Our client, The Spice Factory, is an established and growing player in the food sector, specializing in the production and distribution of high-quality spices for retail customers. Following a recent investment, the company is entering an important next phase, with a strong focus on further professionalization, operational excellence, and strategic investments in people, processes, and systems.
In this ambitious context, The Spice Factory, in partnership with Bakker & Partners, is looking for a Chief Operating Officer (COO), a new role that will lead and strengthen the entire operational organization.
The Role
The COO is ultimately responsible for the day-to-day management and continuous improvement of all operational activities within The Spice Factory, including Supply Chain, Planning, Production, and Quality Assurance. With a clear vision for operational excellence, the COO ensures a stable, efficient, and high-quality production site, maintaining a high level of service for retail customers.
As a member of the Management Team, the COO reports directly to the CEO and plays a key role in the ongoing development and transformation of the organization. This includes overseeing strategic investment projects, digitalization initiatives, and capacity expansion.
Key Responsibilities:
* End-to-end responsibility for operational performance and daily management.
* Lead and coach the operational management team (Supply Chain, Production, QA).
* Drive performance through KPIs focused on service levels, efficiency, quality, and cost.
* Further professionalize processes, structures, and collaboration within operations.
* Optimize supply chain, planning, and inventory processes.
* Lead lean manufacturing initiatives and improvement and investment projects, including digitalization and the implementation of new systems and production lines.
* Ensure food safety and quality standards and professionally manage audits.
* Develop a high-performing organizational culture focused on ownership, safety, and continuous improvement.
Profile
The ideal candidate is an experienced operations leader who combines strategic insight with entrepreneurial drive and a hands-on approach, and who wants to make an impact in a dynamic SME environment.
* Minimum 10 years of operations experience in food, FMCG, or a comparable production environment.
* Broad experience in supply chain, production, and quality processes.
* Proven track record in organizational and change management, ideally including ERP implementations.
* Experience with implementing Lean tools.
* Strong people manager with a hands-on leadership style.
* Analytical, results-oriented, and experienced in KPI-driven management.
* Structured, pragmatic, and communicative.
* Master’s or bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations, or supply chain.
* Fluency in French and English is essential; good level of (spoken) Dutch is also required.
Offer
* A key position within an ambitious and forward-looking organization.
* High degree of autonomy and impact on both strategic and operational levels.
* The opportunity to shape a growing organization and contribute to its development.
* Attractive, market-aligned compensation package, tailored to experience and responsibilities.
* Space for personal growth and professional development.