Chief Operating Officer (COO)
$185,000–$215,000 year
On-siteKansas City, Missouri, United States
Job Summary
Partner with the CEO to set growth targets and translate vision into actionable operational roadmaps. Lead day-to-day operations including service delivery, project execution, staffing, and internal workflows while optimizing systems and KPIs. Own the company P&L, manage departmental budgets, and drive forecasting and cash-flow improvements. Build and optimize organizational structures, hire top talent, and establish unified leadership teams aligned on goals. Ensure operational compliance with FAR/DFARS, DCAA, and frameworks like CMMC and ISO, while managing prime and subcontractor relationships. Act as a force multiplier to free the CEO for strategy and external opportunities. This on-site executive role in the St. Louis Metro East region requires a Secret clearance with Top Secret eligibility.
Required Qualifications
- 10+ years in operations leadership, ideally in technology services, MSP, consulting, or professional services
- Direct experience operating in the U.S. government contracting environment (FAR/DFARS, DCAA, contract vehicles)
- Track record of scaling a business, improving operational efficiency, and driving profitability
- Strong experience with P&L ownership, budgeting, and financial management
- Demonstrated ability to build systems, processes, and teams in a growth-stage company
- Proven ability to build management systems and executive accountability - and the credibility to challenge the CEO directly and own the outcome
- Strong strategic thinking paired with hands-on execution (operator mindset)
- Active Secret clearance, with the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret clearance
- Bachelor's degree in business, management, or a related field
Desired Qualifications
- Experience implementing operating systems and accountability frameworks (EOS, Scaling Up, or similar)
- Familiarity with industry certifications and frameworks (CMMC, ISO, CMMI, ITIL)
- Active Top Secret clearance
- MBA or advanced degree
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