Chief Operating Officer

Columbia, United States | Posted on 09/13/2024
ARK Products is a leading designer, manufacturer, and seller of innovative sensory tools and special needs products worldwide. Founded in 2000, the company provides a complete line of oral motor tools, sensory chews, feeding and drinking aids, speech therapy tools and other specialty products to customers in all 50 states and more than 50 countries. ARK designs and manufactures its differentiated, branded products in-house at its South Carolina headquarters with high-quality food and medical-grade raw materials.

Job Title: Chief Operating Officer

Company: ARK Products LLC

Employment Location: Columbia, South Carolina

Position Overview: As the Chief Operating Officer, you will be a pivotal member of the executive leadership team, responsible for driving operational excellence, developing and executing growth strategies, and overseeing the success of sales, marketing, customer service, finance, product development, and manufacturing functions of a high growth business. This position requires a dynamic leader with a proven track record in consumer products, online retail, wholesale, operations, product development, customer service, and marketing. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of CPG and online retail best practices, brand and distribution channel growth, marketing and technology trends, and consumer behavior. The right candidate will enjoy and excel in a very hands-on role with a flat organizational structure.

Responsibilities

Operational Leadership:

Lead and oversee all aspects of the company's operations, including but not limited to strategic growth initiatives, product development, finance, marketing, customer service, IT, manufacturing and compliance.

Develop and lead strategic initiatives to drive business growth.

Develop and implement operational strategies to enhance efficiency, productivity, and profitability across all business functions.

Ensure seamless integration and alignment of operational processes, systems, and personnel to support growth and enhance customer experience.

Sales Channels Management:

Develop and expand sales strategies to drive revenue growth and market penetration in online, wholesale, retail, and other distribution channels.

Identify and pursue opportunities for growth and optimization in each sales channel, including online marketplaces, specialty retailers, wholesale, and distribution partners.

Establish partnerships and negotiate agreements with key wholesale distributors and retail partners to expand market reach and increase product visibility.

Digital Marketing and Advertising:

Oversee the success of digital marketing strategies to enhance brand visibility, engage customers, and drive traffic to online and retail channels.

Monitor digital advertising campaigns across multiple platforms, including search engines, social media, and display networks, to drive conversions and maximize ROI.

Analyze campaign performance metrics and optimize advertising spend to achieve marketing objectives and sales targets.

Oversee affiliate and brand ambassador programs.

Monitor market trends, consumer insights, and competitor activities to inform marketing strategies and product development efforts.

Drive a customer-centric culture and ensure high levels of customer satisfaction across all sales channels and distribution networks.

Implement customer service standards and processes to resolve issues promptly and enhance the overall customer experience in online, retail, wholesale, and other distribution settings.

Leverage customer feedback and data analytics to continuously improve service delivery and drive customer loyalty across all channels.

Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting for all sales channels and distribution networks, ensuring financial sustainability and profitability.

Oversee the finance team's management of cash flow, liquidity, and working capital to support day-to-day operations and strategic investments across online, wholesale, retail, and other channels.

Optimize financial performance through cost-effective operations, efficient resource allocation, and revenue growth initiatives.

Alongside the finance team, create and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across the company including sales performance, product performance, operations performance, and customer satisfaction, and implement initiatives to drive continuous improvement.

Supply Chain and Logistics:

Oversee the team managing the end-to-end supply chain process, from product sourcing and procurement to manufacturing to global distribution ensuring efficient and cost-effective operations.

Establish and maintain relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics partners to ensure timely delivery of products and materials.

Develop and implement inventory management strategies to optimize stock levels, minimize stockouts, and reduce excess inventory.

Regulatory Compliance:

Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and industry standards related to the company's products, sales and marketing.

Stay informed about changes in laws and regulations affecting our business and implement necessary adjustments to policies and procedures.

Additional Responsibilities:

Oversee human resources, recruiting, and external partner for payroll and benefits functions to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and best practices.

Manage information technology functions and vendors to support operational needs and drive technological innovation across all sales channels and distribution networks.

Play a meaningful role in leading board meetings and developing materials to provide transparency and insights into business performance.

Requirements Experience & Qualifications:

Proven experience in a senior leadership role, preferably within the consumer products, e-commerce, or CPG manufacturing sectors, with expertise in B2B and B2C sales, marketing, product development, and brand management.

Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in operations management, sales leadership, marketing management, and brand development, with a strong track record of driving business growth and profitability across multiple sales channels and distribution networks.

Demonstrated expertise in digital marketing, advertising, and product management, with a deep understanding of consumer behavior and market trends.

Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams and drive collaboration across all levels of the organization.

Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, operations management, or a related field. Advanced degree preferred.
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