Chief Operating Officer

Our client, SeeByte, is the global market leader in the development of smart software for uncrewed maritime systems. We are advising the business on the appointment of a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join its executive leadership team, based in Edinburgh.

Originally spun out of Heriot-Watt University, SeeByte develops advanced autonomy and mission‑planning software for maritime and underwater robotics, supporting complex operations across defence, energy, and research. Acquired by Battelle in 2013, the company operates as a stand‑alone business with a strong financial position, long‑term contracts, and an international client base.

With over 100 employees across Edinburgh and Bristol, SeeByte continues to scale. The Chief Operating Officer exists to ensure the organisation runs efficiently, reliably, and with discipline. The role translates strategic intent into consistent execution, creating the structures, rhythms, and controls that enable people and teams to deliver effectively.

Through strong operational leadership and high-quality insight, the COO provides stability and clarity as the organisation grows and changes. The role is central to ensuring that strategic decisions are executable in practice and that leaders have the information they need to act decisively and with confidence.

This is a senior operational leadership role suited to someone with experience driving execution in complex, high‑performing technology or engineering‑led organisations.

• Lead operational performance across people, finance, and delivery
• Establish and maintain clear operating cadence, governance, and execution discipline
• Take ownership of programme readiness and delivery confidence as work moves into execution
• Ensure delivery commitments are achievable, appropriately resourced, and well controlled
• Provide concise, decision-ready insight on operational health, financial performance, and delivery risk
• Enable effective cross-functional working by integrating priorities across the organisation
• Drive continuous improvement in efficiency, throughput, and execution qualityDue to the nature of the work, this role is restricted to British nationals and is subject to Security Clearance (SC).