Dru Gold - Chief Operating Officer

Job Description of COO:

THE ROLE :

- The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will report to the Chief Executive Officer, and will be a senior leader of the Startup and member of the Executive Committee.

- This is a unique and intellectually stimulating role given the breadth of product offering (venture capital, equity, a growing range of debt and guarantee products, leading edge fintech businesses); the complexity of many supplier relationships, the integration of a new business; and anticipated future broadening of the Startup scope.

- The Startup now requires an experienced leader to design, implement and drive a new operating model for the future across technology, change and operations. The Startup wishes to ensure that it has the middle and back office infrastructure that will make it fit for the future and fit for growth.

- The successful candidate will bring a track record of 'best-in-class' systems and operations management ensuring efficiencies and innovation, as well as bringing a continuous improvement mind-set. He/she will be a strategic thinker able to contribute to the broader picture, as well as being hands-on and detail-orientated in the oversight and follow through of the team.

- The individual will make an important contribution to the strategic direction and choices of the Startup regarding future target operating model and key themes such as change programs, investment programs and new business initiatives.

MAIN DUTIES:

Key deliverables will include:

- Define the right target operating model for the Startup to include systems, infrastructure and operations.

- Establish the optimum model of outsourced and in-house activities.

- Develop standardized practices across the business as appropriate and ensure processes are documented.

- Introduce enhanced process improvements and efficiencies.

- Manage the range of change programs to include future integrations and partnerships.

- Drive a cost efficient approach across the business, leading relevant transformation and service process re-engineering programs.

- Develop the systems to gather and store data across the organization ensuring quality of data and controls are in place.

- Bring a continuous improvement approach to the organization.

- Drive an agenda of innovation and digital enhancement for the Startup.

- Manage and grow the technology, change, and facilities teams across the London and Sheffield locations.

- Develop team capability and act as a coach and mentor.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

- The successful candidate may have a senior track record in one or more of the following sectors:

- Asset management (debt, equity, multi-asset)

- SME/Commercial Startup.

- Consulting

- They will be comfortable dealing with complexity and leading change.

- The successful candidate will:

- Have experience in operating in complex business environments and/or regulated sectors and have the personal qualities to develop strong stakeholder relationships.

- Demonstrate 'best in class' knowledge of technology, change, process improvement and operational management in relevant businesses.

- Possess a balance of strategic and operational experience to enable them to contribute to the bigger picture and to 'look around corners', in addition to running the day to day.

- Bring the combination of core commercial and implementation skills, with the ability to move from detail/operations to strategy/influence. He/she will be a good problem solver with the ability to make decisions based on accurate and timely analysis and data rigors.

- Have had exposure to a broad range of products in order to clearly grasp the nature of the diverse portfolio of interests and investments.

- Ideally have exposure to a fund or investment business and/or a Startup environment, bringing familiarity in areas such as fund reporting and risk management.

Have a genuine interest in the strategy and mission behind the British Business Startup and the economic drivers as to why this model makes sense for the UK economy.

Key Competencies

The successful candidate will:

- Bring intellectual curiosity and a degree of rigors, as well as the breadth of vision that will enable him/her to fully contribute to strategic and high level operational discussions.

- Have a strongly collaborative work style, and be interested in the development of the team, and be able to build relationships both within the team and Board at the British Business Startup.

- Be a proven leader and motivator of high performing teams.

- Apply common sense, pragmatism, and good business judgement to key issues.

- Have strong communication skills and the ability to articulate complex issues in a clear manner.

- Be a calm and considered listener, with a personable manner, strong influencing skills, and the ability to develop effective relationships.

Be an energetic and robust individual, committed to pursuing and exploring all issues relevant to the business.

Preferable Profile in brief: MBA Marketing with 12 to 16 years of Experience:

Need a leader with the experience of working as a marketing head or CXO level with a Bank/NBFC/Retail organization.

General Skills: Collaborative Leadership & Team Management; Strategic Thinking; Combination of Analytical and Creative Thinking; Teamwork; Good Communication; Learning; Vision; Agility