COO (Chief Operating Officer)

ABOUT SLEEK

Sleek creates bold, unforgettable experiences that move people and brands forward. Whether it’s a flagship conference, a brand activation, or an immersive experience, we craft moments that connect, engage, and inspire. We’re renowned for innovative approaches to elevate leading brands, ranking it among London’s top 50 fastest-growing companies.

Our philosophy is simple: People before Profit - inside and out. We are on a mission to be the market-leading agency, where excellence is the norm. Rooted in the belief that together we can be better, we are fostering a community where every individual, client, and team member thrives. With a strong commitment to equality, we proudly maintain an impressive colleague engagement score of 87%, positioning Sleek as a top UK employer. 

We’re honoured to partner with some of the world’s biggest brands, delivering events that range from large-scale exhibitions to luxury high-end experiences across a vast range of industries. But for us, it’s not about the scale - it’s about the quality of the work and the people who make it possible: our team, clients, and suppliers. Together, we create unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impact.

• Are you an individual who is striving to be the best version of yourself?
• Do you have innovative ideas that you want to make reality?
• Do you want to work in an environment that genuinely cares about you?

Join us on our mission to create beautiful, engaging experiences.

OUR CULTURE

Communication is at the heart of our agency and that’s especially true when it comes to our team. We are proud to attract and retain the best people and we know it’s critical that individuals feel both challenged and supported with opportunities to progress. Sleek believes in a collective effort when it comes to decision making and value everyone’s contribution. 

No two days are the same and our client base and growth pattern means it can be intense at times. This is when the agility of the Sleek team really comes into its own. We know that the instant you move out of your comfort zone, it means you are growing and that’s a genuine opportunity to thrive. We work hard to ensure we are supporting one another to be better and nobody becomes overwhelmed. 

As individuals we are self motivated, have very high standards and are always willing to learn, regardless of seniority. We know how vital it is for team members to know their value to the business and feel rewarded for their contribution. What you put in, we will always give back. 

OUR WORK PLACE

We spend a large proportion of our lives at work and it should be a place that makes you feel good. Sleek is based in a stunning office a short walk from Wimbledon where we share everything from playlists to weekend baking efforts. We genuinely have a lot of fun together. 

We regularly socialise after work including our Thursday early finish office drinks. In addition, Jen absolutely loves arranging social events for the team including; weekends mini breaks, team away days, Christmas wreath making and more. 

You’ll find Sleek to be a welcoming place for everyone, from those just starting out in their careers to parents who want to progress whilst maintaining a work/life balance. We will always support you as an individual within an environment where you can realise your true potential.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) holds the day-to-day responsibility for the overall operational performance and success of the agency, delivering consistency, efficiency and high performance. 

Reporting directly to the CEO and Founder, the COO is an Executive Leadership role and a significant contributor to the Board of Directors. In addition to working across all company departments at a high level, the COO heads up Business Operations with direct line management of the Operations Director, plus responsibility for our sustainability and resourcing functions.

The role is focused on translating the company’s vision and strategy into operational excellence via seamless departmental integration supported by best practice processes and procedures which evolve as needed to continue to support the business’ impressive and sustained growth. 

They will ensure effective resourcing is delivered across the business in a way that supports our business model, upholds our values and delivers the best possible client experience while delivering the targeted commercial returns. 

The COO may lead, facilitate and monitor the integration of new departments, services, teams and locations as needed under the Sleek brand, prioritising the successful embodiment of our core values across all verticals as the company continues to evolve. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

COMPLIANCE, FINANCE, RISK AND LEGAL

• Oversee compliance (with all relevant industry regulations, contractual obligations, data protection, supplier agreements and risk / health and safety, etc) by ensuring we have proper processes, liaising closely with departmental heads and external legal counsel where required
• Monitor profitability across operations, working closely with Finance and Operational teams to preserve profitability
• Identify cost efficiencies and revenue opportunities where relevant

OPERATIONAL STRATEGY AND IMPLEMENTATION

• Own and implement the business’ operational strategy and oversee running of day-to-day operations
• Increase efficiencies via creating new processes and strengthening existing ones
• Continual improvement and evolution of processes, procedures, workflows and tools which are scalable and support growth
• Oversee the implementation and delivery of our sustainability strategy
• Drive efficiency, collaboration and integration
• Set up operations in new markets as required to deliver consistency
• Oversee quality control by monitoring the output of the team and seeking internal and external feedback to constantly improve the quality of Sleek services and pitches
• Contribute consistently and effectively to The Board
• Support the CEO, Founder and Board of Directors as required and provide regular updates and reports upon request

PEOPLE

• Oversee resourcing and workforce planning ensuring the business model stays fit for purpose and freelance resource engagement supports the strategy
• Monitor (and improve, where needed) billable hours and resource utilisation metrics
• Work closely with departmental heads to analyse requests for new hires based on utilisation and commercial data
• Demonstrate efficient and proactive problem solving, foster a culture of rapid trouble shooting and personal accountability

LEADERSHIP AND COLLABORATION

• Lead and evolve a high performing team and demonstrate exemplary working practices
• Collaborate effectively across all departments, verticals and geographies to ensure seamless integration and holistic, full-service agency offering
• Represent Sleek at industry and client events, using own personal profile to strengthen the reputation of the business

Requirements

• An exemplary leader, emotionally intelligent and able to set standards, moderating authority and support, knowing the value of when to listen
• Pragmatic and a natural problem solver with a can-do attitude and mature mindset
• Strong sense of accountability
• Able to travel when required
• Naturally proactive, self-motivated and thrives in a fast-paced environment
• Collaborative team-player, with the ability to develop positive, strong working relationships and secure the buy in of the team and Board
• Actively seeks and welcomes feedback
• Demonstrates best practice and mentors junior members of the team
• Embodies the values of the Sleek team
• Demonstrates curiosity and the continual desire to stay informed
• Customer centric approach to delivering value and optimising productivity
• A mature and balanced leader capable of calm under pressure with the ability to “be good on a bad day”

Benefits

Our benefits were created by Team Sleek to ensure they appeal to a wide range of individuals. Here is a taster of the types of things they include; 

• 27 days holiday (excl. UK public holidays). Additional days holiday for each year of service (capped at 3)
• Week-day birthdays off
• Last Friday of the month early finish (15:00)
• Standard Pension Plan
• Fitness membership
• Company discounts and perks
• Company social events inc. weekly office drinks
• Annual Company Offsite
• Additional Benefits after 1 years’ service including Private Health Care
• Opportunity to attend overseas familiarisation trips on behalf of Sleek in luxury accommodation. Recent destinations include South Africa, Abu Dhabi and the South of France