Chief Operating Officer (Manufacturing)

A BOUT OUR CLIENT

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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.

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A BOUT THE ROLE

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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.

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R ESPONSIBILITIES

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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  

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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  

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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  

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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  

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EO 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  

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Q UALIFICATIONS

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• 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  

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W HO YOU ARE

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• 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  

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P AY RANGE AND COMPENSATION PACKAGE

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• 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  

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E QUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

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