Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery (WDFB) is a fifth generation, vertically integrated dairy farm located in northern Rhode Island. Wright’s is an independent dairy with 120 Holstein cows, its own creamery, and a robust on-farm retail bakery that serves 6500 customers per week. WDFB has a successful, vibrant business selling virtually all of its products on-premises and is now embarking on a campus renovation project to streamline processes, maximize efficiencies, and continue to grow sales.
Rhode Islanders have been enjoying Wright’s products since 1914. For generations, the team at Wright’s has provided uncompromised, high quality products and personalized service. Wright’s cares deeply about its animals, maintaining open space, and providing quality jobs. They are a destination for families, foodies, generations of ‘townies’, and anyone with a sweet tooth or love for cows.
For additional information on Wright’s, please visit https://www.wrightsdairyfarm.com/.
Wright’s Dairy Farm and Bakery is seeking a talented, experienced and focused Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead key activities of the organization through the next level of significant growth. The COO will oversee the Farm, Creamery, Bakery, Retail Store, Human Resources, Finances and Office Management.
The COO will be responsible for developing and executing WDFB’s growth strategies, as well as designing, implementing, and reporting on tracking metrics. The COO will coach the existing management team to improve daily operations, and elevate their capacity and teamwork. The COO will oversee hiring, staffing, training, inventory, sales, customer service, and cash management. In partnership with the Leadership Team, the COO will be responsible for developing, researching, and executing WDFB’s growth strategies.
The desired candidate will have a history of highly successful leadership in nimble, growth-oriented, family-owned businesses, while building needed infrastructure and processes, and managing and developing staff. This candidate will have the capacity to create a performance- and data-based culture that delivers measurable results, preserves the best cultural elements of this family-owned and family-operated business, and builds on the company’s strong reputation with its beloved customers.
The COO will report directly to the CEO and will be based at Wright’s headquarters in North Smithfield, RI. The heads of each division of WDFB will report to the COO.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the definition, execution and continual refinement of organizational goals to ensure that WDFB’s operational and financial objectives are achieved and its strategic plans are implemented
Oversee all aspects of WDFB’s day-to-day business operations and property management, and support daily coordination between all managers
Act as a bridge between WDFB’s ownership, department managers, and staff
Review and improve operating efficiencies by tracking standardized organization-wide operating policies, metrics, processes, procedures, organizational controls and systems
In partnership with the CEO, lead the Leadership Team in regular, effective meetings that track each department and guide individual leadership towards their monthly, quarterly, and annual goals
Build staff capacity to implement the growth plan and to strengthen interdependencies between departments
Coach, develop, and lead WDFB’s management team to increase daily operational excellence across all divisions
Recruit, hire, and train new managers and staff as required
Assist the Leadership Team in updating current site plan to allow for better customer experience and improved operating efficiencies
Evaluating, tracking, and constantly improving WDFB’s retail sales environment and customer service experience
Implement high-quality cash management, operating, human resources and inventory systems
Oversee marketing, advertising, and social media efforts and help evaluate ROI and impact of those programs
Assist the CEO in developing, researching, and implementing future business growth prospects
Help plan for future business growth, including considerations of location, capital budgets, organizational capacity, and project planning
Assist the CEO in developing and implementing long term plans for each new business site
Qualifications
At least 12 years of experience in operations management with 6+ years in an executive position such as Director of Operations, Vice President, Vice President of Finance and Administration, Director of Finance and Operations, or Chief Operating Officer with strong finance and operational experience in those positions
Passion for farming, local food producers, animal husbandry, delicious foods, and hospitality; hands-on agricultural experience a plus, but not required
Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field; advanced degree in Finance, Accounting or MBA preferred
Significant prior experience in food service operations and roles with customer service aspects; experience in agricultural management and/or food production also preferred
Unwavering standards in delivering an excellent product accompanied by a positive guest experience
Experience working within and skillfully managing family-owned businesses
Proven track record of leading an organization through implementation of a strategic growth plan
Superior ability to translate strategy into day-to-day planning and manage projects
Flexibility in time commitment both seasonally and in weekly scheduling
Strong interpersonal, communications, negotiation and influencing skills to engage staff, management, Board of Directors and customers
Experience in budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, resource planning and financial management
Excellent leadership, analytical skills, judgement, active listening and partnership skills
Results-oriented mindset with the ability to find the right balance between operational pressures, organizational goals, and various stakeholders
Strong capacities in mentorship, creating learning-oriented environments, and sharing knowledge with colleagues and direct reports
Track record in developing, managing and recruiting multiple direct reports to improve their productivity and capabilities
Ability to absorb new information quickly and translate key points into positive outcomes
Entrepreneurial with a focus on measurable outcomes and impact, as well as process improvement
Advanced proficiency Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel
Proficiency with or certification in Lean Manufacturing processes is preferred
Residing within, or willing to relocate to, a reasonable daily commuting distance from the North Smithfield RI
If you’re excited to work in a dynamic and always interesting setting that produces delicious dairy products and amazing baked goods, and every day serve smiling customers, please submit your resume and cover letter with salary requirements to [email protected] with “Chief Operating Officer” in the subject line.
A background check and computer literacy test are part of the recruiting process for final candidates. Qualified candidates will be contacted by phone or email.
Wright’s Dairy Farm & Bakery is an Equal Opportunity Employer.