Chief Operating Officer

CLIENT OVERVIEWOur client is a well-respected, family-owned gourmet food retailer selling fresh seafoods, meats & cheeses, premium prepared foods, wine, and private-label products across a handful of locations in New York and Connecticut. They are widely recognized for the quality of their fresh goods and best-in-class curated assortment of goods.THE ROLEThe COO will serve as the key business partner to the founder/CEO and the family board and will be responsible for leading and elevating all business operations - retail stores, commissary/food production, distribution & logistics, marketing & branding, HR, IT, and Finance.The COO will act as the enterprise integrator - translating strategy into execution and aligning structure, talent, and processes to deliver sustained, profitable growth. This mandate is to institutionalize operating excellence by building the systems, structure, and management discipline necessary for long-term performance while preserving the brand's quality standards and reputation for excellence.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO BE CONSIDEREDExperience working in fresh food retail operations required.15+ years of operational leadership in privately-held, multi-location food retail and/or distribution.Demonstrated success partnering directly with a founder or CEO in scaling and professionalizing a growth-stage organization.Proven experience integrating retail operations, supply chain/distribution, production environments, and corporate functions.Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, capital allocation and margin management.Track record of improving operational discipline in a brand-driven organization.