Chief Operating Officer (COO)

About the role

Ward Personnel, an award‑winning recruitment firm specialising in construction and M&E sectors, is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to join the senior leadership team at its Blackrock headquarters in Cork. Reporting directly to the Founder & CEO, the COO will own full P&L responsibility and drive the next phase of growth across Ireland and Europe.

Key responsibilities

• Lead a six‑member management team covering Sales, Operations, Finance, HR, IT, Marketing and Compliance.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that align with long‑term financial goals and support scaling into new European markets.
• Streamline recruitment workflows, standardise processes and improve productivity across the organisation.
• Oversee client, candidate and stakeholder relationships to ensure high‑quality service delivery.
• Monitor budgets, track KPIs and work with Finance to produce weekly and monthly performance reports.
• Guide brand development and marketing initiatives to boost awareness and support sales.
• Ensure compliance with labour laws, health & safety regulations and construction‑specific requirements.
• Manage internal talent, including hiring, retention, training and performance management.
• Lead technology and data implementation to enhance operational efficiency.

Required profile

• Proven experience with full P&L responsibility in a fast‑growing organisation.
• Demonstrated ability to lead senior managers and drive cross‑functional collaboration.
• Strong commercial acumen and track record of scaling businesses, preferably within recruitment or construction sectors.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with a focus on client and candidate experience.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of a rapidly expanding European recruitment group.
• Leadership role with direct influence on company performance and growth.
• Dynamic, award‑winning work environment based in Cork.