Pete Pappas & Sons, Inc. is a fourth-generation, family-owned grower, packer, shipper, and distributor of premium produce with more than 80 years of history. What began with a pushcart in 1901 has grown into a dynamic, vertically integrated operation serving retail and foodservice customers across the Mid-Atlantic. Today, we operate a 120,000-square-foot facility in Jessup, Maryland. We remain deeply committed to customer service, sustainability, and continuous improvement.
We are proud of our legacy—but even more excited about our future.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the overall operational leadership of the organization. The COO drives execution of company strategy across all operational functions—including production, warehouse, transportation, quality, safety, and continuous improvement—while ensuring alignment with the company’s long-term vision, financial objectives, and growth plans.
Reporting directly to the President and working closely with Ownership and the executive leadership team, the COO translates strategy into action, builds scalable operating systems, and ensures disciplined execution, accountability, and performance across the enterprise.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Enterprise Operational Leadership
- Provide executive oversight of all day‑to‑day operations, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and scalability across the organization.
- Establish and lead an integrated operating model that aligns people, processes, and systems with company objectives.
- Drive operational excellence through standardization, performance metrics, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Strategy Execution & Business Planning
- Partner with the President and executive team to develop and execute company strategy, annual operating plans, and long‑range growth initiatives.
- Translate high‑level strategic goals into actionable operational plans with clear ownership, timelines, and accountability.
- Monitor performance against strategic objectives and adjust operating plans based on data, market conditions, and business needs.
- Provide clear, concise operational reporting and insights to support executive decision‑making.
- Collaborate cross‑functionally to align operations with sales, finance, HR, and customer requirements
Financial & P&L Accountability
- Share accountability for company financial performance, including cost management, margin improvement, and operational ROI.
- Oversee operational budgets, forecasts, capital planning, and cost‑control initiatives.
- Use data, KPIs, and business intelligence to drive informed decision‑making and profitability.
Leadership, Culture & Talent Development
- Build, mentor, and lead a high‑performing senior operations leadership team.
- Ensure strong succession planning, leadership development, and organizational bench strength.
- Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, safety, and engagement at all levels of the organization.
Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory, food safety, quality, transportation, and workplace safety requirements.
- Establish operational controls, policies, and best practices that mitigate risk and support sustainable growth.
- Serve as an executive steward of company values, ethics, and operational integrity.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS
· Bachelor’s degree in Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or related field required; Master’s degree (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
· Minimum of 12–15 years of progressive executive leadership experience leading complex, multi‑site or multi‑function operations.
· Proven experience translating strategy into execution with measurable business results.
· Strong financial acumen, including experience managing large budgets and operational P&L impact.
· Demonstrated success leading large teams, building leadership capability, and driving cultural change.
· Exceptional strategic thinking, decision‑making, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
· Advanced analytical, problem‑solving, and change‑management capabilities.
· Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Working conditions are normal for an office and refrigerated warehouse environment. Work may require occasional driving for conferences or training sessions. Employee may have to lift, carry, and move boxes and cartons up to 50 lbs.