Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer | Food Service Management | MidwestRHH202619Harvey Hohauser & Associates has been retained to find the next Chief Operating Officer for a leading food service management company in the Midwest.This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of a high-performing, relationship-driven organization as it enters its next phase of growth. Our client needs an accomplished food service executive who can build a more scalable, disciplined enterprise while preserving the entrepreneurial culture and exceptional customer relationships that have fueled the company's success.About the RoleReporting directly to the CEO with six direct reports, the COO will own operational excellence, financial performance, customer retention, and leadership development across all markets and locations. This leader will translate strategy into action, build scalable systems and processes, and raise the bar on accountability, all without sacrificing the agility and culinary quality that set this organization apart.Key ResponsibilitiesPartner with the CEO and executive team to turn enterprise strategy into operational resultsLead all multi-site operations and ensure a consistent, high-quality customer and guest experienceBuild a scalable operating model that strengthens accountability and standardizes best practicesDrive P&L performance, labor and food cost management, and enterprise-wide metricsChampion customer retention and executive-level relationship managementPartner with culinary, procurement, and supply chain leadership on quality and complianceLead the evaluation, mobilization, and integration of new businessBuild, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations leadership teamWhat You Bring20+ years of progressive leadership experience in contract food service, hospitality, dining services, or a closely related businessFull P&L accountability with strong command of budgeting, forecasting, and margin improvementA track record of leading complex organizations through growth, standardization, or transformationExperience with food service technology including POS, ERP, scheduling, and BI platformsExperience in K-12, higher education, corporate dining, or institutional food service strongly preferredBachelor's degree required; advanced degree or relevant certifications preferredWillingness to travel regularly to locations and customer sitesIf you are a low-ego, field-oriented leader who builds trust through visibility and follow-through, we want to hear from you.