The client is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to oversee the company’s entire operations for a fast-growing tequila brand. The role will manage key operational functions, including the distillery, and will support fundraising while maintaining full control over sales, marketing, and P&L. The COO will be responsible for growing and expanding the brand into new markets while sustaining its position in existing markets.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in the wines and spirits industry, including managing distilleries. They should be able to streamline processes, develop efficient operating strategies, and guide teams toward business objectives. Experience with smaller brands or smaller operations is expected to be advantageous, and strong adaptability, flexibility, motivation, and leadership are important traits.
Responsibilities include managing the supply chain with an emphasis on cost reduction and maintaining adequate inventory to avoid stock-outs at distributors; building and managing relationships with the distillery, distributors, and critical third-party suppliers; creating and enforcing pipeline management strategies; and leading operations, marketing, and sales teams through regular status meetings with senior management. The COO will work closely with distributors on sales and growth commitments, assist in fundraising efforts and maintain a robust cash flow model, drive compliance with relevant federal, state, and industry regulations, and perform other operational tasks as required. The role requires at least 15 years of industry experience in the US and at least 5 years of supervisory or management experience in a manufacturing/distillery environment, along with demonstrated process improvement capability, strong communication and leadership skills, and willingness to visit the Miami headquarters as needed with a minimum of quarterly visits.