Chief Operating Officer

If you value loyalty and integrity, are a results-oriented leader with a passion for excellence, a commitment to fostering a collaborative culture, and a desire to shape the future of a thriving organization, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity!

We are seeking a talented, dynamic leader to join our executive team in the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). The successful candidate must align with our company's values and culture and demonstrate the leadership qualities to empower and inspire their teams. This individual will be critical in driving the company forward and enhancing operational efficiency.

Key Qualifications:

Cultural Fit: The most crucial aspect of this role is the ability to blend seamlessly into our company culture, which values collaboration, innovation, and integrity. The ideal candidate should be open to aligning with our established business model (i.e., learn and understand why we do things the way we do them before suggesting improvements).

Intellectual Curiosity: You must genuinely desire to understand the finer details of the business. You should demonstrate an ability to dig deep into processes, strategies, and data, consistently seeking out opportunities for efficiency. Intellectual curiosity drives your approach to problem-solving and strategic execution.

Client-Facing Expertise: We are seeking executive team members with outstanding client-facing skills to represent our company in external engagements. In this role, you will interact with clients at a strategic level, communicate with clarity and confidence, and cultivate lasting relationships founded on trust and mutual respect. Exceptional interpersonal and presentation abilities are key to success in this position.

People and Management Skills: Leadership excellence is paramount. The COO role is critical for bringing high-level strategy with ground-level execution, ensuring that organizational processes align with overarching goals. You should demonstrate empathy, adaptability, and the ability to inspire and influence at all levels of the organization. A strong track record in managing diverse teams, navigating complex interpersonal dynamics, and driving results is required.

Key Responsibilities:

Overseeing Daily Operations:

Working out of our Seattle office, the COO is responsible for ensuring operational excellence and continuous improvement including:

• Managing day-to-day activities across departments (e.g., production, HR, IT) to ensure efficiency and alignment with company goals.
• Translating the CEO’s vision into actionable strategies, setting timelines, and monitoring progress.
• Allocating financial, human, and technological resources effectively to optimize productivity and reduce costs.
• Identifying operational risks, ensuring regulatory compliance, and developing mitigation strategies.
• Tracking KPIs and using data-driven insights to drive improvements in productivity, and cost reduction.
• Delegating tasks, resolving operational challenges, and making critical decisions in alignment with company objectives.
• Assuming leadership responsibilities during the CEO’s absence and representing the company externally when needed.
• Building partnerships with clients, suppliers, and internal teams to foster trust and support organizational goals.

Who you are:

Ethical & Credible: You exemplify high ethical standards, trustworthiness, and honesty in your personal and professional life.

Loyal & Committed: Your work history demonstrates stability, dedication, and reliability.

Experienced: A minimum of 10 years’ experience in leadership. While industry specific experience is not required, day-to-day operations or employee benefits administration experience is a plus.

Educated: BA degree or equivalent skills and a minimum of 10 years’ senior leadership experience required. MBA preferred.

Successful: Proven history of leading operational efficiency.

Strategic Leader: Ability to think both strategically and tactically, with a long-term vision for company’s continued success.

Why join our leadership team:

We offer a rare opportunity for an accomplished executive to join a highly respected third-party benefits administrator with a 66-year legacy of delivering exceptional service. As we embark on the next phase and plan for our future, we are seeking dynamic leaders who are energized by strategic challenges and continuing our highly respected legacy of exceptional service.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary & Benefits: Salary range $200,000 - $350,000. A comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and more.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities to lead transformative initiatives and work with a dedicated team of professionals.

How to Apply:

To apply for the Chief Operating Officer position, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant portfolio work to Kelly Johnson at kejohnson@nwadmin.com . We look forward to learning how your expertise can shape the future of NWA.

NWA is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, physical or mental disability, marital status, amnesty, veteran status, citizenship, family medical history or genetic information or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws. NWA prohibits any discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.