COO

COO

A rapidly growing, private equity–backed food distribution client of ours is seeking a high-impact Chief Operating Officer to help lead the next phase of scale. This is a rare opportunity to step into a hands-on operating role with real ownership, meaningful equity participation, and a clear path to broader platform leadership as the business continues to expand through organic growth and acquisitions.

The COO will initially focus on stabilizing, professionalizing, and scaling a multi-site distribution business, with increasing responsibility across the broader platform over time. This role is ideal for a proven operator who thrives in complex, fast-moving environments and enjoys building structure, accountability, and performance at scale.

What You’ll Do

Own full P&L responsibility and drive profitability through disciplined budgeting, pricing, and cost-to-serve optimization

Lead and develop a team of operational leaders across multiple locations, building a culture of accountability and execution

Design and execute a multi-year operational roadmap focused on infrastructure, systems, and process improvement

Establish and track KPIs and dashboards to drive data-based decision making and continuous improvement

Standardize operations across distribution, logistics, routing, warehousing, and pricing

Improve productivity, service levels, and margins while maintaining a strong customer-first mindset

Modernize core systems (ERP, reporting, logistics platforms) to improve visibility and scalability

Assess, develop, and upgrade leadership talent as the organization grows

Lead operational integration of current and future acquisitions in partnership with the CEO and Board

Act as a key strategic partner to the CEO and private equity sponsor

What We’re Looking For

10+ years of senior operations leadership experience with full P&L ownership

Deep experience in foodservice, distribution, logistics, or adjacent industries

Proven success scaling operations in a private equity–backed environment

Strong data orientation with experience implementing KPIs, analytics, and reporting tools

Track record of driving both organic growth and M&A integration

Hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves leadership style paired with the ability to delegate and develop teams

High integrity, strong business judgment, and a competitive drive to build something best-in-class

Why This Role

Equity participation and strong overall compensation

Backed by an experienced, operator-focused private equity sponsor

Opportunity to shape and scale a growing platform, not just “run the playbook”

Meaningful influence on strategy, operations, and long-term value creation

Flexible location anywhere in the Northeast U.S.

*Candidates must be eligible to work in the US as well as meet the qualifications listed above in order to be considered for the COO job.

Compensation:

$300,000 per year