SVP/COO - Operations - Software Industry

Ourclient is in search of a dynamic and seasoned Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join their team in Hyderabad. The selected individual will hold a key position in managing the operational functions of the company, with a primary emphasis on ensuring the prompt and top-notch delivery of our products and services to clients. The ideal candidate will demonstrate robust leadership abilities, a strategic outlook, and a track record of achievements in driving operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Leadership: Provide strategic direction and leadership for all operational functions within the organization, including but not limited to project management, service delivery, support functions and client relations.

2. Project Management: To drive, supervise and oversee the delivery of all the projects. To coordinate project management, development, testing and support service functions to achieve improved business and financial performance. Understand project and business requirements and align all stakeholders. To have a holistic approach, to own a project/process through various teams until sign off has taken place. Reduced UAT timelines & support.

3. Client & Account Management: Oversee client-facing operations, ensuring exceptional service delivery and maintaining and nurturing strong relationships with clients.

4. Process Optimization: Identify opportunities for process improvement and optimization across all operational areas, driving efficiency and effectiveness.

5. Team Management & Resource Planning: Build and lead a high-performing operational team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. Optimal work distribution across the teams. Inculcate qualities among the team to Improve documentation & adopt standard procedures towards lowering the impact of attrition. Identify gaps in resources and coordinate with HR for augmenting resources

6. Performance Monitoring & Resource Utilisation: Build System to evolve and measure key performance indicators (KPIs) towards effective utilisation of Resources and drive accountability. Introduce standard operating procedures and processes and constantly review them towards reducing the Projects delivery timelines.

7. Effort Estimation & Billing: Propose templates for estimating the efforts & Work Break Down Structure and adopt a standard billing process across all clients.

8. Risk Management: Proactively identify and mitigate operational risks, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and industry standards. Communicate risk and highlight all updates to client while projects are running.

9. Strategic Planning: To assist where appropriate in defining strategic business requirements and to understand the complex client and user needs. Work closely with the executive team to develop and execute strategic plans for business growth and expansion.

10. Budget Management: Collaborate with finance and other stakeholders to develop and manage the operational budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources.

11. Customer Support: Ensure smooth functioning of production systems, strictly adhering to SLAs with Rationalised Support system and appropriate billing. Act as liaison between the client and management for handling escalations. Strengthening the Support System.

12. Technology adoption: Introduce new technologies, motivate & guide teams to adopt appropriate technologies as necessary. Leveraging on AI practices for process automation where ever necessary & feasible. Build a standard framework for standard implementations.

13. Make available (either in person or over call as the need may be) during non-business hours and holidays if the situation demands.

14. Open to travel

Qualifications:

- Bachelor's degree in Engineering from a reputed institute.

- Hands on coding experience

- MBA or equivalent advanced degree is preferred.

- Minimum of 25 years of experience in software Industry, of which last 5 to 10 years must be in a senior leadership role, with a focus on operations management. At least 10 years total experience in delivering client facing software projects is required.

- Proven track record of success in driving operational excellence and delivering results in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment.

- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and execute tactically.

- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships at all levels of the organization.

- Proficiency in Java programming language is essential, with a deep understanding of Java-based technologies and frameworks.

- Experience in AI & ML, Python will be an added advantage