Chief Operating Officer | London -

About Us

Tenka owns and operates two businesses, Gemba and Turnstile, and is shaping a better future for sport and entertainment by providing high-quality Strategy, Insights, and Communications.

We work at the crossroads of sport, entertainment, media and digital to help our clients grow their businesses and get more people playing, attending and consuming. From sport governance to major event commercialisation strategy; from football to music; from the athletics track to the mobile app – Gemba and Turnstile work with clients that are at the heart of fans’ passions, on their most pressing strategic issues.

About the Role

We are seeking an ambitious Chief Operating Officer with over 5 years’ experience in a similar role to drive growth, profitability, and operational excellence across our global business. The business is in the midst of a fast growth period with ambitious plans for the next five years.

You will oversee accounting, treasury, and financial activities for the Tenka Group, including Gemba and Turnstile, whilst managing legal compliance, timely reporting, and strategic growth initiatives, as well as the effective delivery of Tech & Systems.

You will provide leadership to the broader business and nurture high-performing teams, ensuring the protection of Tenka’s culture. You will also collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership to ensure sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee the preparation and delivery of financial reports (monthly, year-end, profitability, and billability), cash flow management, and statutory compliance, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.Develop and monitor annual and half-yearly divisional plans, operational and capital budgets, and growth strategies, including business acquisitions, equity solutions, and due diligence processes.Provide contract reviews, ensure profitability and billability targets for projects and retainers, and support business negotiations, pitches, and tenders.Lead the development of a Tech & Systems strategy, manage external technology partners, and oversee system improvements to meet operational needs and enhance internal satisfaction.Drive professional development for Finance and Operations teams, implement training programmes, and identify and nurture top talent to ensure high performance.Support carbon footprint analysis, implement environmentally friendly office solutions, and oversee investments tied to sustainability goals like the Healthy Planet dividend.

Skills/Experience Required

• Preferably AAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA and CIPFA qualified, with over 5 years’ experience managing the finance function of a medium-sized business, ideally within a professional services environment
• Advanced understanding of accounting systems, integration of software packages, data integration, and automation processes
• Proven experience in developing and managing technology strategies to drive efficiency
• Accomplished finance leader with a track record of delivering top-tier financial reporting and commercial success
• High financial literacy with the ability to present results clearly to stakeholders.Experience in consulting, advertising, or digital sectors is advantageous, alongside a strong understanding of GDPR and ISO business requirements
• Effective in management, communication, and relationship-building, with adaptability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Customer-centric and proactive in fostering collaboration
• Demonstrates strong organisational capabilities, paired with a positive and flexible attitude to navigate complex challenges effectively

How to Apply

Written applications, including a CV and cover letter, should be addressed Charlotte Bradley the People & Culture Coordinator, at careerseu@thegembagroup.com

Note: All candidates require working rights of this country to perform the role and the successful completion of a criminal record check. We are required to work in the office in London 4 days per week, with 1 day per week remote working from home.

Tenka supports flexible working hours and will consider job share for this role. Tenka is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and encourage people of all different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or other protected characteristics or similar.