Chief Operating Officer

ETCO - European Trauma Course Organisation

Chief Operating Officer

ETCO - European Trauma Course Organisation

Remote

The European Trauma Course Organisation (ETCO) is an international not-for-profit organization registered in Belgium and governed by its Articles of Association. Dedicated to reducing mortality and morbidity from major trauma through high-quality, multidisciplinary trauma training, the ETCO provides courses in multiple countries. ETCO courses focus on team-based training designed to enhance the skills of healthcare professionals in managing major trauma. The ETCO Board is elected by the General Assembly and is ultimately responsible for the organisation’s strategic direction and operations.

The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for delivering the organisations activity on behalf of the ETCO Board, including oversight of all activity, communication and quality assurance provides oversight and ensures alignment with the organisation’s mission and objectives, to enable the ETCO to deliver in line with its objectives. The Chief Operating Officer will ensure the ETCO Board are provided with the information required to ensure organisational security and sustainability and will support the development and realisation of a bespoke strategic framework, unique to the needs of ETCO The Chief Operating Officer reports directly to the ETCO Chair who.

Key responsibilities

The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for leading the organisation, ensuring that the Board-approved strategy is delivered through effective operations, governance, and compliance, including oversight of legal and regulatory reporting, delivery of statutory obligations, and ensuring the organisation operates in line with its governing documents, policies, and charitable purpose.

Operational

Maintain overview of ETCO, including, but not limited to, international courses including demand and capacity, recording attendees and instructors, and ensuring developments are implemented as directed by the ETCO Board;
Quality assurance, ensuring standard of course is maintained across all providers through the transparent application of ETCO policies, course feedback analysis and maintenance of instructor training and revalidation.

Strategy & Planning

Compliment and augment the strategic plans as determined by the ETCO Board.

Governance

Support the ETCO Chair and Board to ensure delivery of both organisational and operational governance;
Ensure that a governance structure is defined and delivered;
Ensure quality standardisation of courses including instructor attendee ratio, assessment criteria and general infrastructure.

Coordinate course provision to ensure demand is addressed

Maintain and monitor audit tools and database of attendees and instructors;
Ensure GDPR and information Governance regulations are delivered throughout the ETCO.

Finance

Manage finances in line with ETCO policy;
Maintain overview of and support the Treasurer to monitor and report the finical status of the organisation including budget setting and reviews.

Education and Skills requirement

Essential

Educated to degree level or equivalent;
Leadership & Management: Ability to oversee operations, lead a small team, and coordinate multiple international activities simultaneously;
Governance & Compliance: Knowledge of legal, regulatory, and statutory obligations, including GDPR, charitable governance, and alignment with governing documents;
Strategic Planning: Capability to translate Board-approved strategy into operational plans and measurable outcomes;
Financial Acumen: Experience monitoring budgets, understanding financial reports, and supporting effective resource allocation;
Project Management: Strong organisational skills to manage courses, audits, quality assurance, and operational workflows;
Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to liaise effectively with Board members, instructors, course participants, and external partners;
Problem Solving & Decision Making: Capacity to address operational issues quickly and make informed decisions aligned with organisational objectives;
Attention to Detail: Ensuring compliance, quality standards, and accurate reporting in all operational aspects;
Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to analyse course data, feedback, and organisational metrics to inform improvements.

Desirable

Educational/Training Management: Understanding of course delivery, instructor development, and quality assurance in educational settings;
Data Analysis & Reporting: Ability to analyse course data, feedback, and organisational metrics to inform improvements;
Change Management: Experience supporting organisational change and implementing new processes or systems;
IT/Systems Proficiency: Familiarity with database management, auditing tools, and digital course management systems.