Hire a COO
Hire a proven COO through a confidential, relationship-driven executive search - without paying any upfront fees.
NextPath connects leadership teams with vetted COO candidates who turn strategy into disciplined execution. We manage a discreet search process so you can make a confident, high-stakes hire.
Questions? Call us toll-free: 1 (800) 869-2353
Connect With COO Candidates
Tell us about the mandate and we'll deliver a qualified slate of COO candidates.
When you need to hire a solid COO, we're a game changer
Everything you need to hire COOs faster, cheaper and with less risk - handled by recruiters who specialize in this talent market.
We've run dozens of COO searches - we'll help you scope yours too
Scaling operations, tightening execution or a first operating partner for a founder-led company - our search consultants translate your priorities into a precise COO search brief.
I need help scoping the searchReach COO candidates you won't find on job boards
Tap a vetted network of operating executives, including passive leaders who only engage through a trusted, confidential search process.
I need top talent at my fingertipsSeparate real operating rigor from title inflation
We rigorously vet for genuine process design, cross-functional leadership and scaling experience - not candidates with an impressive title and thin results - so your slate is credible from day one.
I need candidates who are properly vettedYou don't pay until you hire your COO
As a performance-based executive search firm, there are no upfront retainers on most engagements. You pay only when your new COO starts.
I need a cost-effective searchMove at the pace your business needs
Get a curated slate of screened COO candidates quickly, then interview and hire with our support at every step, including reference and background checks.
I need to move efficientlyPartner with an executive search team you can trust
We run confidential searches nationwide, and leadership teams come back because our COO placements consistently tighten execution.
I need a search partner I can trustHow we help you hire your COO
From the moment you submit a request to your new hire's first day, here's how it works.
Reach Out
Submit a staffing request and tell us about the COO you're looking to hire.
Connect
Your dedicated recruiter reaches out to discuss your goals and must-have skills.
Review Candidates
We search, screen and share a curated list of the most qualified COOs.
Interview & Offer
We schedule or conduct interviews and help you extend a winning offer.
Hire & Onboard
Hire your COO and leave the onboarding to us.
Ready to get started?
Submit a request and get a response from our team in as little as 20 minutes.
Get StartedTrusted by hiring managers nationwide
Rated 4.9 on Google across 137 reviews.
NextPath did a great job bringing us quality Software Engineering & Project Management candidates. They were strong communicators and always incorporated our feedback throughout the process.
NextPath provides talented candidates and makes the process of contracting and hiring easy.
Super responsive, professional, and helpful from start to finish. They made the hiring process smooth and stress free. Definitely recommend them.
The entire experience was attentive, transparent and professional - I felt as if my best interest was always taken into consideration.
Hiring for more than one Executive Search role?
We staff the full Executive Search team. Explore related roles on our specialty hub.
Why we're your partner for success
When you partner with NextPath, you don't just fill a seat on the org chart. You gain a search team that understands the stakes of a COO hire, runs a confidential process, and stays engaged through onboarding and beyond.
Questions about hiring COOs
How much does it cost to hire a COO through NextPath?+
Fees depend on the scope and confidentiality requirements of the search. In many cases there is no upfront cost, and you pay only once your COO starts. We'll walk you through the structure that fits your mandate.
How quickly can you deliver COO candidates?+
Executive searches move at the pace the mandate requires - typically a few weeks to build and vet an initial slate, given the need for confidentiality and thorough reference checking.
What do you screen COO candidates for?+
We vet for operational process design, cross-functional team leadership, scaling experience, and a track record of turning strategy into measurable execution.
What kinds of COO mandates can you support?+
Scaling a founder-led company, tightening operations post-fundraise, or bringing operating discipline to a fast-growing team - on an interim, fractional or permanent basis.
How do you keep a COO search confidential?+
We run a discreet, relationship-driven process, engaging passive candidates directly and controlling information flow so your current leadership and team aren't disrupted before you're ready to announce.
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Are you a COO?
Are you a COO exploring your next opportunity? Reach out confidentially and we'll let you know when a relevant mandate comes through our network.
Hire a COO in 3 easy steps
Submit a confidential inquiry
Contact us so we can align on your leadership team's priorities and the scope of the COO mandate.
Meet your search consultant
Your dedicated search consultant reaches out to align on timeline, compensation and confidentiality requirements.
Review a curated slate
Receive a qualified, thoroughly vetted slate of COO candidates to consider.
Ready to hire your next COO?
Tell us about the mandate and we'll deliver a qualified, confidential slate of COO candidates. You pay nothing until you hire.