Executive Operations Leadership

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).