COO

The Company

For one of our clients, a PE-backed food company with an international footprint, Schelstraete Delacourt is seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO). With multiple production facilities across the Benelux and a focus on operational excellence, the company is well-positioned for its next phase of growth.

The Role

The COO will be responsible for 6 production facilities, optimizing daily operations, and will play a key role in scaling the organization. This person will ensure that operational processes not only grow with the company but also set the standard in efficiency, operational excellence and quality. The COO is part of the executive team and will report to the CEO.

Responsibilities

• Optimize the operational footprint and streamline plant-to-plant workflows for maximum efficiency.
• Enhance plant layouts, implement lean manufacturing, and drive continuous improvement.
• Minimize waste in high-loss processes, optimize raw material use, and implement cost-saving initiatives.
• Lead and develop high-performing teams, fostering accountability and operational excellence.
• Ensure adherence to food safety, quality, and HSE regulations while promoting a strong safety culture.
• Align operations with Finance, R&D, and Commercial teams to drive efficiency and growth.

Profile

• Strong career track in operations management roles up to multi-site management level. Previous experience as Plant Manager is a must.
• Experience in industries/companies with solid capabilities in operational excellence/efficiency.
• Experience within the food or consumer industry is not a must.
• Proven capability in leading operational transformations, bringing an organization to the next level in terms of operations & supply chain performance.
• Combination of strategic acumen and hands-on execution: able to review an operational footprint from a strategic angle as well as being hands-on in the plants with a diligent eye for details.
• Solid leadership skills, able to inspire and engage a team and set high standards of performance, while also being able to make tough decisions when needed.
• Combination of technical skills with the ability to work cross-functionally in a collaborative manner with other departments like sales & marketing, finance, HR, etc.
• Affinity with a private equity-owned company is a plus, but not a must. In any case, fit with the culture characterized as hands-on, down-to-earth, performance-driven, and entrepreneurial.
• Master in Engineering and fluent in English. Dutch is a plus.