Chief Operating Officer - Premium Snacks & Sweets Industry

Chief Operating Officer - Premium Snacks & Sweets

Founded in 1989, our client has become a cherished name in premium snacks and sweets. Their commitment to quality, hygiene, and customer satisfaction has driven their growth to 11 stores in the city and an expanding online presence serving customers worldwide.

With state-of-the-art kitchen facilities and rigorous safety standards, they ensure every product reflects their dedication to excellence.

Position Overview:

Our client seeks a dynamic and experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join their leadership team and drive operational excellence as they continue to grow. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in business transformation, scaling operations, and building high-performance teams, with a passion for premium snacks and sweets and a deep understanding of the Indian retail and F&B landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

- Oversee all aspects of operations, including production, supply chain, retail, and distribution.

- Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve significant growth in retail and digital footprint over the next 3-4 years.

- Lead business transformation initiatives to optimize processes, enhance efficiency, and maintain the highest standards of quality and hygiene.

- Manage and inspire diverse teams across multiple functions, including production, sales, operations, client relations, HR, finance, and legal.

- Drive operational efficiency and productivity while ensuring a top-notch customer experience across all touchpoints.

- Spearhead retail expansion and enhance digital reach.

- Oversee workforce scaling to support business growth while maintaining a culture of excellence.

- Collaborate with the CEO and other executives to shape company policies and foster continuous improvement.

- Identify and evaluate opportunities for strategic partnerships, mergers, and acquisitions.

- Develop and implement go-to-market strategies for new products and market segments.

- Lead e-commerce and digital strategies to enhance online presence and customer engagement.

- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations and uphold industry best practices.

- Build and nurture relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, partners, and major clients.

Qualifications:

- 15+ years of senior leadership experience in retail, FMCG, F&B, or related industries, with a track record of successful business transformation and scaling.

- Proven experience in P&L management for businesses with significant revenue.

- Strong background in strategic planning, business development, and operational excellence.

- Experience in retail operations, e-commerce, and omnichannel strategies.

- Demonstrated success in launching and scaling new business initiatives or product lines.

- Expertise in building and leading high-performance teams across diverse functions.

- Experience managing multi-site operations across different geographical locations.

- Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.

- Excellent understanding of the Indian retail market, consumer trends, and food safety standards.

- MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.

Key Competencies:

- Strategic thinking and execution

- Business transformation and change management

- Operational excellence and process optimization

- Financial management and business analysis

- Team leadership and talent development

- Innovation and entrepreneurial mindset

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills

- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

- Customer-centric approach with a focus on brand building

Opportunity:

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of one of the top businesses in the premium snacks and sweets industry in Hyderabad. The successful candidate will be instrumental in driving growth, enhancing operational capabilities, and solidifying their position as a leader in the premium snacks and sweets market.

We are looking for a passionate leader who can blend the traditional craftsmanship of our client's products with the strategic acumen required to scale and innovate in both the Indian and global markets.