The COO is the most variable role in the C-suite, which makes it one of the most commonly mis-hired. Getting it right starts with defining the specific gap you need filled.
When to hire a COO
Businesses bring in a COO when operational complexity outgrows the CEO's capacity to run both strategy and execution — multiplying products, channels, and sites — or when a founder wants to focus on vision and brand while a strong operator makes the business deliver.
Define the specific mandate
Because a COO exists to cover what the CEO does not, the role is shaped by the CEO and the business. A visionary founder may want a COO who runs almost everything operational; a hands-on CEO may want a focused operations leader. The single most important step is defining exactly what this COO owns — and what they do not — before the search begins.
The profile that delivers
Strong COOs combine genuine operational command with the judgement to lead across functions and the discipline to execute. The best complement the CEO rather than duplicate them, and can own delivery without competing for the strategy or the external face of the business. In beauty and multi-site consumer businesses, that operational leadership often unlocks the next stage of scale.
How the search works
A COO search must start from the specific gap, not a template. A retained search defines that mandate, maps proven operators, and assesses against the real demands of the role.
Hiring a COO?
We recruit Chief Operating Officers across beauty and consumer businesses, scoped to the specific gap.
Explore COO Executive Search →Frequently asked questions
When does a business need a COO?
When operational complexity outgrows the CEO's capacity to run both strategy and execution, or when a founder wants to focus on vision while a strong operator makes the business deliver.
What makes a great COO hire?
Operational command matched to the specific gap, and the judgement to complement the CEO rather than duplicate them. Define exactly what the role owns before searching.
Related: What Does a COO Do? · How to Hire a Beauty COO · How to Scope an Executive Search
