Fractional/Advisory COO

Hartmann Young is partnering with an early-stage CPG / functional wellness company preparing for commercial scale-up, operational maturity, and future fundraising. With rapid growth underway and increasing demand for operational infrastructure, the business is now seeking a Fractional / Advisory COO to support its next phase of development. This position is based in California and offered on an equity-only basis, suitable for a seasoned operator who excels in early-stage, high-growth environments.

This is a high-visibility, cross-functional leadership role focused on building the systems, processes, and operational foundations required for scale. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in CPG, functional food & beverage, nutraceuticals, or regulated manufacturing, with a track record of shaping operational strategy, improving margins, and preparing companies for investor diligence and commercialisation.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish scalable operational systems across supply chain, manufacturing, quality, and S&OP
• Implement financial discipline, forecasting, and operational reporting to support fundraising
• Build and optimise co-manufacturing, 3PL, logistics, and vendor networks
• Lead commercialisation planning for new products, ensuring margin alignment and regulatory readiness
• Collaborate with founders, investors, and cross-functional teams to accelerate growth
• Introduce best-practice processes to support repeatable, efficient, and compliant operations
• Advise on long-term org design, talent needs, and infrastructure for scale

Ideal Candidate:

• 10–20 years in operations, supply chain, or manufacturing leadership within CPG or functional wellness
• Experience in equity-based, fractional, or advisory COO/CVP Ops roles is highly advantageous
• Proven ability to scale early-stage brands, build infrastructure, and improve gross margins
• Strong understanding of co-man strategy, S&OP, quality systems, and commercialisation
• Comfortable working autonomously, making strategic recommendations, and working hands-on where needed
• Background supporting investor diligence or preparing companies for capital raises
• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, Business or related field preferred