CLIENT SUMMARY

Lucky Goat Coffee is a specialty coffee roaster, distributor, wholesaler, and retailer based in Tallahassee, Florida. The company was originally founded in 2005, by 2010, the business expanded into coffee roasting under the Lucky Goat brand, and by 2015, the first of six café locations opened. Today, Lucky Goat serves nearly 1,500 wholesale and retail partners and distributes coffee nationwide. Their mission is to create exceptional coffee experiences for their people, customers, and the community. This commitment is reflected in every aspect of the business, from sourcing high-quality beans to maintaining consistency in roasting and customer service.

In 2022, Tallahassee native Dan Watkins bought the company, leading its continued growth and expansion. As Lucky Goat expands its footprint, the company remains focused on its core values: Constantly Consistent, Clear Communication, Better Together, Innovation Through Curiosity, and Accountability By Actions. With a strong presence throughout the Florida Panhandle and growing franchise opportunities, Lucky Goat Coffee continues to evolve while staying committed to quality, innovation, and community engagement.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Lucky Goat Coffee is looking to hire a Vice President of Operations who will provide strategic leadership and hands-on management to optimize Lucky Goat Coffee’s vertically integrated operations, including roasting, production, distribution, and baking. This role is essential to ensuring operational efficiency, quality, and scalability as the company expands both locally and nationally.

Reporting to the Owner and working alongside the executive team, the VP of Operations will drive growth initiatives, streamline supply chain processes, and implement best practices to enhance productivity and profitability. This individual will also play a critical role in maintaining Lucky Goat’s commitment to craft, quality, and innovation while fostering a strong coffee-centric culture. This position is pivotal in supporting Lucky Goat Coffee’s continued success and long-term vision.

POSITION KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operational Leadership
• Oversee daily operations across roasting, production, distribution, baking, and equipment service.
• Manage supply chain, inventory, and procurement to ensure efficiency and cost control.
• Optimize distribution logistics, including DSD, LTL, and e-commerce fulfillment.
• Financial & Strategic Oversight
• Develop and manage budgets, monitor KPIs, and drive cost efficiencies.
• Implement operational strategies to support growth and scalability.
• Leadership & Growth
• Lead and mentor a team of 30+ professionals, fostering accountability and development.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align operations with company vision.
• Spend ~50% of time in facilities to ensure hands-on oversight.
• Identify opportunities for innovation and operational expansion.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE NEEDED

• Bachelor’s degree preferred; ideally in business
• Extensive Specialty Coffee experience required
• Experience in Green Coffee Buying, Roasting, and Coffee Development
• 10+ years of managerial and operations experience, with a focus on manufacturing and distribution.
• Strong understanding of business operations with an entrepreneurial mindset.
• Proven ability to manage multi-function supply chains, lean manufacturing, and distribution.
• Excellent leadership skills with the ability to effectively manage and develop a multidisciplinary team.
• Strategic thinker with experience in goal deployment, planning, and organizational development.
• Executive-level communication and influencing skills.
• Ability to resolve issues, build consensus, and navigate complex negotiations.
• Analytical problem-solving skills with attention to detail and follow-through.
• Experience in process creation and implementation, with openness to new perspectives.
• Passion for the coffee industry and commitment to maintaining company values.
• Integrity, respect, and a strong sense of responsibility in all aspects of leadership.
• Must be willing to permanently reside in Tallahassee, Florida.