Chief Operating Officer - Jobs in Toronto

Job Description

Position Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO) Location: Remote / Hybrid Reports To: Managing Director / Managing Partner Compensation: Performance-linked incentives and equity participation Search Mandate: Yorktown Search Partners is conducting a confidential executive search on behalf of a high-growth client in the advisory and investment sector.Role Overview:Yorktown Search Partners has been retained to recruit a Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a confidential client operating at the intersection of merchant banking, capital advisory, and private investments. This is a founder-aligned opportunity for a proven operator to lead internal execution, build scalable systems, and help institutionalize a high-performing platform.As COO, you will work closely with the firms leadership to ensure the smooth execution of mandates from origination through to close. You #39;ll design and oversee all internal processes across operations, finance, compliance, talent, and systems infrastructure. This role is ideal for a strategic operator with deep systems thinking, strong implementation capability, and an entrepreneurial mindset.This is a senior-level role with no base salary. Compensation is entirely aligned with performance and firm-wide equity value creation.Key Responsibilities:Operational Strategyamp; Execution:

• Design and lead end-to-end operational systems that support the seamless execution of advisory and investment mandates
• Translate the firms strategic roadmap into daily workflows, task management structures, and accountability dashboards
• Drive operational excellence and standardization across deal origination, client onboarding, mandate delivery, and post-close execution

Systems, Technologyamp; Data:

• Implement and optimize core tools including CRM, compliance tracking, AI-driven dashboards, and workflow automation
• Build a tech-enabled operations stack that supports scale and provides visibility across key functions
• Own internal KPIs, performance metrics, and execution reporting frameworks

Peopleamp; Culture:

• Lead all aspects of hiring, onboarding, HR compliance, and team enablement
• Establish and evolve the firms internal culture, playbooks, and collaboration practices
• Build a high-functioning, distributed operations team aligned with firm values and strategic goals

Finance, Complianceamp; Risk:

• Manage firm-wide compliance programs in collaboration with external counsel and regulatory advisors
• Oversee vendor relationships, financial systems, budgeting, and operational cash flow planning
• Ensure the firm meets regulatory, tax, and legal requirements for institutional readiness

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• 10+ years of experience in operations, strategy, or systems roles at investment firms, consultancies, or high-growth startups
• Proven success in institutionalizing boutique platforms or founder-led firms
• Deep experience in process design, tech integration, and operational risk management
• Familiarity with capital markets, advisory workflows, and investor reporting frameworks
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the discipline to scale complex systems and build team infrastructure
• Background in consulting (e.g., Bain, McKinsey, boutique strategy) or operational leadership in investment advisory is preferred

Ideal First Hire:Upon joining, the COO is expected to recruit and oversee a Director of Operations-ideally a process-minded ex-consultant or early-stage operator capable of executing workflows, managing day-to-day processes, and building operational leverage across the firm.Equity Participationamp; Alignment Requirement:This role is designed for a senior executive seeking true ownership. Compensation includes equity participation, access to performance-driven upside, and firm-wide carried interest opportunities. To formalize alignment, the selected candidate will be required to make a $50,000 capital investment, securing equity ownership and long-term participation in the platforms value creation. Investment details will be disclosed under NDA to shortlisted candidates.