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Chief Operating Officer Food Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Feeding America

Chief Operating Officer

Roseville, CA · On-site

$200 - $250/hr

The COO provides leadership and oversight across food sourcing, warehousing, transportation, inventory management, agency relations, volunteer repack operations, facilities, food safety, and program ...

Leap Brands

Chief Operating Officer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$250/hr

Chief Operating Officer (COO) Industry: * Quick Service Restaurant | Pizzeria Platform Backed By ... food cost, margin expansion, and unit-level profitability Build and scale a high-performance ...

Solar Mason

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Scranton, PA · On-site +1

The COO will be a key member of our senior management team, reporting only to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). You'll have to maintain control of diverse business operations, requiring efficiency ...

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Chief Operating Officer Food information

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$41.5K

$151.2K

$269.5K

How much do chief operating officer food jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for chief operating officer food in the United States is $151,203.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $185,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a chief operating officer in the food industry do?

A Chief Operating Officer (COO) in the food industry oversees the day-to-day operations of a food company, ensuring that processes run smoothly and efficiently. They are responsible for managing production, quality control, supply chain logistics, and compliance with food safety regulations. COOs work closely with other executives to develop and implement strategies that drive growth and profitability. Their role is critical in maintaining high standards of service and product quality in a competitive industry.

How does a chief operating officer in the food industry typically interact with other departments to drive operational efficiency?

A Chief Operating Officer (COO) in the food industry works closely with department heads across production, quality assurance, supply chain, and sales to ensure seamless operations. Collaboration is essential, as the COO often leads cross-functional meetings to align objectives, address bottlenecks, and implement process improvements. This role frequently involves coordinating with procurement teams to manage costs, working with R&D to support new product launches, and ensuring compliance with food safety standards. Effective communication and leadership skills are key, as the COO must balance strategic planning with hands-on problem-solving to optimize the entire operation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a chief operating officer in the food industry, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Chief Operating Officer in the food industry, you need extensive experience in operations management, supply chain optimization, and a relevant degree such as business administration or food science. Familiarity with ERP systems, food safety regulations, and certifications like HACCP are typically essential. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills set exceptional COOs apart. These competencies are critical to ensure operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and sustainable business growth in a competitive market.

What is the difference between Chief Operating Officer Food vs Food Operations Manager?

AspectChief Operating Officer FoodFood Operations Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees overall company strategy, high-level decision-making, and operational leadership across multiple departmentsManages daily food service operations, staff, and quality control within a specific location or region
Required CredentialsTypically requires extensive experience in food industry leadership, often a degree in business or related field, and executive-level certificationsUsually requires experience in food service management, culinary background, and relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentCorporate offices, executive meetings, strategic planning sessionsRestaurants, cafeterias, food production facilities, and on-site management

The Chief Operating Officer Food focuses on strategic, high-level leadership across the organization, while the Food Operations Manager handles daily operational tasks at specific locations. Both roles require industry experience, but the COO operates at an executive level with broader responsibilities.

More about Chief Operating Officer Food jobs

What cities are hiring for Chief Operating Officer Food jobs?

Cities with the most Chief Operating Officer Food job openings:

What states have the most Chief Operating Officer Food jobs?

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What job categories do people searching Chief Operating Officer Food jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Chief Operating Officer Food jobs are:

Chief Operating Officer Food jobs near you
Infographic showing various Chief Operating Officer Food job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, and 30% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,203 per year, or $72.7 per hour.

Chief Operating Officer

Alpha Executive Search

Denver, CO • On-site

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Chief Operating Officer | Food Manufacturing


We are partnering with a high-growth food manufacturer to identify a hands-on Chief Operating Officer who can help lead the organization through its next stage of growth and operational scale.


This is an opportunity for an accomplished food manufacturing executive who has actually scaled a business and understands what happens when rapid growth requires the organization, leadership team, processes and infrastructure to evolve with it.


This is not a sit-back executive role.


We are looking for someone who can operate strategically alongside the CEO and executive leadership team while remaining close to the plants, the people and the day-to-day operation.


The Opportunity


The COO will lead the operational organization across:

  • Manufacturing & Production
  • Supply Chain & Procurement
  • Plant Engineering
  • Quality & Food Safety
  • Sanitation
  • Planning
  • Logistics & Distribution
  • Continuous Improvement


This leader will be responsible for strengthening operational infrastructure, improving execution, building accountability, and developing the organization needed to support continued growth.


What We're Looking For


The strongest candidates will bring:

  • 18+ years of progressive leadership experience within food manufacturing
  • Current or previous COO, EVP, SVP, or comparable executive-level operational leadership
  • Proven experience scaling a growing food manufacturing organization through significant growth
  • Leadership of high-volume, complex manufacturing operations
  • Broad operational responsibility beyond manufacturing alone
  • Strong P&L and financial acumen, including margins, labor, waste, yields, productivity, capital ROI and working capital
  • Experience building, assessing and developing senior operational leadership teams
  • Demonstrated success improving operational KPIs, accountability and execution
  • Strong understanding of food safety, quality, sanitation, engineering and supply chain
  • Experience driving continuous improvement, labor efficiency, cost management and process optimization
  • Ability to balance entrepreneurial speed with operational discipline
  • A hands-on leadership style and willingness to spend meaningful time in manufacturing facilities
  • Strong executive presence with a direct, approachable and low-ego leadership style


Commercial bakery experience is strongly preferred, but accomplished executives from other high-volume food manufacturing environments will be considered.


Who Will Thrive Here


You have helped a growing food business become a larger, more sophisticated organization.

You understand how to introduce the right processes, systems and accountability without creating unnecessary bureaucracy or slowing down the entrepreneurial culture.


You know how to assess an organization, determine whether the right leaders are in the right seats and build stronger teams where needed.


You understand the numbers, but you also understand that operational performance happens on the plant floor.


You are comfortable challenging the CEO and executive leadership team when appropriate, and equally comfortable aligning behind a decision and driving execution.


Most importantly, you have experienced growth firsthand and know how to build an operation capable of supporting what comes next.

Apply