Telos Co are proud to bring this exciting newly created Chief Operating Officer to the market for our client.
This role will be leading engineering & operational delivery across a growing mech-elec contractor in the water, manufacturing & transport infrastructure sectors. Own delivery, margin, risk and leadership capability as the business transitions from founder-led to system-led.
This is not a maintenance role rather a structural appointment to scale a business that has already proven it can grow.
The Business
Our client is an established engineering contractor delivering complex projects across water, infrastructure and manufacturing.
- Circa 80+ staff across multiple locations
- 35–40% growth over the past 3–4 years
- Strong repeat client base across utilities, government and tier-one contractors
- Known for delivery quality, not lowest price
The next phase isn’t more work, it’s building the operational capability to scale without breaking.
The Opportunity
This is a true COO mandate, you will take ownership of the operational engine of the business:
- End-to-end delivery across projects, service and engineering
- Margin performance and commercial discipline
- Risk, compliance and contract governance
- Leadership capability and succession
The Managing Director steps out of day-to-day operations and you step in and own outcomes.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Lead 7 direct reports across engineering and operations
- Drive on-time, on-budget delivery across multiple projects
- Protect margin and improve commercial outcomes
- Build leadership capability and accountability across the business
- Implement structure, systems and delivery frameworks
- Maintain key client relationships
What Success Looks Like (12 Months)
- Predictable delivery across all workstreams
- Margins protected and stabilised
- 50% reduction in MD operational involvement
- Stronger leadership team with clear accountability
(This is clearly defined in the candidate pack)
About You
You’ve done this before, not at title level but a genuine outcome level.
- Engineering background (Mechanical or Electrical preferred)
- MBA or equivalent
- Proven leadership in contractor / infrastructure / engineering environments
- Full accountability for delivery, margin and risk
- Experience scaling or stabilising a growing business
- Strong commercial acumen with operational depth
You are comfortable operating in environments that aren’t perfect yet and building them properly.
Mindset
- You care more about impact than title
- You build teams, not dependency
- You want a role where your work outlasts your tenure
Why This Role
- Real growth, not theoretical
- Clear mandate from the MD and board
- Strong foundation already in place
- Chance to build a business that operates beyond its founder
Next Step
This is a confidential national executive search. Relocation support may be considered for the right individual.
If you have led operational delivery, carried accountability for margin and risk, and are looking for a role where you can genuinely shape a business, we encourage you to reach out to request the Candidate Information Pack.
This pack outlines the full Key Selection Criteria, success profile and operating environment for the role.
Applications will be assessed against these criteria, so we recommend reviewing it in detail before applying.
We are interested in individuals who can demonstrate the capability, judgement and leadership to operate at this level.
All enquiries will be handled with strict confidence.
Direct enquiries to:
James Foden: *****@telosco.com.au or 0414 874 ***
Shortlisting will commence immediately so early engagement is encouraged. Conversations with high-calibre candidates are already underway
Please note: Due to to the high volume of executive applications submissions made via email will not be accepted