The Chief Operations Officer (COO) orchestrates the company's manufacturing operations, leading efforts to meet key performance targets such as production volume, quality, and cost-efficiency. Central to this role is the enhancement of operational systems and processes, focusing on efficiency, scalability, and leveraging data-driven insights.
The COO champions continuous improvement through initiatives in Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma, aiming for operational excellence. This leadership role also entails building a robust and capable team, mentoring staff, overseeing succession planning, and adapting strategies to respond to evolving market demands. This ensures the organization remains competitive and continues to lead in the industry through innovative and disciplined leadership.
This role requires a strategic vision to oversee both the overarching goals and the intricate details of operations, ensuring alignment with broader company objectives.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership: Oversee and direct daily manufacturing operations including production, warehouse, shipping, quality, and safety to maximize efficiency of equipment, materials, and personnel.
- Strategic Improvements: Drive continuous improvement and lean transformation to create world-class manufacturing processes focused on improving quality, reducing costs, and shortening lead times.
- Financial Oversight: Manage the budget for manufacturing operations, including capital expenditures, labor, and headcount; analyze financial and other data to maximize revenue and profitability.
- Leadership Development: Mentor and develop direct and indirect reports, enhancing leadership skills and promoting continuous professional growth; approve and encourage professional development activities.
- Inventory Management: Ensure strict adherence to inventory control processes to maintain best-in-class inventory accuracy consistently.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including overseeing Engineering and Supply Chain, to ensure alignment with corporate strategies and operational execution.
- Technology Integration: Evaluate and integrate new technologies in manufacturing processes to support quality, innovation and long-term growth, aligning with strategic plans.
- Market Adaptability: Maintain acute awareness of market and customer trends to adapt production strategies effectively, ensuring alignment with market needs.
- Contract Negotiations: Play a key role in negotiating contracts and agreements essential for operational efficiency and compliance.
- Organizational Leadership: Foster a collaborative work environment across all departments to ensure cohesive operational performance.
Qualifications
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a business, engineering, or related technical discipline
- 15+ years of practical experience in manufacturing operations of CPG Manufacturing (food -grains); a minimum of 8 years in a senior management role overseeing large teams (300+ employees).
- Able to effectively oversee both the overarching strategic vision and the intricate details of multiple concurrent projects, ensuring all are aligned with the company’s objectives and are executed efficiently.
- Self-starter who is well-organized, detail-oriented, creative, and possesses excellent problem-solving skills with a diligent and proactive results-driven personality
- Strong acumen in business management, finance, supply chain logistics, and employee relations
- Excellent leadership skills and team player, capable of effective collaboration and delegation, while holding the team accountable for performance
- Ability to lead, motivate, develop, and train employees with diverse backgrounds and skill sets
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced skills in business management software such as ERP.
- Demonstrated ability to lead major operational initiatives with minimal supervision, effectively delegate, and manage changing business demands
- Excellent communication abilities, capable of effectively presenting strategic and operational updates to all levels of the organization including the executive leadership team, board of directors, and external stakeholders
- Confident in making strategic decisions based on detailed analysis and insights
- Dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality in all manufacturing processes
Salary range is negotiable, including bonus potential
$270,000 - $300,000
