Chief Operating Officer Chartered Institute of Building

Home / Roles / Chief Operating Officer Chartered Institute of Building

Chief Operating Officer - Chartered Institute of Building

Shape the Future of the Built Environment: CIOB is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer to drive strategic growth, oversee key operational functions, and lead financial excellence within a dynamic, global organisation.

• Location: Hybrid / Bracknell - 3 days per week in the office

Who we are

The Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is the world's largest and most influential professional body dedicated to the advancement of construction management and leadership. With a mission grounded in promoting excellence in the science, ethics, and practice of building, the CIOB supports professionals in creating built environments that enhance the quality of life for communities worldwide.

Through rigorous standards, certifications, and professional development opportunities, the CIOB upholds high standards across the global construction industry, advocating for sustainable, ethical practices and fostering innovation in the design, construction, and management of buildings and infrastructure.

About the role

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) is a strategic, multifaceted role with a strong focus on financial leadership to drive sustainable growth and investment in CIOB's mission. Reporting to the CEO, the COO will oversee Finance, Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT), Human Resources (HR), the Project Management Office (PMO) and CIOB Assist (a separate Charity), ensuring each function contributes to a high-performing, resilient organisational infrastructure. A key priority will be overseeing the Institute's financial strategy, including budget planning, investment portfolio management, and the optimisation of resources to maximise funds available for investment in member services, industry initiatives, and strategic growth projects.

In addition to operational and financial management, the COO will play a key leadership role, including deputising for the CEO on internal matters when required. This will involve providing strategic direction and oversight across the organisation, ensuring continuity of leadership in the CEO's absence. The COO will also act as a key liaison with senior stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees, to ensure alignment on strategic priorities and financial performance.

Beyond financial stewardship, the COO will integrate operational functions with broader organisational objectives, working closely with the Leadership Team and Board of Trustees to support CIOB's long-term growth and the delivery of robust strategic and operational plans. This includes overseeing the digital transformation of CIOB's infrastructure to enable more efficient, data-driven operations, and fostering a culture of excellence within all people practices, to support the development and retention of high-performing teams.

This role requires a leader with the gravitas to engage senior stakeholders, the strategic insight to harmonise internal operations with CIOB's growth ambitions, and the dedication to make a lasting impact. The COO's work will directly enable CIOB to deliver its strategic objectives, ultimately enhancing its capacity to serve members, lead industry standards, and achieve its vision for the future of the built environment.

Who we are looking for

The ideal candidate will be a highly experienced, qualified finance professional with a proven track record in senior operational or directorial roles, ideally as a COO or Finance Director in a comparable organisation. This role requires deep expertise in finance, complemented by a strategic understanding of human resources, technology, and organisational development. Given CIOB's status as a professional membership body, experience working within membership or similar organisations would be highly beneficial, along with the ability to work effectively in a complex, matrixed environment. Additionally, candidates with experience in organisations that have a global reach or international scope will bring valuable insight to CIOB's expanding influence and worldwide membership.

The ideal candidate will bring strong financial acumen, ideally with a background in charity finance or an understanding of the unique compliance requirements in the non-profit sector. They should possess the presence and approach needed to work effectively with trustees and board members, inspiring trust and confidence across a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Strong stakeholder engagement and the ability to build consensus within a diverse organisation are essential, along with a collaborative, motivating leadership style. We are seeking a candidate who is passionate about making a meaningful, long-term impact within CIOB, bringing the energy, dedication, and vision required to help shape the Institute's future.

• Holiday Entitlement: 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, with additional days for long service (increases at 3, 5, 8, and 10 years). Discretionary Christmas closure and a birthday day off.
• Pension: 10% employer contribution, plus access to pension advice.
• Private Medical Insurance: Comprehensive coverage with BUPA and a Health Cash Plan via Medicash.
• Life Assurance: Coverage of 4x annual salary.
• Employee Assistance Programme: Support for personal and professional well-being.
• Professional Development: Funding for two relevant professional subscriptions per year.

The full benefits package can be discussed on enquiry.

For further information about the role or to arrange a confidential discussion, please contact our advising consultant at Peridot Partners:

If you would like to know more about this role please contact Katy Lennon.