Chief Operating Officer — B2B Rental Services

Partner with Ownership. Run the engine of a market leader. Prepare it for its next stage of growth.

JOlivier & Partners is supporting a well-established Italian entrepreneurial company, a recognised leader in its market and backed by a private equity fund, in the appointment of its Chief Operating Officer, based in Milan.

The Organisation & Context

For more than thirty years, the company has been a national reference in high-value-added services for the food industry, large-scale and food retail, and Ho.Re.Ca. Its model combines recurring service revenues, specialised technical support, logistics excellence and close customer proximity, delivered through a nationwide operational network to a large and loyal client base.

Backed by institutional investors with a long-term vision, the company is pursuing organic growth and strategic acquisitions, strengthening its organisation and expanding internationally.

The Role

Reporting to Ownership and working closely with the CEO, the COO will lead day-to-day management and act as the bridge between shareholders and the core business. The scope covers Operations, Service, Logistics, Quality, Branches, Sales, Customer Service, Procurement and Human Resources: around 150 people, including a nationwide sales network.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead operational activities and deliver business, quality and efficiency objectives.
• Manage and develop an organisation of around 150 people, including the commercial network.
• Integrate and coordinate Operations, Service, Logistics, Branches, Sales, Customer Service, Procurement and HR.
• Monitor and improve processes, planning tools and performance management systems.
• Strengthen management capabilities and support organisational development.
• Partner with Ownership on strategic initiatives and growth projects, including acquisitions and integrations.
• Maintain a strong field presence with teams and customers.

Candidate Profile

• Experience as COO, General Manager or Operations Director in entrepreneurial businesses with significant operational, logistics or service complexity.
• A strong background in B2B services, ideally recurring-revenue models such as rental, maintenance, technical, facility or field services, or distribution.
• Integrated management of operations, supply chain and structured commercial organisations.
• Exposure to active ownership and/or private equity.
• A solid record in managing people, processes and operational and financial performance.
• A pragmatic, results-oriented and authoritative leadership style, able to lead change while preserving the company’s culture and to build consensus at every level.
• Regular presence at headquarters and extensive travel across Italy.

The Leadership Challenge

In an entrepreneurial company with an engaged owner and a private equity investor, the COO has to earn trust on both sides: delivering structure and discipline without slowing the business down. The conversation with candidates will focus on how they have scaled operations, integrated acquisitions and worked alongside hands-on shareholders.

What Is on Offer

A base salary of €140,000 to €150,000, a performance bonus linked to agreed objectives, a company car and additional benefits, with real scope for professional growth.

Confidential Conversation

If your experience matches this mandate, apply through this page or contact João Oliveira for an initial confidential conversation about your background and objectives.