Central Essex law firm have a new role for a COO, which offers an outstanding opportunity for the right candidate to utilise their skills as an effective leader and decision maker, embracing both operations and finance. Created to support the Managing Partner and Management Committee, you will oversee the management and administrative operations of the firm. Key responsibilities will include driving financial profitability and maximising fee earner efficiency. Liaising closely with Heads of Departments, the COO will analyse Firm and department performance, understand resource and recruitment needs and guide the commercial direction and balance of legal services. The COO will help the Firm achieve its financial and strategic objectives and will be involved in producing and overseeing the strategy for the Firm’s growth. They will have full involvement with business planning, risk management, quality control, organisational development and planning processes. In addition, the COO will have direct responsibility for financial management, and related administrative policies and procedures, personnel, information systems, marketing and facilities management and ad hoc projects. Key elements include: Participation in Partners’ meetings and other meetings to develop and review strategy and policy and to advise on and assist with their implementation. Participating with the Partners in developing proposals for strategy. Taking a wide view of the Firm’s development and encouraging the achievement of both short-term financial results and longer-term initiatives, managing their implementation and delivering structured progress reports. Provision of business analysis to support strategic initiatives. Performance reviews of the Firm and of individual departments. Supervise and manage the Firm’s Accounts team and achieve maximum efficiencies. Prepare and monitor the annual budget as well as long-term fiscal plans for the Firm. Direct the development, implementation and adherence to budgets and systems to achieve operating and financial objectives. Establish financial controls and guidelines, which optimise cost effectiveness and profitability. The successful candidate is expected to have proven experience in a senior finance and leadership position with a law firm or similar professional services environment. They will have experience of, and be able to demonstrate, an ability to influence and build consensus within the dynamics of a partnership. An excellent track record in financial management and strong commercial experience is essential.