Role Overview for COO (Food & Beverage) – Austin TX
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a dynamic and rapidly expanding Food & Beverage company based in the vibrant culinary hub of Austin, Texas. We are seeking an exceptional and visionary Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead our client’s operational strategy and execution. This is a pivotal executive leadership role, reporting directly to the CEO, responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, scalability, and sustained growth across all business units.
Our client is a disruptor in the F&B sector, known for its innovative products and commitment to quality. The ideal COO will be a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, capable of transforming operational vision into tangible results. You will be instrumental in scaling the business, optimizing processes, enhancing customer experience, and fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of a rapidly evolving brand within one of the most exciting food markets in the nation.
If you are a proven operational leader with a deep passion for the Food & Beverage industry, a track record of driving significant growth and efficiency, and an entrepreneurial spirit, we invite you to consider this extraordinary opportunity in Austin, TX.
Key Responsibilities of COO (Food & Beverage) – Austin TX
The Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for a broad spectrum of critical functions, ensuring seamless execution and strategic alignment across the organization. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Strategic Leadership & Vision Execution
Collaborate closely with the CEO and executive team to define and articulate the company’s strategic vision, translating it into actionable operational plans and ensuring successful execution across all departments. Drive long-term growth initiatives and market expansion strategies.
Operational Excellence & Efficiency
Oversee all operational aspects, including production, manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, distribution, and facilities management. Implement best-in-class operational processes, systems, and technologies to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance productivity while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Financial Performance Management
Take ownership of the operational P&L, developing and managing budgets, forecasts, and financial models. Identify opportunities for cost optimization, revenue enhancement, and margin improvement. Ensure robust financial controls and reporting mechanisms are in place.
Supply Chain Management & Optimization
Lead the end-to-end supply chain strategy, from sourcing and procurement to inventory management and distribution. This includes developing and implementing strategies for efficient sourcing, procurement, logistics, inventory management, and robust vendor relationship management. A critical aspect will be driving sustainable supply chain practices, ensuring ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility, which is increasingly vital for modern food and beverage businesses. For insights into current trends, explore resources on sustainable supply chains in the food and beverage industry.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Provide strong leadership, guidance, and support to departmental heads and managers.
Product Development & Innovation Support
Work closely with R&D and Marketing teams to ensure operational readiness for new product launches. Optimize production processes for new products and contribute operational insights to the product development pipeline based on market trends and production capabilities.
Customer Experience & Quality Assurance
Champion a customer-centric approach, ensuring that all operational processes contribute to an exceptional customer experience. Oversee quality control and assurance programs to maintain the highest standards of product quality and food safety, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations.
Technology & Digital Transformation
Identify, evaluate, and implement new technologies and digital solutions to improve operational efficiency, data analytics, and overall business performance. Drive automation and system integration where beneficial.
Risk Management & Compliance
Develop and implement robust risk management strategies for operations, including contingency planning. Ensure strict adherence to all food safety regulations (FDA, USDA), health codes, labor laws, and other relevant industry standards.
Expansion & Growth Initiatives
Play a critical role in evaluating and executing growth opportunities, including new market entry, facility expansion, and potential mergers or acquisitions from an operational due diligence perspective.
Requirements for the COO (Food & Beverage) – Austin TX
To be successful in this challenging yet rewarding role, candidates should possess a comprehensive blend of experience, skills, and personal attributes:
Extensive Executive Experience
Minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, with at least 5-7 years in a COO or VP of Operations role within the Food & Beverage industry. Experience in both manufacturing/production and consumer-facing aspects (retail, hospitality, CPG) is highly preferred.
Industry Expertise
Deep understanding of the Food & Beverage landscape, including supply chain dynamics, production processes, distribution channels, quality control, food safety regulations, and market trends.
Proven Leadership & Team Building
Demonstrated ability to build, lead, and inspire high-performing, cross-functional teams. Exceptional talent for mentorship, development, and fostering a positive, productive work environment.
Financial Acumen
Strong grasp of financial management principles, including P&L responsibility, budgeting, forecasting, cost analysis, and capital allocation. Ability to make data-driven decisions that impact profitability and growth.
Strategic & Analytical Thinking
Capacity to think strategically, analyze complex problems, and develop innovative, practical solutions. Proven ability to translate strategic vision into operational execution.
Operational Excellence Mindset
A relentless drive for efficiency, continuous improvement, and process optimization (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma methodologies).
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively engage with all levels of the organization, external partners, and stakeholders. Strong negotiation and influencing capabilities.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Adaptability & Resilience
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic, and often ambiguous environment typical of a rapidly growing company.
Location
Must be willing to reside in or relocate to Austin, TX.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client values its executive leadership and offers a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain top talent. This includes:
- A highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience and industry standards.
- Performance-based annual bonus potential, reflecting individual and company success.
- Equity or stock options, providing a direct stake in the company’s growth and success.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family.
- Generous paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick days, and company holidays.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with company matching contributions.
- Relocation assistance package for candidates moving to Austin, TX.
- Opportunities for continuous professional development, executive coaching, and career advancement within a rapidly expanding organization.
- A vibrant, innovative, and collaborative company culture where your contributions are highly valued and make a significant impact.
- The chance to work with a passionate team dedicated to making a difference in the Food & Beverage industry in one of America’s most desirable cities.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary operational leader ready to take on a pivotal role in a thriving Food & Beverage company in Austin, TX, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and why you are the ideal candidate for this COO position. JRG Partners specializes in executive search within the Food & Beverage sector, and we look forward to reviewing your qualifications. Learn more about our specialized executive recruitment services at JRG Partners’ Food & Beverage Executive Search.
