Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm in Los Angeles, CA

Are you a strategic operations leader passionate about sustainable agriculture and organic food systems? We are looking for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join a mission-driven organic produce firm based in Los Angeles, CA. This is a rare opportunity to oversee end-to-end operations in a high-growth, environmentally conscious business. If you thrive in fast-paced, purpose-driven environments and excel at scaling supply chain, logistics, and team performance, this role is for you.

Shape the Future of Organic Food in Los Angeles

An industry-leading organic produce company in Los Angeles, CA is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to optimize and elevate its operations. The ideal candidate will bring deep experience in fresh produce, food distribution, or CPG operations, along with a passion for sustainability and quality. If you’re a hands-on leader with a vision for operational excellence, supply chain innovation, and sustainable growth, this is your opportunity to help redefine healthy living—one organic product at a time.

Key Responsibilities of the Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm

Strategic Operations Leadership:
Develop and execute a comprehensive operational strategy that aligns with the mission of sustainability and organic excellence. The Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm will drive process improvements, set performance benchmarks, and ensure operational scalability to support long-term growth.

Supply Chain Optimization & Logistics Management:
Oversee the full lifecycle of supply chain operations—from farm to shelf—ensuring efficient sourcing, transportation, inventory control, and distribution. Leverage data and industry best practices to streamline logistics, reduce waste, and maintain product freshness and integrity.

Quality Control & Compliance:
Ensure all operations comply with USDA organic certification standards and food safety regulations. The Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm will lead quality assurance initiatives, manage risk, and uphold the highest standards of health, safety, and environmental responsibility.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Coordinate with key departments including sales, procurement, marketing, and finance to foster alignment on company goals. Build strong internal partnerships that support a high-performance culture and seamless execution across the organization.

Financial & Operational Efficiency:
Identify cost-saving measures while enhancing output and quality. The COO will manage budgeting and resource allocation to ensure the operational side of the business supports healthy margins and efficient production cycles.

Team Leadership & Talent Development:
Lead and mentor operations and production teams, promoting a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and sustainability. The Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm will be instrumental in attracting and retaining top talent in operations and supply chain roles.

Technology & Innovation Integration:
Implement modern technologies and automation tools to improve operational workflows and reporting accuracy. Embrace agricultural tech solutions that support transparency, traceability, and sustainability in produce management.

Customer Experience & Fulfillment:
Ensure timely delivery of high-quality organic produce to retail and wholesale customers. Focus on improving fulfillment speed, order accuracy, and customer satisfaction to strengthen brand reputation and loyalty.

Sustainability & Environmental Stewardship:
Drive initiatives that reduce the environmental footprint of operations. Collaborate with farming partners and suppliers to enhance eco-friendly practices, packaging alternatives, and waste reduction strategies.

Vendor & Partner Relations:
Manage relationships with farmers, logistics providers, and supply partners. The Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm will negotiate contracts, evaluate vendor performance, and ensure consistent product availability and quality.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm, the client seeks an experienced operational leader with a passion for sustainability, supply chain excellence, and team development. You should be a hands-on executive who thrives in dynamic environments and can translate strategic vision into seamless, high-performance execution.

Proven Experience in Organic or Perishable Goods Operations
The ideal Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm will have a strong background in the food, agriculture, or perishable goods sectors. You should bring demonstrated success in managing complex supply chains, enhancing logistics performance, and overseeing the lifecycle of fresh product operations. Familiarity with organic certification standards and farm-to-table business models is highly preferred.

Operational Strategist with a Sustainable Mindset
The client is seeking a COO who can create long-term operational strategies that are both scalable and environmentally conscious. You should have the ability to balance growth with sustainability, implementing initiatives that increase efficiency while reducing waste and environmental impact.

Data-Driven Decision Maker with Financial Discipline
A strong command of operational analytics, cost management, and budget control is critical. As the Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm, you’ll be expected to make informed decisions based on key performance indicators, streamline resource utilization, and maintain profitability across departments.

Experienced Leader of Cross-Functional Teams
The client values a COO who can unite production, logistics, quality assurance, and customer fulfillment teams under a shared mission. You must demonstrate a history of hiring and developing high-performing teams, fostering a culture of accountability, communication, and continuous improvement.

Adaptable and Consumer-Focused Operator
In the fast-evolving organic food market, adaptability is essential. The right candidate will have a consumer-first mindset, staying in tune with trends in healthy eating, local sourcing, and ethical production. Your ability to align operations with consumer expectations will be vital in delivering exceptional customer experiences.

Expertise in Compliance, Safety, and Quality
The Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm must have in-depth knowledge of industry regulations, food safety protocols, and organic certifications. You’ll be responsible for ensuring consistent product quality and strict adherence to all compliance standards.

Collaborative Leader with Strong Stakeholder Skills
Whether working with farmers, retailers, or internal teams, the client seeks a COO who can build strong relationships and inspire trust. Experience managing vendor partnerships, securing supply chain stability, and engaging with executive leadership and investors is highly valued.

FAQs About the Role – Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm?
As the Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm, you will be responsible for overseeing daily operations, optimizing the supply chain, ensuring quality control, and managing vendor relationships. You will also lead cross-functional teams, streamline logistics, and uphold compliance with organic certification and food safety standards. Your role will be instrumental in improving operational efficiency while supporting the company’s mission of sustainability and growth.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate for Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm should have extensive experience in operations management within the food, agriculture, or fresh produce industry. A solid track record in supply chain optimization, team leadership, financial oversight, and sustainable practices is essential. Experience with USDA organic certification, perishable goods handling, and food distribution systems is highly desirable. An MBA or relevant advanced degree is preferred but not required.

3. What leadership qualities are important for success in this role?
The client is looking for a hands-on, strategic leader who thrives in fast-paced environments. As the Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm, you must demonstrate strong decision-making skills, team-building abilities, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Adaptability, operational discipline, and a deep commitment to sustainability and product integrity are critical.

4. What challenges might I face in this position?
This role may present challenges such as managing perishable inventory, navigating complex logistics, ensuring regulatory compliance, and adapting to seasonal demand shifts. As the Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm, you will need to address operational bottlenecks, mitigate risks in the supply chain, and drive innovation while maintaining the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

5. What kind of impact is expected from the Chief Operating Officer?
You are expected to play a key role in scaling operations, reducing costs, and enhancing delivery efficiency. The Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm will directly influence product availability, customer satisfaction, and profitability. Your efforts will also support the company’s long-term goals in organic market leadership and environmental stewardship.

6. What is the company culture like?
The firm embraces a purpose-driven, collaborative culture focused on health, sustainability, and innovation. As the Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm, you’ll join a team committed to making a positive impact through environmentally responsible practices and high-quality organic offerings. The environment is fast-moving and team-oriented, with strong emphasis on continuous improvement and mission alignment.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm in Los Angeles, CA, you can expect a competitive and well-rounded compensation package designed to attract experienced, mission-driven operational leaders. This role balances strong financial rewards with the opportunity to make a lasting impact in a purpose-led, sustainability-focused business.

1. Base Salary
The base salary for a Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm typically ranges from $200,000 to $350,000 annually, depending on the size and maturity of the company, as well as the candidate’s experience in operations, supply chain, and fresh produce management. Larger or more established firms may offer even higher base pay for top-tier talent.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses
Most compensation packages for COOs include performance-based bonuses tied to key operational metrics such as supply chain efficiency, cost savings, delivery accuracy, and revenue contribution. These bonuses often range from 20% to 50% of the base salary and reward strong leadership and business impact.

3. Equity or Profit-Sharing Incentives
In line with leadership roles in high-growth organic businesses, the Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm may be eligible for equity ownership or profit-sharing programs. This aligns your contributions with the company’s long-term success and offers wealth-building potential through equity appreciation or shared profits.

4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)
Many firms in the sustainable agriculture or organic sector provide LTIPs that reward operational leaders for long-term performance. These plans may include multi-year bonus structures or milestone-based incentives linked to company growth, customer satisfaction, or operational excellence.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks
As a senior executive, the Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm will also receive a suite of executive benefits, which may include:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plans or pension contributions
Wellness and sustainability stipends
Company-paid travel or vehicle allowances
Access to company-owned organic food programs
Expense accounts for supply chain travel, industry events, or vendor engagement

6. Signing Bonuses & Relocation Support
For highly qualified candidates relocating to Los Angeles or transitioning from a similar leadership role, the firm may offer a signing bonus or relocation assistance, ranging from $25,000 to $100,000, based on negotiation and overall fit.

Total Compensation Potential

When combining base salary, bonuses, equity or profit-sharing, and executive perks, the total annual compensation for a Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm can range from $300,000 to $600,000 or more, particularly in fast-growing or investor-backed companies committed to scaling sustainably.

How to Apply

If you are an operations-focused leader with a passion for sustainability, supply chain excellence, and team development, we invite you to apply for the role of Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm in Los Angeles, CA. This is a unique opportunity to drive impact in a mission-driven organization at the forefront of organic food innovation and distribution.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience in operations management, supply chain optimization, team leadership, food safety compliance, and financial oversight. Be sure to highlight your ability to lead high-performing teams, scale sustainable operations, and navigate the challenges of managing perishable goods within an organic framework.

This position offers a career-defining leadership opportunity to play a vital role in scaling a purpose-driven company, enhancing operational excellence, and delivering high-quality organic produce to communities. Apply now to advance your executive journey as a Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm in Los Angeles!

For more information or to explore additional leadership opportunities in food and agriculture, visit our Natural & Organic Food industry recruiters Page.

Job Category: Natural & Organic Food industry

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Los Angeles

Chief Operating Officer with an Organic Produce Firm in Los Angeles, CA