Vice President Operations

VP of Operations / Chief Operations OfficerVP of Operations / Chief Operations OfficerLocation: Brooklyn, NYSalary Range: $180,000 – $285,000 (varies by VP or COO level)Job Type: Full-timePosition OverviewWe are seeking a seasoned VP of Operations / COO to partner closely with the CEO, providing structure, discipline, and accountability to a fast-growing food distribution and manufacturing enterprise.This role is responsible for:Translating the CEO’s vision into operational execution.Scaling multi-site operations efficiently and safely.Leading production and distribution to meet quality and regulatory standards.Driving productivity, profitability, and continuous process improvements.Coordinating cross-functional teams including quality control, logistics, and supply chain.Building high-performing leadership teams and scalable operational systems.Key ResponsibilitiesVision to Execution: Convert strategic objectives into actionable plans with clear priorities and measurable outcomes.Operational Oversight: Manage daily food manufacturing and distribution operations to ensure efficiency, quality, and safety.Leadership Management: Lead EOS operating cadence (Level 10s, scorecards, quarterly rocks, annual planning) and hold leaders accountable.Process Improvement & Scalability: Implement systems to transform facilities from start-up to high-performing operations.Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to FDA, USDA, HACCP, SQF, and other food safety regulations.Financial Oversight: Manage budgets, P&L, and resource allocation for operational efficiency and growth.Talent Development: Mentor senior leaders, strengthen middle management, and ensure the right people are in the right roles.Metrics & Accountability: Deploy dashboards and KPIs to drive data-informed decision-making.Strategic Partnership: Collaborate with the CEO on growth initiatives, M&A integration, and long-term expansion.Required Skills & ExperienceLeadership: 10–15 years of progressive leadership, including 5+ years at VP/COO level.Industry Expertise: Food distribution, manufacturing, or regulated industries with multi-site operations.Integrator Leadership: Proven success as a #2 leader partnering with a visionary CEO; experience with EOS or similar frameworks preferred.Scaling & Growth: Demonstrated ability to scale operations from start-up to mature, high-performing networks; post-acquisition integration experience preferred.Financial Acumen: Strong P&L ownership, budgeting, and resource management.People Development: Skilled in mentoring executives, developing teams, and fostering accountability-driven cultures.Change Leadership: Experienced in operational transformation, cultural alignment, and continuous improvement.Technology & Systems: Proficient with ERP, WMS, HRIS, and other operational technology platforms.Decision-Making & Communication: Data-driven, calm, decisive, and a strong communicator with high emotional intelligence.Education & Experience RequirementsEducation: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Logistics, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.Experience: 8+ years of progressive leadership in supply chain, materials management, warehouse operations, or food distribution, including executive-level oversight (VP/COO) of multi-site operations