Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Job Description

Position Overview: The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be responsible for overseeing the firms day-to-day operational activities across multiple offices in India (Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, and Chennai) and liaising with the corporate headquarters. The incumbent will collaborate closely with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Managing Partner (hereafter the Representative) and the executive leadership team to drive operational excellence, ensure legal and regulatory compliance, optimize resources, and maintain alignment with the firms strategic objectives. The COO will play a pivotal role in enhancing the firms market positioning, service quality, and financial performance. Key Responsibilities: Operational Leadership Develop, implement, and refine operating policies, procedures, and best practices across all offices, ensuring consistent service delivery and client satisfaction. Oversee all functional departments (Human Resources, Finance, IT, Administration, and Legal/Regulatory Compliance) to ensure interdepartmental coordination and efficient execution of business strategies. Directly supervise senior managers and office heads to maintain operational standards, meet performance targets, and cultivate a results-driven culture. Strategic Planning & Execution Collaborate with the Representative and executive team to formulate short-term and long-term business strategies, focusing on market expansion, revenue growth, and operational sustainability. Translate strategic objectives into actionable roadmaps, key performance indicators (KPIs), and milestones for each office and department. Monitor market trends, competitor activities, and regulatory changes to proactively adjust operational strategies and seize emerging business opportunities. Financial Management & Budgetary Control Prepare, manage, and track annual operating budgets for all offices, including forecasting revenues, expenses, and capital expenditures. Work in conjunction with the Finance Director to optimize resource allocation, control costs, and maintain profitability targets. Provide regular financial and operational reports to the Representative and, where applicable, to the Board of Directors, highlighting performance metrics and recommended corrective actions. Compliance & Risk Management Ensure the organizations compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards, including but not limited to labor laws, tax regulations, and corporate governance requirements. Oversee contract negotiations, vendor agreements, and key client engagements to mitigate legal and financial risks. Implement robust internal controls, risk assessment frameworks, and quality assurance protocols, in coordination with legal counsel and compliance officers. Human Resources & Organizational Development Lead the HR function, guiding recruitment, retention, performance management, and succession planning to build a high-performing, diverse, and inclusive workforce. Establish training programs, professional development paths, and leadership succession strategies to ensure the continuous growth and motivation of employees. Foster a collaborative and ethical organizational culture aligned with the firms values and operational goals. Client & Stakeholder Engagement Collaborate with business development teams and practice group leaders to maintain high client satisfaction, enhance service offerings, and expand the client base (including both domestic and international—particularly Korean—companies). Represent the firm in external forums, conferences, and networking events to strengthen brand reputation and stakeholder relationships. Serve as a point of escalation for critical client matters, ensuring expeditious and satisfactory resolution of issues. Cross-Border Coordination Coordinate with overseas offices (particularly in Korea) to align corporate objectives, share resources, and implement unified operational frameworks. Facilitate international transactions, M&A deals, and joint ventures by ensuring consistent standards of legal, accounting, and consulting support across all regions. Manage or support international project teams, ensuring cultural sensitivity, language accessibility, and compliance with cross-border regulations. Qualifications & Requirements: Education : Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) in Business Administration, Management, Finance, or a related field. Additional certifications or advanced degrees in Law, Accounting, or Project Management will be considered advantageous. Experience : Minimum 8–15 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, with at least 5 years in a C-level, senior executive, or equivalent capacity. A proven track record in professional services (legal, consulting, accounting, M&A advisory) or similarly regulated industries is highly preferred. Demonstrated success in managing multi-site operations, cross-functional teams, and diverse stakeholder groups. Skills & Competencies : Strategic Acumen : Ability to integrate market intelligence, financial data, and operational insights into cohesive strategies. Operational Excellence : In-depth knowledge of process improvement, resource optimization, and service quality management. Legal & Regulatory Knowledge : Familiarity with Indian labor laws, corporate compliance, and, ideally, exposure to international (Korean) business regulations. Leadership & Communication : Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and decision-making skills; capacity to inspire and lead large teams in a multicultural environment. Financial Proficiency : Strong budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis skills. Change Management : Experience in leading organizational change, implementing new systems, and driving cultural transformation. Language Skills : Proficiency in English (spoken and written) is mandatory. Additional language skills (e.g., Korean or local Indian languages) will be considered a major advantage. Other Attributes : High degree of integrity, ethical judgment, and confidentiality. Willingness to travel within India and internationally as required. Adaptability to a fast-paced environment and the ability to handle pressure and deadlines effectively. Location: Chennai, India (with occasional travel to other Indian offices and overseas locations as required) Application Process Interested candidates are requested to submit their resume/CV along with a cover letter in English, outlining their relevant experience and language proficiency. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an initial HR screening, followed by a panel interview.