Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Spaulding Ridge is seeking a transformational Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead Client & Delivery Operations and evolve the global operating model that turns demand into exceptional client outcomes. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer and serving as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the COO will initially prioritize evolving the delivery model and advancing the strategic and operational priorities outlined below, before ultimately assuming full leadership and ownership of the firm's client delivery functions. The role's mandate encompasses client delivery, practitioner leadership, delivery economics, and operational execution, including service-line performance, delivery excellence, client health, resource and capacity management, global delivery strategy, talent supply, and Revenue Operations. 

This executive will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Spaulding Ridge by building an AI-enabled, globally integrated delivery organization that accelerates client value, strengthens profitability, and creates durable competitive advantage. The COO will partner closely with leadership across commercial, finance, talent, technology, and transformation functions to ensure the firm is positioned to scale while maintaining a world-class client experience. 

The ideal candidate will bring enterprise-scale leadership experience within professional services or consulting environments, a proven ability to design and scale modern delivery organizations, strong commercial and operational acumen, and a track record of developing high-performing leaders and operating models. Success in this role will require a builder's mindset, exceptional organizational influence, intellectual curiosity, and the ability to translate ambitious vision into measurable business outcomes. 

Responsibilities:  

• Prioritize evolving the delivery model and advancing the other strategic and operational priorities outlined below, then ultimately assume full leadership and ownership of the firm's delivery functions and performance. This accountability will encompass client delivery, practitioner leadership, delivery economics, and operational execution—including service-line execution, delivery quality, resource utilization, capacity planning, staffing effectiveness, gross margin performance, and operational excellence—to translate sold work into exceptional client outcomes.  

• Design and evolve a modern, AI-enabled delivery model that leverages intelligent workflows, innovative talent strategies, and emerging technologies to improve quality, speed, scalability, and economic performance.  

• Build and expand Spaulding Ridge's global delivery capabilities, identifying new talent markets, workforce models, delivery centers, strategic partnerships, and ecosystem opportunities that enhance delivery capacity and competitive differentiation.  

• Develop and coach Practice Leaders and Managing Directors to operate as accountable business leaders with ownership for client outcomes, team development, delivery excellence, and profitable growth.  

• Partner closely with the Chief Commercial Officer to align sales and delivery operations, support strategic pursuits, strengthen client relationships, and ensure successful realization of client commitments.  

• Build and lead Revenue Operations, including CRM strategy and governance, forecasting infrastructure, pipeline management, reporting frameworks, data integrity, and end-to-end commercial processes.  

• Drive consistent delivery standards, governance practices, and quality frameworks that improve predictability, client satisfaction, and operational efficiency across the organization.  

• Advance scalable managed services, continuous enablement, and DecisionOps offerings that deepen client relationships and create recurring value for clients and the firm.  

• Establish disciplined enterprise-wide resource management practices that balance client demand, strategic opportunities, delivery quality, employee development, and long-term organizational health.  

• Collaborate with executive leadership to shape enterprise strategy, operating model evolution, service portfolio priorities, and business transformation initiatives that support long-term growth and scalability.  

• Lead through market, organizational, and technology transformation, translating strategic priorities into clear execution plans and measurable results across a complex, global organization.  

• Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, operational excellence, and continuous improvement while developing and retaining exceptional leadership talent. 

Qualifications: 

• 20+ years of executive leadership experience within professional services, consulting, technology services, or similarly complex people-based organizations, including experience leading large-scale global operations and delivery organizations.  

• Proven track record of scaling delivery organizations, improving profitability, and driving operational transformation in high-growth or evolving business environments.  

• Deep expertise in professional services delivery, including resource management, utilization optimization, staffing models, delivery quality, client success, gross margin performance, and cost-to-serve management.  

• Demonstrated success building and leading global delivery centers, distributed workforce strategies, or international talent ecosystems.  

• Experience designing and implementing innovative delivery models, managed services offerings, operating frameworks, or commercial structures that drive improved client outcomes and business performance.  

• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to partner effectively across sales, finance, talent, technology, and executive leadership functions.  

• Proven ability to develop senior leaders, strengthen organizational accountability, and build high-performing teams across multiple geographies and business functions.  

• Exceptional strategic planning, organizational leadership, and operational management capabilities with a disciplined, metrics-driven approach to execution.  

• Executive presence and influence, with the credibility to engage clients, board members, executive stakeholders, and senior leaders on strategic business priorities.