Chief Operating Officer

Location: Whittle House, Coventry Salary: Circa £140,000 per annum (depending on experience) + Society Car + Excellent Benefits Contract: Permanent

About Us

The Heart of England Co-operative Society is an independent, regional co-operative with roots tracing back to 1832. Proudly serving communities across Coventry, Warwickshire, South Leicestershire, and Northamptonshire, we are a membership organisation committed to enriching lives by putting people at the heart of every decision.

With a growing portfolio of 38 food stores, 16 funeral homes and 3 coffee shops, we are a forward-thinking co-operative with a mission to add value to the communities we serve. Guided by our values, we are ambitious about the future and excited to continue building on our strong foundations.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a pivotal role in leading our trading divisions — Food, Funeral, and Coffee. This is a high-profile, hands-on role where you will:

• Lead the delivery of the Society’s business strategy, maximising sales, profitability, and market share.

• Drive operational excellence and innovation across diverse business areas, ensuring we remain agile in a rapidly changing environment.

• Provide inspiring, values-led leadership to multi-site teams, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and respect.

• Identify opportunities for growth, including digital, technology, e-commerce, partnerships, and acquisitions.

• Work closely with the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive team to ensure long-term stability and growth.

• Champion the Society within the wider Co-operative movement, trade bodies, and the communities we serve.

About You

We are seeking an exceptional leader with:

• A proven track record in senior leadership, ideally within multi-site or multi-sector organisations.

• Commercial acumen with strong financial literacy and the ability to develop and deliver long-term strategy.

• Experience working with a Board of Directors and influencing at the highest levels.

• The ability to inspire and empower teams, leading with authenticity, trust, and respect.

• Courage, resilience, and sound judgement when navigating complex decisions.

• A collaborative and values-driven approach, consistent with the ethos of the Co-operative movement.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary of circa £140,000 per annum

• Society Car

• Generous pension scheme (up to 15.3% contribution)

• A wide range of colleague benefits

• The opportunity to shape the future of one of the UK’s longest-established and most respected co-operatives

How to Apply

If you are a visionary leader who shares our values and is ready to make a lasting impact on our Society and the communities we serve, we would love to hear from you. The closing date for applications is Sunday 12th October.