Chief Operations Officer

Job Description

Job Description

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