Chief Operating Officer (Manufacturing)

Out of State Candidates will not be considered

ABOUT OUR CLIENT

Our client is a privately held, small business, founder-led company approaching $10M in annual revenue with a tight-knit team of ~50 people. They've built a thriving business with a loyal customer base, strong culture, and real momentum. As they enter their next phase of growth, they're seeking an experienced operational leader to help scale the business with intention — someone who can build the infrastructure needed to reach the next level while preserving what makes this company great.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a rare chance to step into a true #2 seat at a high-growth company. As COO, you'll have full ownership of day-to-day operations and serve as the CEO's closest partner and most trusted advisor. This is not a corporate management role — you'll have direct access to ownership, real decision-making authority, and the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on a business that is actively growing. This role is built for a hands-on operator who thrives in a lean, fast-moving environment and is energized by bringing structure and scalability to a business without slowing it down.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Day-to-Day Operations
• Serve as the primary point of accountability for all business operations across every function
• Build and maintain operating cadences — leadership meetings, performance reviews, and reporting rhythms that keep the team aligned
• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks that create internal friction or impact the customer experience
• Act as the key escalation point for operational decisions, moving quickly and communicating with clarity
• People & Team Leadership
• Directly manage department heads and senior operational staff; build a culture of ownership and accountability
• Partner with the CEO on organizational design, hiring strategy, and talent development as headcount grows
• Establish clear roles, expectations, and performance standards so every team member understands what success looks like
• Be a culture carrier — protect what's working, evolve what isn't, and set the tone from the top
• Systems, Process & Infrastructure
• Assess current processes and identify where inefficiency, inconsistency, or manual work is limiting growth
• Design and implement scalable systems and SOPs across operations, customer delivery, and internal workflows
• Own the operational side of the company's technology stack, ensuring the right tools are in place and used effectively
• Lay the operational foundation to scale from $9M toward $20M and beyond
• Financial Oversight & Performance
• Partner with the CEO to manage the P&L, operating budget, and cash flow with a focus on margin improvement
• Own company-wide KPIs and build reporting cadences that give leadership real-time visibility into performance
• Proactively identify cost efficiencies and revenue-supporting improvements without sacrificing quality or culture
• CEO Partnership
• Serve as a true strategic partner to the CEO — complementing their strengths, challenging their thinking when appropriate, and sharing accountability for outcomes
• Take day-to-day operational weight off the CEO's plate so they can focus on growth, strategy, and key external relationships
• Contribute meaningfully to decisions around hiring, capital allocation, and company direction

QUALIFICATIONS

• 7–15 years of progressive operational experience, with at least 2–3 years in a senior leadership role
• Hands on experience within the manufacturing or similar industry
• Hands-on experience in a company under 100 employees — you know how to operate lean and build smart
• Demonstrated success building or improving operational systems in a scaling business
• Solid P&L exposure with comfort in financial reporting, budgeting, and performance management
• A people leader who develops individuals and teams, not just manages functions

WHO YOU ARE

• A builder — you identify what's missing and go create it without being told
• Exceptionally organized with a reputation for follow-through; when you own something, it gets done
• Collaborative, low-ego, and team-first — you lead by elevating the people around you
• A clear, direct communicator who simplifies complexity and drives alignment
• Energized by ambiguity — you don't wait for the perfect plan to take action
• Motivated by impact, not title — you want to build something and aren't afraid to roll up your sleeves

PAY RANGE AND COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Base Salary: Competitive and commensurate with experience, with a clear commitment to grow as the business grows
• Performance Bonus: KPI-based bonus tied to company and individual performance metrics
• Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• PTO & Flexibility: Generous paid time off and flexible work arrangements
• Seat at the Table: Direct access to ownership and meaningful involvement in the company's future direction

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.