Chief Operating Officer / Managing Director
Use your operational excellence to play a pivotal leadership role in growing our dynamic agency in the world of sport, gaming and entertainment
THE ROLE
We are seeking an experienced, commercial and strategic COO / MD to play a transformative role in taking us on the next stage of our growth journey. This is a non-client facing internal role that requires significant commercial experience in leading services businesses to substantial growth, demonstrating a proven track record of success. Marketing agency experience is advantageous, but we are primarily seeking a candidate with a strong commercial acumen and leadership capability. The primary role is to develop and execute comprehensive business plans and strategies to achieve revenue targets and profitability goals.
The successful candidate will be outcome-focused, with a strong finance pedigree, able to interpret commercial data easily and act quickly and decisively on the insights they provide. This role requires a fast-paced, direct approach, able to spot potential issues before they arise and come up with pragmatic, proactive and creative solutions to support the business. Crucially, the successful candidate will be a mentor and role model for the team at all levels of the organisation, helping cultivate a commercial mindset across the entire business.
Main Responsibilities and Activities
Work alongside the external facing CEO to provide strategic leadership to the business, inspiring and motivating the team and ensuring business goals are front and centre of everything we do
Provide operational oversight to ensure the agency achieves its goals and objectives, working with the team to act as the engine room for growth
Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures to drive efficiency, resilience, scalability and effectiveness across all business functions.
Oversee marketing and business development strategy and implementation, ensuring lead gen targets are met and the company executes on an effective marketing plan to drive leads
Collaborate with the executive team to set strategic priorities, quantify progress against key metrics and drive the execution of key initiatives
Lead and mentor a high-performing management team, fostering a culture of commercial awareness, collaboration, innovation, and excellence against clear targets
Oversee financial management, budgeting, and forecasting processes to ensure the agency's financial health and sustainability
Ensure compliance and best practice standards are maintained across all commercial arrangements
Ensure the business is built on a scalable model, capable of sustainable and consistent growth
Skills & Experience
Must have held a similar role in a 50+ people business
Significant commercial experience in driving substantial EBITDA and turnover growth in previous leadership roles.
Proven track record of success in leading businesses to achieve ambitious new business revenue targets.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams towards achieving common goals.
Excellent business acumen with a commercial and strategic mindset and the ability to make sound decisions in complex situations.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and influence stakeholders at all levels.
M&A experience and understanding
Benefits:
EMI equity share package with heavily weighted reward based on agency success
Dynamic and collaborative work environment with opportunities for growth and advancement.
Exposure to cutting-edge projects and clients in the fast-paced world of sport gaming and eSports.
Competitive benefits; private medical, enhanced pension, medical expense plan etc
If you are an ambitious operational leader with a passion for driving operational excellence and excited by the idea of playing a pivotal role in growing a dynamic agency in the exciting world of sport, gaming and entertainment, we want to hear from you! Apply now to join our team and be part of something truly extraordinary.
How to Apply:
Apply via the link below with CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for the role. We look forward to hearing from you!
- Department
- Directors
- Locations
- Manchester
- Remote status
- Hybrid Remote
WORKPLACE AND CULTURE
Ear to the Ground is a place where people grow, develop and thrive.
We are proudly independent. At our core, we understand the importance of culture in enabling you to do your best work.
Progress is possible for everyone that joins us. We reward ambition, invest in talent, and encourage you to forge your own path.
Our commitment to listening is felt by our own people too; this is an agency where every voice is heard. Supportive, collaborative, social, and inspiring.
You will benefit from our Hybrid working policy and we encourage applications from candidates anywhere in the UK.
We encourage employees to be in the office for key team moments, but remain as flexible as possible to accommodate the realities of life. We support you in finding the patterns and location of working that are best for you.
Team Benefits
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Private Medical Insurance & Medical Cash Plan
Two different health plans to help you keep a healthy body and mind, and to access the help you need if you're not well. -
Personal Development Coach
Book time, anytime with our external development coach to support you through your goals, or help you with challenges you may be facing. -
Hybrid working Policy
We take a flexible approach to working arrangements at Ear to the Ground. We encourage employees to be in the office for key team moments, but remain as flexible as possible to accommodate the realities of life. We support you in finding the patterns and location of working that are best for you.
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Enhance Maternity, Paternity & SPL
Packages that go above and beyond to support working parents -
Mental Health Support inc free counselling
We want to support our teams' mental health and do so though; mental health support pathway, 24/7 employee support helpline, free counselling, Mental Health Ambassadors -
Many more in our brilliant benefits package
Manchester
About Ear to the Ground
EAR TO THE GROUND IS AN INDEPENDENT CREATIVE AGENCY.
POWERED BY FAN INTELLIGENCE®, WE USE REAL-TIME LISTENING TO BUILD BRANDS THAT LEAD CULTURE.
Chief Operating Officer / Managing Director
Use your operational excellence to play a pivotal leadership role in growing our dynamic agency in the world of sport, gaming and entertainment
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