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Prior Lake, MN, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1104

Guardian Energy has an exciting opportunity for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join the team! As the COO, you will be a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This role is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of Guardian Energy’s facilities, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals, values, and mission, and building a sustainable future for Guardian. This position will be an essential member of the Guardian Executive Leadership team and will have an important role in developing a vision for the operational growth of the company and delivering this to gain buy-in from the Board of Directors.

The ideal candidate is a highly collaborative, hands‑on leader with a strong operational background and exceptional communication skills. They will drive performance and accountability, build high‑performing teams, and promote a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence.

• Serve as a strategic partner to the CEO and executive leadership team in developing and executing the company’s vision and long‑term goals.
• Participate in board meetings and provide regular updates on operations, capital projects, and strategic initiatives.
• Represent the company in interactions with owners, stakeholders, and industry partners, as needed.
• Operational Oversight
  • Oversee the operations of multiple manufacturing facilities, ensuring consistency, efficiency, and profitability.
  • Lead and mentor Plant Managers and cross‑functional teams to drive collaboration, standardization, and best practices across all sites.
  • Translate key business initiatives (KBIs) into actionable operational goals and metrics.
• Vendor and Partner Management
  • Develop and manage strategic relationships with external vendors, suppliers, and partners.
  • Collaborate with commodity and finance teams on projects that drive cost‑efficiency and margin optimization.
• Compliance and Risk Management
  • Work closely with the Compliance Officer to ensure regulatory compliance across all operations.
  • Proactively monitor industry trends and regulations to plan for future compliance needs and operational risk.
• Talent Development and Team Building
  • Lead efforts in hiring, developing, and retaining top management talent at each plant.
  • Support continuous learning and development through mentoring, performance management, and training programs.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and operational excellence.
• Reporting and Performance Monitoring
  • Provide regular reporting and data‑driven insights to the CEO and board regarding key operational metrics and capital expenditures (CAPEX).
  • Develop and maintain tools and systems to monitor production performance and costs.

Travel Requirements: 25-50% travel

• Proven experience (15+ years) in senior operations leadership, preferably in a multi‑site manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field (MBA preferred).
• Experience working with Senior decision makers.
• Prior experience working in a dry‑mill ethanol plant preferred.
• Strong strategic planning, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, with a track record of building collaborative teams.
• Experience working closely with finance, compliance, and operations functions.
• Proven experience in capital project management and execution of projects larger than $10M required.

• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence and lead at all levels.
• Ability to maintain effective relationships with internal teams, external partners, and industry contacts.
• Adaptable and forward-thinking, with a passion for innovation and process improvement.

Guardian Energy offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, bonus eligibility and generous time off
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• Guardian HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Employee Assistance Program with no cost to employees
• Continuous learning opportunities supported by a tuition reimbursement program