Fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Company Description ESS Executive connects organizations with experienced leaders who can lead, advise, operate, and transform businesses through flexible executive talent solutions. The firm offers executive search, fractional executives, board and advisory talent, and expert transformation talent across multiple industries. As part of the John&Partners executive and business transformation ecosystem, ESS Executive supports companies in accessing the right leadership capability at the right time. It also provides executives with opportunities for career growth through fractional leadership, board roles, advisory positions, and portfolio careers. The mission is to connect exceptional executives with exceptional opportunities in a dynamic, evolving business environment.
Role Description The Fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO) will operate as a contract executive, working in a hybrid arrangement based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam with the flexibility to work from home for part of the engagement. This role focuses on designing and overseeing day-to-day operations, aligning business plans with execution, and optimizing processes for growth and efficiency. The Fractional COO will partner with founders and senior leaders to translate strategic objectives into operational roadmaps, develop and manage budgets, and ensure financial discipline across functions. Responsibilities include establishing performance metrics, leading operational reviews, identifying risks and opportunities, and coordinating cross-functional teams to deliver measurable outcomes. The role may also involve advising on organizational structure, supporting change and transformation initiatives, and mentoring operational leaders to build sustainable capabilities.
Qualifications

• Strong Operations Management capabilities, including process optimization, workflow design, and cross-functional coordination.
• Proficiency in Business Planning and strategy execution, with experience translating strategic goals into actionable operational plans.
• Robust Finance and Budgeting skills, including setting budgets, monitoring financial performance, and supporting data-driven decision-making.
• Advanced Analytical Skills for diagnosing operational issues, interpreting performance data, and identifying improvement opportunities.
• Proven experience in senior operational leadership roles (e.g., COO, Head of Operations, Business Unit Leader), ideally in growth or transformation environments.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a hybrid setting and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including founders, boards, and executive teams.
• Excellent communication, change management, and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to influence and drive alignment.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Operations, or a related field; an MBA or equivalent advanced degree is an advantage.
• Experience working with multiple clients or in fractional, advisory, or consulting roles is highly beneficial.