Chief Operating Officer - AI-led Digital Transformation

About Client

· Our client is a pure-play Consulting and Data-led Digital Transformation leader with a global presence across 20+ cities across the US, EMEA, India and APAC regions with ~2,000 global employees.

· Ambitious vision to create one of the most unique Digital Consulting companies on the globe through a significant focus on growing the Core Digital Transformation portfolio through large deals and deep Digital Consulting, Data, AI Cloud and CX capabilities.

· SA is advising the client on a significant acceleration of growth through investments and partnerships and expansion of Leadership to steer a 3-year roadmap to accelerate global revenues from ~$100M to $250M.

Position: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: Pune

Compensation:

What We’re Looking For:

Our client is looking for a seasoned, ambitious and results-driven senior business leader with a proven track record of managing operations, P&L and growth of a multi-country Digital Transformation Consulting businesses with $100M scale.

This COO role is envisioned as a preparatory step to transition into the CEO position, requiring a demonstrated ability to scale global businesses, manage multicultural teams, and deliver strategic outcomes.

As the Chief Operating Officer, you will oversee and optimize the operations of a multi-country Digital Transformation Consulting and IT leader specializing in data, platform, and software engineering services. As the primary driver of operational excellence and scalability, the COO will lead the company’s global operations from its headquarters in India, ensuring seamless execution across diverse global markets.

Lead our Global Digital Transformation Consulting business with Delivery and P & L responsibility to build next generation Data and AI-led Technology Practice and capabilities, Digital Consulting and Platform Ecosystem, influencing and partnering with large scale Digital Transformation initiatives for enterprise client across the globe through disruptive platforms & solutions targeted to transform Enterprise Business Models. Focus on value driven engagements and pricing models to drive improvement in margins and utilisation across the portfolio.

Must bring hands-on experience building and growing a world-class organisation with Digital Engineering and Technology practices and delivery of multi-million dollar, multi-year, complex and fixed price Digital Transformation programs to global clients across BFSI, CPG, Media and Healthcare verticals.

Key Responsibilities:

Global Operational Leadership:

• Lead and manage operations across multiple countries, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

• Optimize delivery centers across regions to balance cost, quality, and time-to-market efficiencies.

• Foster collaboration between global teams to ensure consistent service delivery standards.

Strategic Growth and Global Expansion:

• Collaborate with the CEO to develop and execute a global growth strategy.

• Identify opportunities for market expansion and geographic diversification of service offerings.

• Build and lead initiatives to strengthen the company’s position in key markets while tapping into emerging markets.

• Focus on value driven engagements and pricing models to drive improvement in margins and utilisation across the portfolio.

Leadership in Multi-Cultural Environments:

• Inspire and manage diverse teams, ensuring cohesion across cultural and geographic boundaries.

• Develop global talent pipelines, succession plans, and leadership development programs.

• Promote a unified culture that reflects the company’s core values and strategic priorities.

Operational Excellence:

• Establish scalable processes and frameworks for global operations, driving productivity and profitability and delivery excellence across the organisation.

• Ensure compliance with local and international regulations across all operational regions.

• Drive digital transformation and automation initiatives to enhance operational agility.

Financial Management and Global Reporting:

• Work with the CFO to manage budgets, optimize costs, and enhance financial performance across regions.

• Monitor and report global operational metrics, ensuring transparency and accountability.

• Align operational investments with the company’s long-term strategic goals.

Client and Stakeholder Management:

• Build strong relationships with international clients, understanding their unique requirements across regions.

• Partner closely with clients’ top C-suite decision-makers to help shape the Digital Transformation roadmap for existing and new clients.

• Represent the company at global industry forums, enhancing brand reputation and visibility.

• Ensure client satisfaction and trust by consistently delivering superior results.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from a top-tier institution in Business Administration, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.

• MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred, ideally from a globally recognized business school.

Experience:

• Minimum 15-20 years in IT consulting, technology services, or a similar industry, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role in a global organization.

• Proven experience in managing multi-country operations and scaling businesses effectively.

• Track record of delivering results in data, platform, and software development services.

• Demonstrated expertise in leading multicultural teams and navigating complex global environments.

Skills:

• Strong strategic thinking with an ability to solve complex global business challenges.

• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills, with experience managing international clients.

• In-depth understanding of operational frameworks for IT consulting across multiple geographies.

Desired Characteristics:

• Global perspective with a deep understanding of diverse markets and cultural dynamics.

• Visionary leader who can effectively transition into the CEO role.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a blend of strategic acumen and operational expertise.

• High adaptability and emotional intelligence to navigate fast-paced, competitive global markets.

• Commitment to ethical leadership and long-term value creation.

Key Outcomes Expected:

• Drive operational excellence and ensure seamless coordination across global operations.

• Deliver measurable improvements in operational efficiency, client satisfaction, and market penetration.

• Build a unified, high-performance global culture with strong leadership pipelines.

• Achieve financial and operational targets within the first 12 months.

• Position the company as a global leader in data, AI, platforms, and software services.