Heroix

At Heroix, we support professionals ready to take the next step in their career. Our approach is built on care, honesty, and preparation. From coaching to follow-ups after onboarding, we stay involved at every stage including during your first weeks to help you settle in and succeed. We work only with trusted employers and never overpromise. Our goal is to help you make a strong, lasting move; with no unwanted surprises. We never ask candidates for payment. Heroix is engaged directly by reputable employers as HR consultants. Our aim is simple: to help you Rise to New Heights. Government of Malta Department for Industrial and Employment Relations (DIER) Agency Licence Number: 00412-2025

About

COO with CEO Succession Pathway (CEO Designate)

Heroix is collaborating with a major technology player, part of an established Group of Companies. The Company supports organisations with dependable systems, specialist assistance and services designed to strengthen business operations.

Role Overview

The COO (CEO Designate) will direct the Company's daily activities and convert strategic priorities agreed by the Board into measurable results across the organisation. Working alongside the Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors, the successful candidate will strengthen operational capability, improve performance and prepare for a structured progression towards the position of Chief Executive Officer.

Importantly, this appointment carries a defined pathway towards succeeding the current CEO , with a structured transition anticipated over approximately 6 to 18 months, subject to performance and Board readiness. During this period, the COO will progressively assume broader executive responsibilities, increase exposure to shareholders and the Board, and develop the external and strategic leadership responsibilities required of the future CEO.

Based in Malta and involving occasional travel, this represents a distinctive opportunity for an accomplished senior executive to first understand and influence the Business from within before progressively assuming responsibility for its future direction.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Operational Leadership: Direct operations across the Company, ensuring that departments work cohesively and deliver against agreed commercial and service objectives.
Business Performance: Introduce meaningful performance measures, review departmental results and provide the Chief Executive Officer and Board with clear insights into progress, challenges and priorities.
Operational Improvement: Strengthen systems, processes and working practices to increase productivity, support growth and enable the Business to operate effectively at greater scale.
Service and Supply Coordination: Maintain oversight of the operational areas supporting the Company's technology-based solutions, including service delivery, logistics and supply-chain activities where applicable.
Risk and Problem Management: Anticipate operational constraints, address weaknesses before they affect performance and coordinate practical responses to emerging business risks.
Leadership and Organisational Capability: Guide the senior management team, encourage accountability and develop the leadership capacity needed to support the Company's future direction.
People and Culture: Work with the HR Director on workforce planning, employee development, retention, performance assessment and the application of effective people policies.
Financial Management: Partner with the Chief Financial Officer on budgets, financial projections and expenditure control while ensuring that operational choices support profitability and shareholder priorities.
Commercial Discipline: Assume full or jointly held responsibility for profit-and-loss performance, as determined by the Chief Executive Officer, and promote sound financial judgement across the Business.
Strategic Delivery: Contribute to corporate planning and scenario analysis, translating strategic decisions into coordinated programmes with clear ownership and outcomes.
Growth Initiatives: Lead or sponsor projects involving business expansion, entry into new markets and the introduction of new products or services.
Stakeholder Relations: Build productive relationships with customers, commercial partners, regulatory authorities, shareholders and other influential stakeholders, representing the Company when appropriate.
Governance and Compliance: Ensure that operations meet applicable Maltese and European requirements while maintaining effective controls, risk procedures and readiness for internal or external audits.
Board Reporting: Prepare and deliver well-supported operational updates to the Board and its committees, enabling informed discussion and decision-making.
Ethical Leadership: Promote responsible conduct, openness and sound corporate governance throughout every level of the organisation.
Executive Succession: Participate in a formal transition programme with the current Chief Executive Officer and gradually assume agreed executive responsibilities.
External Profile: Increase the Company's visibility through appropriate involvement with professional associations, the media and the wider community.
Investor and Owner Engagement: Develop the ability to manage relationships with investors, owners and shareholders while confidently representing the Business at Board level.

Educational and skill requirements

Education: A suitable tertiary or professional qualification relevant to business leadership, operations, finance or a related discipline would be advantageous.
Experience: Several years of progressively responsible leadership experience are required, including at least three years in a Chief Operating Officer or comparable senior management position.
Operational Growth: Demonstrable success in developing operations within an expanding or commercially ambitious organisation is essential.
Board Exposure: Previous responsibility for reporting to, advising or working closely with directors, owners or shareholders is required.
Sector Knowledge: Experience relevant to the technology solutions sector is preferred, together with strong digital awareness and the confidence to work within a technology-driven environment.
Local Business Knowledge: Familiarity with Malta's commercial environment, employment market, regulatory requirements and stakeholder landscape would be a strong advantage.
Language Skills: Excellent command of English is required to succeed in this role. The ability to communicate in Maltese would be an asset.
Communication Skills: The ability to communicate with authority at Board level while remaining approachable and effective with employees throughout the organisation is essential.
Interpersonal Skills: A collaborative leadership style, political awareness and the judgement to manage complex relationships among executives, owners, shareholders and external parties are required.
Leadership: The successful candidate must be able to motivate senior teams, develop individual capability and establish clear standards of ownership and accountability.
Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of profit-and-loss statements, financial plans, projections and operational cost drivers is necessary.
Technical Skills: High levels of IT literacy and the ability to use business information, systems and performance data to guide decisions are essential.
Organisation: The ability to coordinate multiple functions, establish priorities and maintain focus on both immediate delivery and long-term objectives is required.
Self-Motivated: An enterprising and opportunity-focused approach, supported by a sincere commitment to the Company's sustained success, is important.
Problem-Solving: The role requires a composed, evidence-led decision-maker who can manage uncertainty, lead organisational change and resolve complex operational issues.
Professional Conduct: Exceptional integrity, loyalty, discretion and professionalism are indispensable, particularly given the planned executive succession.
Resilience: The successful candidate must remain calm and decisive under pressure and be comfortable operating when circumstances or priorities are evolving.
Strategic and Practical Thinking: The ability to shape future direction while remaining willing to engage with detailed operational matters is essential.

Job benefits

Compensation: A competitive executive-level base salary.
Performance Bonus: An annual incentive linked to the achievement of Company targets and individual objectives.
Working Hours: A full-time executive appointment based in Malta, with occasional travel according to business requirements.
Company Vehicle: A Company car or an equivalent vehicle allowance.
Private Healthcare: Comprehensive medical insurance covering the appointed executive and their family.
CEO Succession Pathway: Appointment as COO with a clear CEO Designate pathway, providing the opportunity to succeed the current Chief Executive Officer following a structured transition expected to take approximately 6 to 18 months, subject to performance and Board readiness.
Executive Transition: Close collaboration with the incumbent CEO through a planned handover, with progressively greater responsibility for strategy, leadership, Board engagement and overall Company direction.
Board and Shareholder Exposure: Increasing involvement with the Board, owners and key stakeholders, providing direct preparation for the wider responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer position.
Leadership Impact: The opportunity to influence the future structure, operating model, culture and growth of an established technology business at an important stage in its development.

Confidentiality and Discretion: Your job search will be handled with the utmost confidentiality and professionalism.
CV Review: Receive candid and constructive feedback to enhance your CV.
Interview Planning: Get personalised preparation sessions prior to your interviews.
Cultural Fit Assessment: Understand the Company culture to ensure it is the right environment for you.
Long Term: Gain insights into the role and Company for a stable, long-term career move.
Exclusive Opportunities: Access a broader range of job opportunities.
Personalised Candidate Profile: Stand out with a detailed profile highlighting your strengths and skills.
Ongoing Support and Guidance: Benefit from continuous support throughout your job search process.
Networking Opportunities: Leverage our extensive network of industry contacts for exclusive positions.
Time Efficiency: Save time and effort with our efficient and effective recruitment strategies.
Tailored Job Matching: Find the right fit through customised job matching based on your skills and career goals.
Feedback Loop: Stay informed and engaged through regular updates and feedback on your application status.

Heroix -- Rise to New Heights

Advertisement published22. September 2026

Application deadline3. November 2026

Salary (yearly)100,000 - 130,000 EUR

Language skills

No specific language requirements

Location

Triq Dun Karm, Birkirkara BKR 9037, Malta

Type of work

Skills

LeadershipPhone communicationEmail communicationTeam work

Professions

Job Tags

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