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.