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Job description
Chief Of Staff To The Chief Operating Officer
The Chief Of Staff To The Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a strategic partner, advisor, and force multiplier to the COO for Novolex. This role is responsible for driving cross-functional initiatives, improving operational efficiency, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, and acting as a key liaison between the COO and internal/external stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a high-potential leader that brings a mix of strategic thinking, operational discipline, and leadership presence to help translate vision into execution.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Support
Partner with the COO to prioritize, plan, and execute high-impact initiatives across manufacturing operations, supply chain, and quality functions.
Develop and monitor KPIs and performance metrics aligned with operational goals.
Facilitate and track progress of strategic projects and operational improvements.
Assist with driving compliance to global strategic operations roadmaps (BU, functional, regional).
Develop and execute project plans including resource requirements, deliverables, milestones, and completion timelines.
Partner and be a voice of COO with Supply Chain and Brand strategy teams.
Partner with the strategy office to ensure compliance within operating model, strategic roadmaps, and strategic processes.
Operational Coordination
Prepare for and follow up on COO's meetings, including gathering data, drafting agendas, documenting decisions, and ensuring timely follow-up.
Lead cross-functional meetings, synthesize complex information, and drive action plans for the leadership team.
Serve as the COO's delegate in meetings and project reviews when appropriate.
Support strategic event planning and execution.
Continuously improve the governance structure, processes and metrics for effective tracking of the business' performance against strategic goals.
Organize, review, and lead Global Operations rituals and routines.
Responsible for driving cross functional collaboration to ensure Operations is delivering performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost & People.
Performance Management
KPI coordination and management
Build and maintain the central T&E
Executive Communication
Draft internal and external communications, presentations, board reports, and updates on behalf of the COO.
Ensure consistent messaging and alignment across departments.
Process & Program Management
Oversee special projects related to operational performance, lean manufacturing, plant expansions, and food safety initiatives.
Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency in collaboration with operations leaders.
Leadership & Culture
Act as a cultural ambassador, promoting collaboration and alignment within the operations team.
Support change management initiatives and help drive employee engagement across manufacturing sites.
Travel
Up to 25% travel to manufacturing facilities and key vendor or partner sites.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
8+ years of progressive experience in operations, strategy, or project management, preferably in food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods.
Proven experience in a Chief of Staff, operational strategy, or plant operations role.
Strong understanding of manufacturing principles, supply chain operations, food safety standards (e.g., SQF, HACCP), and lean methodologies.
Exceptional analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
High EQ, sound judgment, and the ability to work discreetly with sensitive information.
Adept at managing multiple priorities and driving initiatives to completion in a fast-paced environment.
Extensive operating experience creating and implementing large scale strategic processes.
Strategic planning – strategic thinking, long-range planning, operational planning.
Partner with business leaders outside of global supply chain to ensure seamless execution of strategic programs.
Key Competencies
Strategic Agility
Operational Excellence
Project Management
Influential Communication
Problem Solving
Cross-functional Leadership
Business Acumen
#INDSalaried #LI-TM1
Worksite address
lake forest, IL, 60045, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.