Job title: Chief Operating Officer
Job type: Permanent
Emp type: Full-time
Industry: FMCG Fast moving Consumer Goods
Functional Expertise: Supply Chain Management
Salary type: Annual
Salary: negotiable
Location: Italy
Job published: 2024-12-04
Job ID: 35450

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.