Chief Operating Officer

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) leads the day-to-day operations of the company and its portfolio of brands and business ventures. As a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, the COO will serve as the primary operational partner to the CEO and will be responsible for turning company strategy into execution. This position will oversee operational performance across Foster Brands, establish scalable systems and processes, hold departments accountable to company goals, and ensure each business unit operates efficiently, consistently, and profitably.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on executive who can move comfortably between high-level strategy and detailed execution. This individual should thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment where priorities evolve, multiple brands operate simultaneously, and strong cross-functional leadership is essential.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

Oversee the day-to-day operations of Foster Brands and its portfolio of companies, brands, events, and business ventures.
Translate the CEO’s vision and strategic priorities into actionable operating plans.
Establish company-wide operational standards, policies, procedures, and performance expectations.
Identify operational inefficiencies and implement solutions that improve productivity, profitability, and scalability.
Ensure individual business units operate in alignment with Foster Brands’ overall strategy and standards.
Develop infrastructure capable of supporting continued organizational growth.
Maintain accountability for operational deadlines, deliverables, and company initiatives.

Executive Leadership & Strategy

Serve as a key strategic advisor and operational partner to the CEO.
Participate in the development and execution of annual and long-term strategic plans.
Work collaboratively with the CFO, CAO, CMO, CHRO, CSO, and other members of the Executive Leadership Team.
Lead cross-functional initiatives involving multiple departments or Foster Brands companies.
Provide regular operational updates, recommendations, and performance reports to the CEO.
Help establish annual company priorities, KPIs, departmental goals, and operating plans.
Represent the CEO and Foster Brands leadership when appropriate.

Business Unit Oversight

Monitor operational performance across Foster Brands’ portfolio.
Work with business unit leaders to establish goals, budgets, staffing plans, timelines, and performance expectations.
Ensure resources are appropriately allocated between companies, departments, projects, and events.
Evaluate operational needs as existing brands expand or new ventures are launched.
Establish consistent reporting and accountability structures across the organization.
Identify opportunities to consolidate resources and improve efficiency across multiple brands.

Financial & Performance Management

In partnership with the CFO:

Monitor revenue, expenses, profitability, and operational performance.
Assist with annual budgeting and forecasting.
Ensure departments operate within approved budgets.
Review operational expenses and identify opportunities for cost savings.
Evaluate the financial and operational feasibility of new initiatives.
Develop corrective action plans when performance falls below expectations.
Support purchasing, vendor management, and major operational spending decisions.

People & Organizational Leadership

In partnership with the CHRO and department leaders:

Help determine organizational structure and workforce needs.
Establish clear accountability across leadership and management positions.
Participate in the recruitment and selection of senior-level employees.
Coach and develop department heads and operational leaders.
Promote a culture of accountability, communication, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Ensure teams have the resources, systems, and support necessary to perform effectively.

Systems, Processes & Technology

Develop and maintain scalable standard operating procedures across the organization.
Evaluate existing workflows and recommend improvements.
Implement project management and operational reporting systems.
Ensure departments effectively utilize company technology and software.
Develop dashboards and reporting processes that provide leadership with visibility into company performance.
Establish documentation standards to reduce reliance on individual employees and institutional knowledge.

Event & Project Operations

For Foster Brands companies involved in events, entertainment, hospitality, or other project-based operations:

Provide executive oversight of major events and company initiatives.
Ensure appropriate staffing, equipment, vendors, logistics, timelines, and contingency plans are established.
Develop repeatable operating models for recurring events.
Review post-event and post-project financial and operational performance.
Implement improvements based on performance data and team feedback.
Ensure operational consistency as the company’s event portfolio expands.

Risk Management & Compliance

Ensure operational practices comply with applicable company policies, contracts, regulations, and legal requirements.
Identify operational risks and develop mitigation plans.
Maintain appropriate business continuity and emergency procedures.
Work with executive leadership and professional advisors regarding contracts, insurance, liability, and compliance matters.
Protect company assets, confidential information, intellectual property, and business interests.

Key Performance Indicators

Success in this position may be measured through:

Company and business-unit profitability
Budget adherence
Operational efficiency
Project and event execution
Revenue growth support
Labor and operational cost management
Employee productivity
Departmental KPI achievement
Timely completion of strategic initiatives
Process improvement and automation
Successful integration and launch of new business ventures

Qualifications & Experience

Required

Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Finance, Management, or a related field; equivalent executive-level experience may be considered.
Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience, with significant responsibility for operations, business management, or organizational leadership.
Experience managing multiple departments, brands, business units, or complex projects.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing operational systems and processes.
Strong financial and business acumen.
Experience managing budgets and operational performance.
Proven ability to lead managers and senior-level professionals.
Exceptional organizational, communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong proficiency with business technology, project management systems, reporting tools, and Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.

Preferred

MBA or other relevant graduate degree.
Previous experience as a COO, Vice President of Operations, Senior Director of Operations, General Manager, or comparable executive position.
Experience within events, entertainment, hospitality, sports, real estate, consumer services, or other operationally intensive businesses.
Experience scaling organizations through periods of rapid growth.
Experience developing SOPs, organizational structures, KPI systems, and executive reporting.
Experience participating in acquisitions, integrations, new business launches, or expansion initiatives.

Working Relationship with the CEO

The CEO maintains responsibility for the overall vision, strategic direction, growth, major partnerships, and long-term positioning of Foster Brands. The COO is responsible for ensuring that vision is successfully executed throughout the organization. In practical terms, the CEO determines where Foster Brands is going, while the COO builds and manages the operating structure necessary to get there.

The COO will have significant authority over daily company operations while maintaining regular communication and alignment with the CEO regarding major strategic, financial, personnel, and organizational decisions.

Why Foster Brands

Foster Brands is building a diversified portfolio of companies and ventures with an entrepreneurial approach to growth. The COO will have the opportunity to help build the operational foundation of an expanding organization rather than simply maintain an established system.

This position is designed for a leader who enjoys creating structure, solving complex operational challenges, developing teams, and helping businesses scale.

Equal Opportunity

Foster Brands is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a professional workplace. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, experience, performance, and organizational needs without unlawful discrimination.