COO

Overview:

Let's be honest about what this job actually is

This isn't a title you get to sit back and enjoy. It's a role for someone who wants to be in the warehouse and in the boardroom, on a sales call and fixing a routing problem, all before lunch.

Our client is a growing importer and distributor in the foodservice industry, and needs someone who can build the structure this company needs to scale — without losing the hands-on hustle that got them there.

If you're the kind of leader who says "I'll handle it" and actually means it, keep reading.

What you'll actually be doing

Running the operation, day in and day out

You'll own daily operations at our Miami headquarters — warehouse, routing, purchasing, deliveries, inventory, fulfillment, all of it. When something's inefficient, you're the one who fixes it. When departments aren't talking to each other, you're the one who makes sure they do.

Growing the business, not just maintaining it

This isn't a pure operations role. You'll be in the mix with sales too — building relationships with key accounts, spotting opportunities for growth, helping with pricing and negotiations. You understand that operations and revenue aren't separate conversations.

Being the person customers and vendors can count on

When something goes wrong — and in distribution, something always eventually goes wrong — you're the one who steps in, solves it, and keeps the relationship intact.

Building a team that actually executes

You'll manage office, warehouse, and operational staff, and you'll hold people accountable in a way that's fair but real. You don't let things slide because it's easier in the moment.

Working directly with ownership

You'll work closely with leadership and the PE firm about what is happening today and to shape what the next phase of this company looks like. This is a seat at the table, not a title on an org chart.

What you need to bring

• Fluency in English and Spanish — this one's non-negotiable
• A track record of leading teams and managing multiple departments at once
• A sales-driven mindset paired with real operational chops
• Experience managing a P&L, creating budgets, and a strong understanding of labor, margins, and cash flow, and how they affect the business
• Comfort being on the warehouse floor interacting with employees at all levels not just in a corner office
• Strong problem-solving skills and the organizational instincts to back them up
• Knowledge of purchasing, inventory, and working with suppliers
• Experience in foodservice distribution highly preferred but open to similar industries
• The ability to work independently and own your results, good or bad
• Solid Excel and general computer skills — you don't need to be an IT wizard, but you can't be afraid of a spreadsheet

What you'll get

• $180,000–$210,000 base, depending on experience
• 30-50% EBITDA based bonus opportunity
• Equity grant
• Paid time off
• A real leadership role in a company
• And most important, a path to the CEO seat. This is not a given, but if you perform it is your job to lose

One more thing

If you're looking for a role where you show up, do your one job, and go home, this isn't it. But if you want to help build something and you're not afraid of the mess that comes with growth, let's talk.