Position Summary
A well-established and growing agriculture company in Kern County is seeking a strategic and results-driven Chief Operating Officer (COO) to partner closely with the executive leadership team in driving operational excellence, long-term growth, and organizational performance. This individual will be responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations across multiple business functions while developing and executing strategies that improve efficiency, profitability, and scalability.
The ideal candidate is an experienced operational leader who thrives in a fast-paced agricultural environment and has a proven ability to lead teams, improve processes, and support company growth initiatives. This role requires both strategic vision and the ability to execute, with a strong focus on accountability, continuous improvement, and building high-performing teams.
Essential Responsibilities
- Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute the company's long-term strategic plan.
- Lead daily operations across multiple departments to ensure efficiency, productivity, and operational excellence.
- Develop and implement operational strategies that support continued company growth and profitability.
- Build, mentor, and develop leadership teams while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
- Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and utilize data to drive operational decision-making.
- Evaluate existing processes and implement improvements that increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall performance.
- Collaborate with finance on budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, and operational financial performance.
- Oversee resource planning, staffing, and organizational structure to support business objectives.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable safety, environmental, labor, and agricultural regulations.
- Partner with department leaders to identify risks, solve complex operational challenges, and implement scalable solutions.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives and special projects that support strategic growth.
- Represent the company with customers, vendors, industry partners, and other key stakeholders as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Agriculture, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred. MBA is a plus.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive operational leadership experience, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Previous experience within agriculture, food production, farming, packing, manufacturing, or a related industry is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success leading multi-site or complex operational organizations.
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and operational P&L management.
- Experience driving organizational growth, process improvements, and change management initiatives.
- Proven ability to develop leaders and build high-performing teams.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a data-driven approach.
- High level of integrity, professionalism, and executive presence.
Preferred Experience
- Agriculture production, farming, packing, processing, or vertically integrated agricultural operations.
- Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
- ERP systems and operational reporting.
- Capital project planning and execution.
- Multi-location operational leadership.
- Strategic planning and organizational development.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive executive compensation package
- Performance-based bonus opportunity
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid Time Off and company holidays
- Executive leadership opportunity with significant influence on the future growth and direction of the organization