Chief Operating Officer

The COO is a critical leadership role and, along with the Chief Executive and other Executive Committee colleagues, will have responsibility for leading ATE and its people, performance, and overall budget (approx. £200m). Specifically, this role will be accountable for financial oversight, operational excellence and corporate governance and will oversee ATE’s corporate functions, including Finance, Performance, Risk & Assurance, Communications & Estates and Programme Management Office.

We are looking for an outstanding person to lead these functions. The successful candidate will be someone with proven experience of providing leadership within a fast-paced and ambitious organisation whilst also managing organisational complexities.

The role and responsibilities for this position include:

• Serve as the principal advisor to the CEO on financial matters. Oversee the agency’s budget, manage finances, and safeguard public funds.
• Lead corporate services, driving efficiency and effectiveness across Finance, Governance, People, Communications, Commercial and performance. Lead change where required and drive continuous improvement.
• Drive the development of ATE’s future people and estates strategy, ensuring the right people are in place and ensuring the capability and capacity to deliver.
• Uphold and oversee appropriate governance arrangements and internal controls, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and financial standards.
• Manage ATE’s day-to-day budget (c£250m) and ensure robust financial systems are in place.
• Credibly and clearly represent ATE’s interests in discussion with the wider department.

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate themselves against the following essential criteria:

• Proven people leadership skills, with experience of setting the direction of an organisation, building and leading high performing teams, and with a strong background in effective governance, decision-making, internal control, and risk management.
• Proven leader in formulating, developing, and executing corporate strategy, with expertise in analysing the strategic economic and political landscape to translate complex objectives into actionable plans that drive long-term success.
• Skilled in leading corporate functions, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and achieving operational excellence through innovative solutions and strategic alignment.
• Strong experience of managing operational services at pace with an ability to work with stakeholders to make connections between policy intent and real-world situations.
• Experience of managing large budgets including forecasting, monitoring spend and delivering value for money.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to challenge and change the way things have been done in the past, take managed risks and drive a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
• Awareness of project and programme management tools and techniques to deliver desired outcomes

A finance qualification (CCAB, CIMA or equivalent) and/or HR qualification (CIPD or equivalent) is preferred but not required.

To apply or for more detail please visit https://gdsearch.sandersonplc.com/chief-operating-officer-active-travel