Chief Operating Officer (w/m/d)

Role overview

For a fast-growing European provider of flexible space and storage solutions, we are looking for a Chief Operating Officer (m/f/d) to take charge of the end-to-end operating model. The organization serves both business and private customers and is moving from rapid expansion into a more mature, scalable, and performance-driven phase, with operations at the center of that transition.

Your mission

In this role, you will own the full operational system and the wider customer journey across the business. You will shape the framework that turns strategy into execution, create scalable structures, and ensure consistent operational excellence across countries. The position carries strong P&L responsibility and direct leadership accountability for operational teams, their growth, and overall business outcomes.

What you will do

• Improve and design the complete customer journey so that customers experience a smooth, high-quality service across physical and digital touchpoints.
• Lead, coach, and grow a high-performing operations organization while strengthening leadership depth, enabling direct reports, and encouraging ownership and continuous development.
• Raise operational performance across a decentralized, multi-site network.
• Drive better efficiency, tighter cost control, and ongoing improvement with measurable business impact.
• Modernize workflows through automation, digital tools, and data-led decision-making.
• Set up clear KPIs, performance frameworks, and reporting routines.
• Act as a cross-functional integrator to align operational capability with commercial and financial goals.

Experience and capabilities

You should bring proven direct-line leadership experience as a COO, Head/Director of Operations, or in a similar role. This is not meant for someone coming only from transformation, strategy, or project advisory work.

• Strong record of scaling and professionalizing operations in multi-site and multi-country environments, backed by clear before-and-after results.
• Hands-on background in customer-facing operational areas such as customer service, facility management, credit management, or similar fields.
• Deep expertise in process design, process improvement, and automation, with evidence of actual implementation rather than just concept creation.
• Strong financial understanding, including cost control, ROI-based decision-making, and a clear focus on value creation.
• Experience leading and developing senior leadership teams, including handling underperformance and personnel challenges in a professional way.
• Solid understanding of digital systems, data, and automation as drivers of operational success.
• Fluent English and German; French is a strong advantage.

Mindset and personality

• You are execution-oriented, highly accountable, and take responsibility for implementation rather than just building frameworks.
• You work pragmatically and make decisions comfortably in fast-moving, imperfect environments.
• You think strategically but are able to turn vision into action; this is not a role for someone who only wants a conceptual project mandate.
• You bring an entrepreneurial mindset and can thrive in a rapidly scaling environment while staying close to day-to-day operations.
• You have a strong leadership presence and can inspire, challenge, and hold teams accountable.
• You work collaboratively and with humility, leading in a way that builds trust, transparency, and performance.
• You keep a sharp focus on improving customer experience while maintaining cost discipline.

What is offered

• Direct partnership with the CEO and close involvement in strategic decision-making.
• Real ownership with full COO accountability, including operational leadership, performance pressure, and people management.
• The opportunity to design and build a scalable operating model from the ground up.
• A business at the turning point between rapid growth and operational maturity.
• A highly impactful role that will shape long-term value creation across Europe.
• An executive team built on trust, transparency, and performance.
• The chance to leave a lasting operational footprint instead of merely maintaining the status quo.

Additional information

The role is based in Munich, Germany, with mentions of Lorch, Germany, Leipzig, Germany, and Nancy, France. It is a full-time onsite position.

About the recruiter

The role is presented through PeopleX, a people and culture partner that connects candidates with strong cultural and professional fit. The firm supports both internal recruitment for Storage24 and external advisory work, with a focus on helping startups and family-owned businesses attract, develop, and retain the right talent for long-term success.