Job Description

Alcott Global is retained by an international FMCG company to search for a Chief Operating Officer. 

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will be a key member of the leadership team and the Board of Directors, with responsibility for overseeing all aspects of operations, including manufacturing plants in Europe. This hands-on role will drive operational excellence across manufacturing, engineering, quality, safety, and environmental compliance while ensuring efficiency and alignment with the company’s strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee complex operations across two plants, serving a large number of clients in the food sector, managing manufacturing, quality, safety, environmental compliance, supply chain, and distribution.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the company’s long-term goals, balancing day-to-day operations with strategic growth initiatives.
• Manage the operations budget, identify cost-saving opportunities, and oversee the continuous improvement of key performance indicators (KPIs) to optimize plant and supply chain performance.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with food safety and industry standards, particularly in the food preparation sector.
• Lead efforts in product development, working to integrate new techniques, ingredients, and processes to enhance the product portfolio.
• Optimize working capital and improve cash flow across the organization, ensuring that financial resources are deployed efficiently.
• Build, develop, and lead a high-performing operations team, mentoring and coaching employees to maximize their potential and improve team dynamics.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks, including supply chain disruptions, regulatory changes, and other unforeseen challenges, developing contingency plans when necessary.

Qualifications:

• 15+ years of experience in international supply chain management and industrial roles, with a strong focus on upstream operations including Manufacturing, Engineering, Safety, Quality, Environmental Compliance, and Planning.
• Strong food and beverage background
• Proven track record in Operational Excellence with expertise in the implementation of methodologies such as IWS (Integrated Work Systems), driving process improvements and performance optimization.
• Extensive international and cross-cultural management experience, leading diverse teams across multiple geographies and cultures, fostering collaboration, and achieving business objectives.
• Strong financial understanding, including P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow management, with hands-on experience as part of a Business Leadership Team at a country or regional level.
• Intermediate experience in a family-owned, private equity-backed, or less structured company compared to a developed multinational environment.
• Strong international exposure.
• Fluent in Italian and English.

Leadership & Management Behavioral Competencies:

• Transformational leader with a hands-on approach, focused on driving performance and delivering exceptional results.
• Agile and adaptive, able to pivot without losing sight of the endgame while consistently seeking innovative solutions.
• People person, inspiring and empowering teams to foster a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Positive thinker and energy giver, building strong relationships and motivating others to achieve shared goals.
• Team player, adept at collaborating across diverse teams and environments, investing in talent development, mentoring, and coaching to maximize potential.
• Strategic mindset, able to respond to changing circumstances while maintaining a clear vision.