COO

Our client is a fast-growing, innovative technology company at the forefront of transforming an agricultural supply chain. Their mission is to empower communities, enhance livelihoods, and build a more sustainable and equitable value chain through cutting-edge technology and a commitment to ethical practices. They operate a unique platform that connects producers directly with markets, driving efficiency, transparency, and social impact.

They are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead their operational excellence and drive scalable growth. The COO will be a pivotal member of the executive team, responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations, ensuring the seamless execution of our strategic initiatives, and optimizing the entire value chain from sourcing to delivery. This role demands a dynamic leader with a proven track record in building and scaling complex operations, particularly in a tech-enabled environment with significant on-the-ground components.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Strategy & Execution:
  • Develop and implement comprehensive operational strategies that align with the company's overall vision and growth objectives.
  • Oversee the end-to-end operational processes, including supply chain management, logistics, quality control, inventory management, and fulfillment.
  • Drive operational efficiency, cost optimization, and process improvements across all functions.
  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for operational effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Supply Chain & Logistics Management:
  • Lead the optimization and expansion of our supply chain network, ensuring robust and resilient operations from source to customer.
  • Develop and implement best practices in logistics, warehousing, and transportation to minimize costs and maximize speed and reliability.
  • Establish strong relationships with suppliers, logistics partners, and key stakeholders within the value chain.
• Team Leadership & Development:
  • Build, mentor, and lead high-performing operational teams across various functions and geographies.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
  • Attract, retain, and develop top talent within the operations department.
• Technology & Systems Integration:
  • Collaborate closely with the technology team to leverage data and automation for operational efficiency and decision-making.
  • Champion the adoption of new technologies and systems to streamline processes and enhance operational capabilities.
• Quality & Compliance:
  • Ensure the highest standards of quality control throughout the supply chain, from sourcing to delivery.
  • Oversee compliance with all relevant regulations, certifications, and industry best practices (e.g., food safety, sustainability standards).
• Cross-Functional Collaboration:
  • Work closely with other executive leaders (CEO, CPO, CTO, CFO, CMO) to ensure integrated strategies and seamless execution.
  • Represent operations in strategic planning sessions and contribute to overall business development.
• Risk Management:
  • Identify and mitigate operational risks, developing contingency plans to ensure business continuity.

Qualifications:

• Experience:
  • Minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., VP of Operations, COO).
  • Proven track record in building, scaling, and optimizing complex supply chains, ideally in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
  • Experience in a tech-enabled business, particularly one with significant physical logistics and on-the-ground operations (e.g., e-commerce, agritech, food tech, supply chain tech).
  • Experience operating in [mention relevant geographical context, e.g., Southeast Asia, emerging markets] is a strong plus.
• Skills:
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams.
  • Deep understanding of operational best practices, lean methodologies, and supply chain management principles.
  • Proficiency in leveraging technology and data for operational insights and improvements.
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic, ambiguous, and rapidly evolving environment.
  • Strong business acumen and financial literacy.
• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field.
  • MBA or advanced degree is highly preferred.

The Offer:

• The opportunity to make a significant impact on a rapidly growing company with a strong social mission.
• A challenging and rewarding role at the forefront of innovation in agricultural.
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment with a passionate team.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.