Strategic operational leadership for ambitious firms.

Whether you need consistent COO-level input, short-term executive support, or targeted transformation expertise, Oaksteer offers flexible operational leadership shaped around your firm’s needs designed to scale with you.

Fractional Chief Operating Officer

Ongoing, part-time operational leadership for growing firms.

For regulated firms that need COO-level thinking but aren’t ready (or don’t want) to make a full-time hire. I become a trusted member of your senior team — providing operational clarity, structure, and direction on a retained basis.

What I provide:

  • Operational strategy aligned to business goals

  • Board-level insight on risk, governance, and process

  • Support for leadership decision-making and planning

  • Mentorship and upskilling of internal operations teams

  • Support with project / transformation delivery

  • Process design and performance improvement oversight

Best for:

Firms experiencing growth, operational stretch, or preparing for succession or investment.

Interim Chief Operating Officer

Short-term senior leadership during transition or transformation.

If your current COO has stepped down, you're restructuring, or you're navigating a key period of change, I step in to provide continuity, focus, and experienced guidance.

What I provide:

  • Considered, strategic leadership during sensitive periods

  • Executive-level continuity and prioritisation

  • Integration of transformation plans into day-to-day delivery

  • Coaching for new or emerging internal leaders

Best for:
Leadership transitions, internal realignment, or short-term capacity gaps.

Operations Consulting

Project-based support to fix, refine, or future-proof operations.

If you're tackling a specific challenge, from process inefficiencies to operational risk, or CRM/data transformation — I deliver scoped, strategic projects designed to build stronger, more scalable operations.

What I provide:

  • Project management

  • Process re-engineering

  • Support with automation, AI use cases, data migrations and tech adoption

  • Risk and resilience reviews (e.g. disaster recovery, BCP)

Best for:
Defined challenges or opportunities that require external expertise without long-term commitment.

Non-Executive Director Appointments

Independent oversight informed by real operational depth.

For boards that value independent challenge, UK regulated Financial Services knowledge, and practical experience in operational delivery. I bring a strategic, commercially aware lens with particular strength in transformation, governance, and scale-readiness.

What I provide:

  • Independent board challenge and support

  • Input on risk, resilience, and regulatory frameworks

  • Operational scrutiny across service delivery and capacity

Best for:
Boards seeking operational insight at the top table, especially in regulated or growth-stage firms.

HOW I WORK

I operate on a remote-first, outcome-led basis, with most engagements structured to remain outside IR35. This allows for flexible, strategic input without the constraints or commitments of a full-time hire — helping firms access senior operational leadership without the overhead.

Where a role requires deeper integration into internal teams, such as certain interim COO appointments, I can engage on an inside IR35 basis via an umbrella.

My role is to contribute strategic insight, shape operational direction, and support execution, not to act as an employee or line manager unless explicitly structured that way.

Engagement Models

  • COO Retainers: Typically 1–8 days/month, reviewed quarterly

  • Project engagements: Fixed-scope and outcome-aligned

  • NED appointments: 1-4 days/quarter, aligned to board schedules

  • Inside IR35 options: Available where appropriate, subject to agreement

All services are tailored. We’ll agree the right scope, cadence, and delivery model based on your needs and review regularly to ensure continued fit and value.