Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer

Rochester, NY

JK Executive Strategies has partnered with a growing technology solutions provider in search of a Chief Operating Officer to join its executive leadership team.

Our client specializes in network infrastructure, data center solutions, hardware distribution, and professional services. As the business has grown and evolved, it is strengthening its operational systems and processes to support continued growth.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operating Officer will lead the redesign and execution of the company’s internal operations. This hands-on leader will assess current workflows, identify inefficiencies, and build scalable processes across order management, purchasing, inventory, warehousing, logistics, sales administration, and professional services. The COO will combine strategic thinking with direct involvement in systems, data, and implementation.

As a member of the leadership team, the COO will work closely with Finance, Sales, Engineering, and Operations to improve coordination, develop employees, and establish clear accountability. The role offers the autonomy to introduce new ways of working, apply AI and automation, and deliver measurable operational improvements. This position is on-site in the Rochester, New York area, five days per week.

Responsibilities

• Assess existing workflows, systems, and processes; identify bottlenecks, redundant work, and gaps in accountability; and establish a prioritized roadmap for improvement.
• Design, document, implement, and own standardized business processes that improve efficiency, accuracy, and capacity as the company grows.
• Establish operational KPIs, reporting, ownership, and performance standards to measure results and guide continuous improvement.
• Lead NetSuite optimization, workflow development, and operational reporting in collaboration with the employees responsible for accounting and inventory.
• Identify and implement AI, automation, and systems integrations that reduce manual entry, duplicate work, and disconnected processes, with measurable operational benefits.
• Oversee the order lifecycle from sales handoff through purchasing, fulfillment, and invoicing, improving visibility and coordination across departments.
• Strengthen inventory management, demand forecasting, replenishment, warehouse operations, logistics, and order accuracy while implementing controls that protect working capital.
• Build scalable professional services processes for project intake, scoping, scheduling, resource allocation, and delivery; track project status, resource utilization, and profitability.
• Standardize technical services, testing, configuration, and engineering workflows in partnership with Engineering, Sales, and Operations.
• Lead and develop the operations team, including warehouse and sales administration employees; clarify roles, responsibilities, and expectations; and identify organizational gaps.
• Build trust across all levels of the organization, guide employees through process and systems changes, and support adoption of new tools and ways of working.
• Deliver an operational audit, initial KPIs, an improvement roadmap, and early improvements within the first 90 days; advance workflow redesign and automation over the following months to establish repeatable, scalable operations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Information Technology, Information Systems, Supply Chain Management, or a related field required.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in operations management, business process improvement, or a related field, including people leadership.
• Hands-on NetSuite experience implementing, configuring, optimizing, administering, or managing operational processes within the ERP system.
• Demonstrated experience deploying AI tools, automation, or systems integrations that improve business operations, with proficiency in applying AI and automation to operational challenges.
• Proven ability to design and implement business processes and lead organizational change, including driving adoption of new systems and workflows.
• Experience with order management, inventory, procurement, warehouse operations, fulfillment, and workflows that connect multiple departments.
• Experience managing and developing small teams across functions, establishing accountability, and working effectively with employees at all levels.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to prioritize improvements and work directly in systems, data, and operational details.
• A hands-on approach, initiative, and the ability to build trust, challenge established practices, and execute without a fully defined roadmap.
• Experience in technology distribution, telecommunications, hardware distribution, IT operations, data centers, network equipment, systems integration, professional services, or another inventory-intensive business is strongly preferred.
• Previous COO experience is not required; demonstrated experience building or scaling operations and managing people is important.
• Ability to work on-site in the Rochester, New York area, five days per week, with occasional travel for conferences or customer meetings.

Salary Range

• $165,000–$185,000, plus a 25% bonus tied to KPIs.

JK Executive Strategies is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It is the policy of JK Executive Strategies to provide equal opportunity in employment and conditions of employment to all individuals regardless of age, race, color, religious beliefs, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, veteran or military status, disability, pregnancy-related condition, predisposing genetic characteristics, genetic information, marital status, familial status, prior arrest, domestic violence victim status, non-job related convictions, participation in lawful activities outside of our workplace, or any other status protected by law.