COO

Northern NJ

200 - 300K DOE

Full Time, Onsite

Overview

We are seeking a driven, hands-on Chief Operating Officer to oversee the full operations of a fast-paced food manufacturing & Distribution company with over 150 employees. The COO will report directly to the CEO & the VP of Operations and will serve as the execution backbone of the company — unifying teams, driving accountability, and scaling operational performance.

This is not a training role — we need a plug-and-play leader who can hit the ground running with full ownership and deliver immediate impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Plant Operations: Oversee daily plant operations, including production, procurement, machinery, maintenance, distribution, and cost control.

• Staff Oversight: Directly manage a workforce of 140+, ensuring team performance across maintenance, operations, and administration.

• Establish & Enforce KPIs: Build a culture of discipline and accountability, ensuring every team hits their metrics.

• Drive Efficiency: Identify bottlenecks and drive cost-effective process improvements across the board.

• Strategic Liaison: Serve as the operational right hand to the CEO, translating leadership vision into actionable execution.

• Site Management: Maintain a strong, physical presence on the floor — hands-on leadership is non-negotiable.

What We’re Looking For

• Must-Have: Prior experience as a COO or Director of Operations in a manufacturing setting.

• Preferred: Food industry experience; dairy manufacturing is a strong plus.

• Leadership: Not just a problem solver — a “drill sergeant” who inspires results, holds teams accountable, and leads with authority.

• Execution: Track record of scaling operations, enforcing structure, and driving sustained performance.

• Personality: Tough but fair, direct but collaborative. You lead with presence and follow through relentlessly.

Email: Baila@maiplacement.com