Midlands and the Yorkshire and Humber region, as well as overseas, we combine a high level of specialist technical expertise with experience and local knowledge.

The firm has a real commitment to build strong, proactive, and long-term relationships with both corporate and private clients, for whom we always strive to deliver the best results and total satisfaction.

Our well trained and enthusiastic staff are encouraged by the partners to play an active part in the firm's future development and success.

Role Overview

You will work closely with the Managing Partner and the senior leadership team to design and execute strategies that ensure smooth and efficient delivery of the Firm’s Finance and Administrative operations, adherence to regulatory requirements together with ongoing improvement to efficiency of systems and processes.

Areas of activity to include management of teams undertaking business delivery functions of Finance, Administration, Health & Safety, IT, Data and Systems and Compliance.

Reporting to the Managing Partner and sitting on the Management Board, the position will ensure the efficient implementation of the Firm’s strategy and collaborate closely with the other head office functions to ensure they are working to and delivering Board and Partnership objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Financial planning / budgeting and reporting
• Management of Head Office budget
• Management of the Firm’s finance and client accounting function and management of budgets and cashflow
• Oversight and preparation of accurate and timely financial statements with the finance team
• Preparation, monitoring and reporting on funding requirements and investments
• Banking coordination
• Drive systems and process improvements as required
• Direct management of Finance, Client Accounts, Data, Systems and IT teams
• Project coordination – such as implementing new systems and client accounting software packages
• Develop and maintain systems and procedures to ensure that operations comply with legal requirements and meet agreed operational standards.
• Building and managing relationships with suppliers, vendors and Partners
• Coordination of PI, Health & Safety and QMS functions in conjunction with Partner conveners
• Compliance and regulatory conformance (FCA, RICS etc.)
• Creating an enabling work environment and positive company culture
• Attendance at all internal admin meetings
• Attendance at Partner’s meeting and Executive Board meetings
• Reporting MI as required to cover all areas of the business
  
  

Qualifications And Experience

• Proven experience in a senior operational and management role, ideally in the professional services industry.
• In depth knowledge of managing multi-disciplinary teams
• Strong understanding of financial operations.
• Demonstrated ability to build, manage, and optimise operational processes within a regulated environment.
• Excellent leadership skills, with a track record of building high-performing teams and fostering collaboration across departments.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and a hands-on approach to operational management.
• Ideally at least a Batchelor’s degree in business administration, business management, finance or other relevant disciplines.
  
  

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to join a leading provider of agency, professional and consultancy services across the whole range of rural, commercial and residential property, agriculture and the environment and to play an active part in the firm's future development, success and ambitious growth plans.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, a collaborative work environment, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the future of the Firm.

Our Benefits

• A generous holiday scheme starting at 25 days holiday increasing by 1 day each year to 28 days after 3 years of service.
• Life Assurance of 4x your basic salary
• Private Medical Cover including Westfield Health cashplan (after passed probationary period)
• Travel Insurance (after passed probationary period)
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme
• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity, adoption and shared parental leave benefits
• Enhanced Carers leave
• Holiday Buy Back Scheme
• Long Service Awards
• 1 Volunteering day for your chosen charity each year.
  
  

Core working hours are Monday – Friday 9.00am – 17.30pm.

Work Location: Norwich

This is a permanent full-time position based on 37.5 hours (Monday – Friday) however we’re fully open to discussing flexible working requirements. We also operate a hybrid working policy.