COO

Kinsa is recruiting for a:
Chief Operating Officer (COO) - Food & Beverage Manufacturing

Location:
Greater Los Angeles Area / Southern California Region - Onsite

Our client is a privately held, fast-growing food & beverage manufacturer specializing in rice, grains, and other shelf-stable consumer products. With a global supply chain and multiple U.S. production facilities, the company is preparing for its next phase of expansion and is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead all operational, supply chain, and manufacturing functions.

Reporting directly to the President/CEO, the COO will oversee U.S. operations-including production, engineering, quality, procurement, logistics, and end-to-end supply chain performance. This role will also play a critical part in strengthening large-scale import programs, international sourcing workflows, and cross-border logistics to support continued growth.

Successful candidates MUST HAVE 10+ years of senior operations leadership in food or beverage manufacturing, including experience managing multi-site facilities, large import-driven supply chains, and continuous improvement efforts within high-growth environments.

Compensation/Benefits:

• $250,000+ flexible base salary (commensurate with experience)
• 20-25% target annual bonus
• Long-Term Incentive (LTI) program with 3 year vesting
• Comprehensive executive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, STD/LTD
• 401(k) with company match; paid vacation and holidays
• Relocation assistance considered for qualified candidates

Key Responsibilities and Goals:

• Build and execute operational strategies to expand capacity, improve efficiency, and support growth toward $1B+ revenue
• Oversee all U.S. manufacturing operations: production, engineering, quality, procurement, and supply chain
• Lead end-to-end supply chain, including global sourcing, large-volume importing, customs, documentation, logistics, and distribution
• Strengthen food safety, quality assurance, and plant performance across multiple facilities
• Partner with Finance on operational budgets, cost optimization, capital planning, and KPI-driven decision-making
• Drive Lean, CI, and standardization initiatives to reduce waste and improve throughput
• Develop and mentor high-performing teams across operations, quality, procurement, and supply chain
• Collaborate regularly with global teams and international partners to ensure seamless operational alignment
• Implement technology, ERP tools (e.g., SAP), automation, and data analytics to improve visibility and forecasting
• Strengthen risk management, compliance, import/export governance, and business continuity processes

Competencies Needed for Success:

• 10+ years of progressive leadership in food or beverage manufacturing (multi-plant preferred)
• Experience supporting or scaling operations near or above $1B revenue
• Strong import/export knowledge, global supply chain oversight, and cross-border operations experience
• Deep expertise in manufacturing, production efficiency, quality systems, and Lean/CI
• Strong financial acumen with proven ability to manage budgets, capital projects, and cost optimization
• Experience implementing automation, ERP systems, and digital tools (SAP experience a plus)
• Collaborative, strategic, and comfortable operating in multicultural, global business environments
• Bachelor's degree required; MBA strongly preferred
• Must be permanently authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship

Referrals are our best source for the top talent our clients need.
If you know someone with these qualifications in the food and beverage industry, please share this opportunity or send their contact information our way. Kinsa offers referral bonuses for successful placements!

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Recruiter Information:
Stephanie Mattice