COO

LEAHY-IFP•Glenview, IL

45d•$300,000 - $350,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) reports to the Chief Executive Officer and is a member of the senior leadership team. The COO will help achieve an ambitious, sustainable, and profitable five-year growth plan by developing and executing strategic goals, motivating teams across geographic markets, and identifying and completing targeted mergers and acquisitions. The COO leads Finlays Solutions’ World Class Operations agenda and provides the operational leadership and vision needed to support growth, financial strength, and operating efficiency. This includes ensuring appropriate operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, and quality, sustainability, and people systems are in place. The role leads a network of seven factories: five in the United States, one in the UK, and one in Kenya, as well as the business unit supply chain, including coffee and tea procurement, inbound and outbound logistics, health and safety, sustainability, and engineering. The role provides leadership for Manufacturing and Supply Chain, advances manufacturing practices and operational performance, and leads the business’s Health, Safety, and Environmental strategy. The safety of employees, contractors, customers, and communities is identified as the company’s highest priority. The position is based in Glenview, Illinois. The stated annual salary range is $300,000–$350,000. Total compensation includes a choice of medical, vision, and dental plans, an annual incentive bonus, paid time off, parental leave, bereavement leave, and a 401(k) for eligible employees.

Requirements

15 or more years of operations experience.
Experience in beverage manufacturing, including food and beverage manufacturing of finished private-label and branded products.
Global or multi-regional experience, or experience serving as a sitting COO.
A track record of driving operational improvements across a complex, multi-site organization.
Experience implementing best-in-class manufacturing practices.
Experience leading a multi-region supply chain function.
Experience with FDA facilities.
Experience building new facilities and scaling operations.
Experience integrating acquisitions.
A results-oriented mindset and track record.
Demonstrated ability to build high-performing teams.
An entrepreneurial mindset.
Ability to influence collaboratively across an organization and demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to its culture.
Ability to work beyond regularly scheduled hours during peak periods or critical operations.
Adequate vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills to meet essential job performance and safety standards.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and perform physical tasks including pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, and detailed hand tasks.
Ability to safely lift up to 25 pounds frequently; heavier items are handled with proper lifting equipment or team assistance.
Ability to work in elevated positions up to 50 feet and in limited or cramped spaces, following safety protocols.
Ability to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment and wear required personal protective equipment.

Responsibilities

Collaborate as a senior leadership team member in developing and executing the business vision and strategy.
Influence the senior leadership team to integrate health and safety considerations into business decisions.
Provide direct, motivational leadership to the Manufacturing and Supply Chain functions in alignment with the company’s mission, sustainability commitments, and core values.
Drive and implement best-in-class manufacturing practices, methodologies, and strategies to improve employee engagement, productivity, quality, and efficiency.
Lead the business’s Health, Safety, and Environmental strategy, drive continuous improvement, and maintain a safe working environment.
Lead, motivate, encourage, and develop direct reports in Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Procurement through effective performance management.
Lead the company’s network of factories and business unit supply chain, including coffee and tea procurement, inbound and outbound logistics, health and safety requirements, sustainability, and engineering.
Support the company’s growth plan through strategic goal development and execution, and the identification and completion of targeted mergers and acquisitions.
Support quality and food safety practices, including compliance with applicable manufacturing, allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements.
Report food safety and quality issues to management, collaborate across functions on quality and food safety, and participate in continuous improvement programs.