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Chief Operating Officer Food Jobs in Missouri (NOW HIRING)

The role of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Saint Luke's Central Region, Saint Luke's Hospital assumes responsibility and authority for the administrative direction, evaluation, and ...

The role of the Chief Operating Officer (COO) for Saint Luke's Central Region, Saint Luke's Hospital assumes responsibility and authority for the administrative direction, evaluation, and ...

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Chief Operating Officer Food information

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.

What are popular job titles related to Chief Operating Officer Food jobs in Missouri?

For Chief Operating Officer Food jobs in Missouri, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Missouri are hiring for Chief Operating Officer Food jobs?

Cities in Missouri with the most Chief Operating Officer Food job openings:

Infographic showing various Chief Operating Officer Food job openings in Missouri as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Kansas City, MO โ€ข On-site

Innovative Outsourcing
Human Resources Consulting Servicesย โ€ขย 11 - 50 employees

$185K - $215K/yr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description


Innovative Outsourcing is excited to partner with their client, a provider of IT and enterprise management, planning and cyber-security services for government agencies in the defense industry. Our client is looking to hire a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to help scale their business and take it to the next level of success.

Position:  Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Salary:  $185,000 - $215,000 annually, based on qualifications, plus a performance-based annual bonus (target 30-50% of base) and long-term incentives such as stock appreciation rights (SARs) or profit sharing.
Location: On-site; Metro East region of St. Louis. Relocation assistance available.
Travel:% Travel

THE ROLE

Our client is seeking a strategic, results-oriented Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead and scale the day-to-day operations of a growing professional services organization. As the CEO's primary operational partner, the COO will oversee the people, processes, and systems that drive operational excellence, organizational growth, and long-term success.

This executive will be responsible for developing and optimizing the company's operating infrastructure, including scalable processes, leadership accountability, performance metrics, forecasting, and documentation. The goal is to build a highly efficient organization that can continue to grow while reducing day-to-day reliance on the CEO and positioning the business for future strategic opportunities. This is an on-site executive leadership role based at the company's headquarters, working closely with the executive team and key operational leaders.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategy & Execution

  • Partner with the CEO to set and achieve company growth, profitability, and scaling targets.
  • Translate vision into actionable operational strategies, roadmaps, and measurable outcomes.
  • Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and execution gaps across the business and resolve them quickly. 

Operations & Delivery

  • Lead day-to-day operations: service delivery, project and program execution, staffing, and internal workflows.
  • Establish and refine systems, processes, and KPIs that drive accountability and performance across every department.
  • Run operational decisions on data - dashboards and performance metrics, not anecdote.

Financial Ownership

  • Own company P&L, departmental budgets, and financial performance in partnership with Finance.
  • Improve forecasting, cash-flow management, and resource allocation.

People & Organization

  • Build and optimize the organizational structure; hire, develop, and retain top talent.
  • Build a unified leadership team aligned on company goals and reinforce a culture of accountability and ownership.

Government Contracting & Compliance

  • Ensure operational compliance with FAR/DFARS, DCAA-compliant accounting and timekeeping, and contractual requirements.
  • Maintain compliance posture across relevant frameworks (e.g., CMMC / NIST, ISO, CMMI, ITIL) and support audits.
  • Support capture, proposals, and contract execution across company vehicles - GSA MAS, GSA OASIS+, and GSA Polaris - and our joint-venture partnerships; manage prime and subcontractor relationships.

External & Enabling

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, partners, and vendors.
  • Act as a force multiplier - freeing the CEO to focus on strategy, growth, and external opportunities.

 QUALIFICATIONS

  Required-

  • 10+ years in operations leadership, ideally in technology services, MSP, consulting, or professional services.
  • Direct experience operating in the U.S. government contracting environment (FAR/DFARS, DCAA, contract vehicles).
  • Track record