Chief Operating Officer

We are currently recruiting a Chief Operating Officer (m/f/x), based in Bussum (the Netherlands) as part of our Central Services team. The Central Services team is located in Antwerp (Belgium), Bussum (the Netherlands), Hamburg and Munich (Germany) and London (the United Kingdom), and consists of more than 50 specialists who are responsible for the legal, reporting, accounting, tax, investor relations, technology, ESG, marketing & communications and HR functions of Waterland.

What will be your impact?

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a critical leadership role within the firm, ensuring the efficient and scalable execution of our operations. As a key member of the senior leadership team, the COO will oversee the operational backbone of the fund, drive initiatives, and ensure alignment across technology, sustainability, marketing & communications, and operations. This role has a strong focus on operational excellence, digital enablement, and ESG integration.

The COO reports to the Group Managing Partner and works closely with senior leadership, investment teams, other central services functions (Finance, Treasury, Tax, Risk/Compliance, Investor Relations, HR, Legal) as well as external stakeholders to drive operational excellence while ensuring compliance with regulations and best industry practices.

Your responsibilities:

1. Operational Leadership & Execution

• Partner with the Group Managing Partner and senior leadership to translate the investment strategy into operational processes that enable scalable growth and long-term value creation.
• Oversee integration of ESG principles into operational frameworks and reporting standards across the portfolio.

2. Technology & Digital Strategy

• Oversee the digital transformation of the firm, ensuring integration of data analytics, AI, and automation into investment decision-making and back-office processes.
• Develop and implement a technology strategy to enhance operational efficiency and risk management.
• Oversee IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital tools to support deal flow, investor relations, and portfolio management.
• Refine CRM and investor relations platforms to streamline communication and reporting.

3. ESG & Sustainability Oversight

• Design and implement ESG frameworks and KPIs across the fund and portfolio companies.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory and investor ESG requirements while actively identifying sustainability-driven value creation opportunities.
• Represent the firm in ESG-related discussions with LPs, regulators, and stakeholders.

4. Marketing & Communications

• Lead the firm’s brand strategy, PR, and digital marketing efforts, ensuring a strong reputation in the PE industry.
• Enhance the firm’s public profile and thought leadership within the PE and ESG ecosystems.
• Work closely with the Investor Relations team to develop and execute the firm’s brand, messaging and communication strategy.
• Ensure compliance with marketing regulations across different European jurisdictions.

5. Logistics & Operational Efficiency

• Ensure the efficient running of internal operations, optimizing processes to support deal execution and portfolio management.
• Oversee real estate, office management, procurement, and vendor relationships to ensure seamless day-to-day functioning.
• Oversee outsourcing strategies, ensuring quality control and cost efficiency.

The role is highly varied and involves working in a supportive, dynamic and vibrant atmosphere. The projects you could work on offer continuous learning, increase your knowledge of the PE industry, and support you in growing your future career with us.

Be your true self

• 15+ years of experience in operational leadership roles, preferably within fund management, financial services or management consulting.
• Proven track record of leading operational transformation, and digital initiatives.
• Strong understanding of value creation levers.
• Expertise in technology transformation, cybersecurity, and data-driven decision-making.
• Experience in cross-functional leadership, with the ability to manage diverse teams across technology, sustainability, and communications, and the ability to influence C-level executives, investors, and regulators.
• Fluent in Dutch with strong knowledge of the English language.

As regards your personality:

• Excellent team leader and people manager, with a successful
   track record in leading and developing high-performing
   teams. Focused on continuous improvement both for
   themselves and for the wider organization.
• A very strong leader to teams who is structured and both
   strategic and analytical in approach, balancing effectively with
   excellent operational execution.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills. Enjoys
   standing in front of the troops, taking the team on the
   journey. Is humble, yet firm and decisive in approach and
   accessible to colleagues at all levels. Shifts smoothly between
   company management and investment teams and enjoys to
   be in the woods. Shapes the future for operational leadership.
• Excellent relationship building and stakeholder management
   skills. Is focused on connecting and collaborating across
   functions and levels throughout the organization. Ensures
   strong balance of interests of all stakeholders involved.
• Strong cultural sensitivity to Waterland values and mentality,
   being entrepreneurial, collaborative, responsible, passionate
   and considered, with a no-nonsense, pragmatic, hands-on
   and can-do mentality.

You want toknow more?

The role will be based in our Bussum office.

We commit ourselves to encouraging true team spirit and creating an inclusive and dynamic working environment in which each team member can pursue the knowledge needed to boost their career.

Work-life integration and hybrid working are important to us.

Interested candidates are requested to contact Apollo Executive Search (contact: Thirza Wolfs via [email protected]).