Chief Operations Officer
A large, privately held distribution organization is seeking a Chief Operations Officer to provide strategic and hands‑on leadership across procurement, warehousing, transportation, and fulfillment functions. This executive will partner closely with senior leadership and serve as a key driver of operational performance, scalability, and customer satisfaction.
Core Responsibilities
- Strategic & Executive Leadership
- Establish long‑term operational objectives aligned with overall business goals.
- Develop and execute multi‑year operational strategy and annual performance plans.
- Collaborate with executive leadership on enterprise initiatives and growth planning.
- Operations & Logistics Oversight
- Direct and integrate shipping, receiving, transportation, purchasing, and inventory management functions.
- Optimize workflows and cross‑functional coordination to improve efficiency and service levels.
- Oversee high‑volume distribution center performance, productivity, and cost controls.
- Compliance, Safety & Food Standards
- Ensure adherence to food safety practices, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
- Maintain safe and secure facilities through enforcement of safety programs and ergonomic best practices.
- Guide management teams in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
- People Leadership & Culture
- Lead, mentor, and develop operations management teams.
- Delegate authority effectively while maintaining accountability for results.
- Implement performance management processes including coaching, corrective action, and training initiatives.
- Foster a collaborative, team‑oriented culture focused on continuous improvement.
- Continuous Improvement & Systems
- Identify operational efficiencies, process improvements, and technology enhancements.
- Utilize data analytics and reporting tools to support decision‑making.
- Oversee and optimize Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and related operational software.
- Vendor & Capital Management
- Partner with external vendors and service providers on contracts, capital projects, and equipment procurement.
- Participate in industry forums and professional networks to remain current on best practices and innovation.
Required Skills & Competencies
- Demonstrated natural leadership and team‑building ability.
- Strong knowledge of food safety, quality assurance, and audit processes.
- Hands‑on experience with WMS platforms and enterprise operational software.
- Advanced analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
- High attention to detail with strong data management capabilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Proficiency in common business software applications.
- Ability to build effective relationships across all organizational levels and with external partners.
Qualifications & Experience
- 10+ years of progressive operations or distribution leadership experience.
- Minimum 5 years in senior management or executive‑level oversight.
- Background in large‑scale warehousing, logistics, or supply chain operations.
- Experience with labor management, recruiting, budgeting, and cost control.
- Working knowledge of regulatory and safety standards relevant to food or regulated goods distribution (e.g., HACCP, OSHA or equivalent).