Chief Operating Officer (ID# 4310) - TGC Search

We’re leading an exclusive search for one of NY's fastest-growing Food & Beverage Manufacturers, seeking a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee end-to-end operations. This key role reports directly to the CEO, driving manufacturing, distribution, and operational excellence while ensuring efficiency, quality, and compliance. If you’re a results-oriented leader with experience in the Food & Beverage industry, this is your chance to make a significant impact during an exciting growth phase.

Role Overview:

You will manage all aspects of manufacturing and distribution operations, including purchasing, inventory control, quality assurance, production, maintenance, logistics, and facilities management. You’ll lead employees across departments to meet the highest standards of food safety, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

As part of the senior management team, you will help shape the company’s strategic direction, implement scalable processes, and ensure long-term growth. Candidates with experience owning P&L, demonstrating strong leadership, and making significant operational impacts in food manufacturing environments are highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities:

Operations Management:

• Oversee manufacturing, logistics, imports, exports, warehousing, and order fulfillment for the company’s manufacturing and distribution network.
• Optimize facility layouts and processes to reduce costs, improve handling efficiency, and minimize inventory shrinkage.
• Drive production efficiency while ensuring compliance with food safety standards such as USDA and SQF.
• Develop infrastructure, systems, and operational methods to achieve the company’s growth objectives.
• Lead the implementation of new technologies to enhance productivity and streamline operations.

Financial Oversight:

• Collaborate with the CEO to prepare budgets and operational plans aligned with the company’s goals.
• Review financial results regularly and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Monitor capital expenditure projects, ensuring timely and cost-effective completion.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Build and motivate high-performing teams, developing departmental leaders for succession planning.
• Work closely with HR to design training and development programs for operational staff.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability throughout the organization.

Customer and Vendor Relations:

• Maintain relationships with key accounts and strategic partners.
• Manage vendor partnerships to ensure consistent quality and cost efficiency.
• Represent the company positively in external interactions and negotiations.

Skills, Experience, and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; MS or MBA preferred.
• 10+ years of leadership experience in food manufacturing or related industries.
• Proven expertise in operations management, inventory systems (ERP/WMS), and P&L ownership.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards, including USDA and SQF.
• Ability to balance strategic vision with hands-on operational execution.
• Demonstrable success in implementing cost-saving measures and improving operational efficiency.
• Proficiency in data analysis, performance metrics, and IT systems.
• Exceptional organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skill

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), marital or familial status, age, physical or mental disability, perceived disability, citizenship status, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, height, weight, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Applications from members of minority groups and women are encouraged.