Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Grand Central Bakery

Grand Central Bakery is looking for our first Chief Operating Officer to lead retail and wholesale operations through the next stage of growth. The COO position is the perfect opportunity for a senior leader ready to join a mission-driven organization and work in partnership with other executives out to change our food system, one loaf of bread at a time.  

About Grand Central Bakery 

In 2018 we became the first bakery in the Northwest to attain B Corp certification. This commitment lays out a road map for Grand Central Bakery to be a force for good, operate with transparency, contribute to a thriving regional food system, offer fair compensation and opportunities to grow, and give back to the communities we serve for years to come. Our rigorous local sourcing, dedication to traditional techniques, and devotion to the very best flavor create food worth slowing down for. We invite you to share an experience built on craft and time that’s always fresh and 100% delicious. 

What You’ll Do 

As COO, you will oversee all Wholesale and Retail operations in support of Grand Central Bakery’s mission to serve our customers delicious, authentic food made from high quality local and sustainable ingredients. You will be able to see the interconnectedness of operations across the organization to identify and implement strategies that drive revenue growth and meet Grand Central Bakery’s strategic objectives.  

• Be a member of the C-Suite 

• Have an opportunity to directly impact the direction of Grand Central Bakery 

• Make a difference at a mission driven B Corporation 

This full-time, exempt position may be based out of either our Portland, Oregon or Seattle, Washington markets and will regularly travel between the two to support the organization.  

Job Summary 

• Collaborate with the CEO in setting and driving operations strategy in order to achieve brand, mission, and revenue goals. 

• Translate strategy into action by improving processes and capabilities, defining success metrics, driving performance, and owning the operating plan to facilitate growth, scalability, and consistent execution. 

• Identify new sources of revenue that align with Grand Central Bakery quality and mission expectations, determine operational implications, assess the return on investment, and make recommendations. Identify and act on opportunities for revenue growth, cost reduction, and increased profitability. 

• Lead the development of the annual budget above gross profit, track expenditures, hold teams accountable to goals, and make adjustments during the fiscal year. 

• Strengthen and evaluate current processes and systems related to planning, production, inventory management, distribution and identify areas for simplification and improvement. Improve communication and decision making among the team.  

• Consistently look for and implement sales building, cost reduction, and margin improvement opportunities. 

• Assess and analyze risks associated with a food manufacturing facility, ensure compliance and build risk mitigation plans. 

Qualifications 

The ideal candidate has extensive experience in the food and beverage industry, preferably having worked their way up to an executive role. We believe this career path helps a person develop a unique mix of business and management expertise, plus proficiency with the practices, policies, and procedures of the industry. 

• 10 or more years’ experience in leading across functions, with an emphasis on food and beverage production or restaurants 

• Strong experience in operations, financial management, and strategic planning 

• Direct P&L ownership and demonstrated improvement in operating results 

• Demonstrated experience in driving successful business growth and profitability 

• Proven ability to scope work, plan, organize, and prioritize highest value work 

• Solid grasp of data analysis and performance metrics 

• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills 

• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration abilities 

• Knowledge of industry regulations and compliance requirements 

• Ability to diagnose problems quickly and foresee potential issues 

Compensation 

• $175,000 - $190,000 with a potential bonus based on the achievement of company goals  

• Relocation stipend available; must be able to work out of Seattle or Portland  

• Benefits include healthcare, paid time off, 401k, and bread! 

Grand Central Bakery is not able to sponsor a visa for this position. Direct applications only, please. No phone calls or third-party recruiters. 

Company Overview

Grand Central Bakery ignited a bread revolution in 1989 by introducing rustic artisan loaves to Northwest tables. Values are at the heart of our company and sustainability touches everything we do - from where we buy ingredients to how we care for our employees and invest in our communities. A Certified B Corporation, Grand Central Bakery is part of a global movement of organizations using business as a force for good.

Benefits

Grand Central Bakery offers outstanding employee benefits as part of our total compensation package.

• Medical/dental/vision coverage
  • Medical/dental/vision coverage the first of the month following 60 days of employment for all employees working 25+ hours per week
  • Employer paid Healthcare Reimbursement Account (HRA) for insured employees
• Paid Time Off
  • Vacation
  • Sick
  • Personal Holiday
  • Community Time
• Other benefits
  • 401k with match at 1 year
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare, dependent care, and transportation
  • Life/disability insurance
  • Company paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Reimbursement for bike commuting expenses
  • Training and opportunities for growth
  • Free bread!
  • Employee discount

Pay Transparency

Grand Central Bakery complies with applicable pay transparency laws in the locations where it does business. All job postings include the rate of pay for the position. For positions that have a range, the full range will be listed along with the expected starting compensation.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity and strive to create a work environment of respect, trust, collaboration, and cooperation. It is the policy of Grand Central Bakery to maintain a workplace free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical, sensory, or mental disability, age, marital status, military or veteran status, family relationship, your or your family’s genetic information, or status in any other legally protected group. We expect each employee to embrace and apply these principles of equal treatment to each other and to our customers.

Know Your Rights - EEOC

https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal-poster

Please email hr@grandcentralbakery.com with questions or requests for accommodation.