Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Company Overview: Our client is a leading provider of innovative pharmaceutical solutions tailored specifically for veterinary care. With a commitment to advancing animal health through research, development and manufacturing of high-quality animal health products, we serve veterinarians, animal hospitals, and livestock producers worldwide. Our comprehensive portfolio includes FDA-registered pharmaceuticals, USDA-registered vaccines, customized medicines, nutraceuticals and diagnostic tools, all designed to enhance the well-being of animals.

Position Overview: We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee our operational strategies and drive the execution of our business goals across multiple sites and departments. The COO will be a key member of the holding company executive team and report directly to the CEO. You will be responsible for optimizing operational efficiency, planning future manufacturing design, ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance, and fostering innovation across all aspects of our operations.

To achieve success in these areas you must lead a strong, engaged and fully developed workforce while leading change to meet the company’s strategic goals. Developing a world-class manufacturing team and culture is a key objective.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Strategy: Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the companies overall growth objectives to enhance efficiency, scalability, and profitability.
• Quality Management: Oversee quality assurance and control processes to maintain the highest standards of product quality and compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with local, national, and international regulatory requirements governing the pharmaceutical and vaccine industries.
• Supply Chain Management: Manage the supply chain/purchasing team to ensure timely procurement, production, and distribution of pharmaceuticals while optimizing inventory levels and minimizing costs.
• Research & Development: Collaborate with R&D teams to support the development of new products and enhancements to existing products, ensuring alignment with market needs and regulatory standards.
• Manufacturing & Production: Provide leadership to manufacturing and production teams to optimize processes, improve productivity and efficiency while ensuring adherence to safety and quality standards at both the St. Peter and Des Moines sites.
• Financial Oversight: Work closely with the CFO to manage budgets, monitor financial performance, and identify opportunities for cost savings and revenue growth.
• Business Development & Growth: Collaborate with the CEO and Leadership Team to develop and execute strategic growth initiatives, expansion plans, and new business opportunities, including new contract manufacturing partnerships and/or proprietary products to expand customer base and revenue streams.
• Team Leadership & Talent Development: Build and develop a high-performing operational team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Customer Focus: Champion a customer-centric approach across operations to ensure exceptional service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Life Sciences, Business Administration, Operations Management, Pharmacy, Veterinary Medicine, or related field. Advanced degree (MBA, MS, or PhD) preferred.
• Experience: Proven experience in senior management roles within the pharmaceutical or biologics industry, with specific expertise in operations, manufacturing, and regulatory compliance. Experience in the veterinary pharmaceutical and/or biological sector is highly desirable.
• Leadership Skills: A proven track record of leading change, developing teams and improving operational success is essential.
• Strategic Vision: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic initiatives that drive business growth and profitability.
• Problem-Solving: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions and drive continuous improvement.
• Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively with internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders.

Location: The position is based at our headquarters in St. Peter, MN, with occasional travel required.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health benefits package.
• Retirement savings plan (401k) and stock options.
• Professional development opportunities.