JOB FILLED - Chief Operating Officer

Shape the Future of a Thriving Family Legacy: COO Opportunity at a Walnut Processing Leader

Imagine shaping the future of a thriving, multi-generational business with a rich family history. As the COO of a leading walnut processing company, you'll have the rare opportunity to:

• Lead explosive growth: Guide a company poised to process 100 million pounds of walnuts within the next 4 years, up from 65+ million this year. Drive efficiency and profitability in a state-of-the-art facility.
• Make a real impact: Be the clear successor to the "President of Operations" role in 5 years. Mentor the next generation of leaders and leave a lasting legacy on the company's future.
• Thrive in a unique culture: Be part of a close-knit, family-owned business where your voice is valued. Enjoy strong employee morale, open communication, and a collaborative spirit.
• Embrace sustainability: Contribute to a company committed to eco-friendly practices, including solar power and waste-to-energy solutions. Make a positive difference for the environment.
• Live in a beautiful setting: Work at a cutting-edge facility in Glenn, CA, near the Sacramento River and surrounded by the beauty of the Northern Sacramento Valley. Enjoy an excellent work-life balance.

More than just a job, this is a chance to:

• Leadership: Collaborates with CEO, company leadership team, and BOD to develop and execute strategic plans for business growth and expansion.
• Inherit a modern facility: Lead a team of 115+ employees in a newly built, well-equipped plant with exciting expansion plans.
• Champion innovation: Be part of a team that embraces continuous improvement and explores new business development opportunities.
• Be yourself: Work in a genuine and supportive environment where individuality is celebrated.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plant Operations (40%): Optimize production, maximize efficiency, implement best practices, and ensure safety compliance.
• Team Development (25%): Mentor and coach direct reports, develop leaders, and foster a collaborative team culture.
• Strategic Leadership & Business Development (15%): Partner with leadership to drive growth, identify opportunities, and translate strategy into action.
• Financial Results (10%): Manage budgets, track performance, and ensure financial success.
• Regulatory Compliance (5%): Oversee safety, food safety, and environmental compliance.
• Professional Development (5%): Continuously learn, network, and contribute to the industry.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, operations management, economics, agriculture, or other relevant course of study.
• MBA is strongly preferred, or some combination of relevant graduate level certification programs in general business, leadership, finance & accounting, marketing, organizational development, or other relevant course of study.

Experience:

• 15+ years in manufacturing operations management, with increasing levels of responsibility and scope leading to the director, GM, VP, or COO level.
• Preference for considerable experience in food manufacturing/processing/packing.
• Previous experience as a plant manager with end-to-end operations responsibility is preferred.
• Experience making board of director presentations and building board member relationships.
• Proven track record of developing/mentoring a team of department managers, leading to future advancement.
• Experience managing complex capital construction projects.
• Experience implementing Lean manufacturing or similar continuous improvement initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

• Knowledge of pertinent food industry regulations, i.e., food safety, OSHA, environmental, CA labor law, etc.
• Strong financial acumen required: financial reporting, budgets, financial metrics, data analytics, etc.
• Knowledge in food/commodity sales, sufficient to augment production experience, is preferred.
• Ability to create a high-trust, high-accountability culture across the organization.
• Ability to communicate at basic levels or above in Spanish is a plus.
• Knowledge of innovative technologies emerging out of the food industry.
• Adept at facilitating healthy conflict among peers and direct reports is critical.
• Ability to step into a larger operations leadership role in the future is critical.

Competitive Benefits Package:

Health & Financial:

• Comprehensive medical plan with HSA option and company contributions.
• Generous dental and vision coverage.
• 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan with company match and potential profit sharing.
• Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• Competitive salary and annual bonus program.

Time Off & Wellness:

• Generous paid time off (PTO) accrual, increasing with tenure.
• 7 paid holidays per year.
• Free Employee Assistance Program with confidential counseling and resources.

Additional Perks:

• Life and AD&D insurance.
• Family-friendly work environment.

For full details and eligibility requirements, please refer to the complete Benefits Summary.

If you're a seasoned operations leader who meets our Position Requirement, thrives in a collaborative, family-oriented environment, and you're ready to make a significant impact, we want to hear from you.

You can learn more about us here and in the videos below!