Our client, a leader in hospitality laundry and textile services, is seeking a Chief Operations Officer (CEO) to drive profitable growth, operational excellence, and business expansion. The COO will be responsible for leading five production facilities, developing and executing growth strategies, and managing C-suite level relationships with key hospitality customers. This position requires a strategic, results-driven leader with strong sales and operations expertise. The COO will report directly to the Owner and have full P&L accountability while maintaining significant autonomy in running and scaling the business.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead all business operations, sales, and financial performance of the company.
• Develop and execute strategic growth initiatives, including expanding market share, securing new customers, and identifying opportunities for new plant locations or acquisitions.
• Drive sales growth by prospecting, negotiating, and building relationships with major hospitality brands, large hotels, and resorts.
• Oversee profitability and cost management, including labor, utilities, and operating expenses.
• Implement best practices across all plants to improve safety, quality, efficiency, and productivity.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing management team, including Plant Managers, Production Managers, Maintenance Managers, Office Manager, and Service Representatives.
• Establish and track KPIs such as profitability, sales growth, productivity (PPOH), labor efficiency, customer satisfaction, and safety performance.
• Ensure contract compliance and maintain strong customer relationships by attending meetings with C-suite executives and hospitality leaders.
• Conduct regular site visits to all production facilities to evaluate operations, staff performance, and equipment condition.
• Work closely with finance, sales, and operations teams to align business goals with execution strategies.
• Ensure all regulatory, safety, and compliance requirements are met across all locations.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of General Manager (GM) or executive-level leadership experience in high-volume commercial laundry operations.
• Strong sales and business development skills, with a proven track record of securing large-scale contracts and growing market share.
• Experience leading multi-location operations, managing plant managers, and driving organizational performance.
• Knowledge of plant operations, industrial laundry equipment, engineering, and maintenance best practices.
• Ability to analyze and improve financial performance, operational efficiency, and P&L management.
• Highly strategic and growth-focused, with the ability to scale a company quickly and effectively.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills for managing customer relationships at the C-suite level.
• Hands-on leadership style—willing to roll up your sleeves and work alongside your team when needed.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Bachelor's degree preferred but not required.
• Willingness to travel regularly (within a 150-mile radius of Panama City Beach, FL) to visit plants and meet with customers.

Benefits:

Why join this company?

• Competitive base salary of $180-225k dependent on experience.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
• 401k with company match.
• Medical, health, and dental insurance coverage.
• Paid vacation time.
• Ongoing training and professional development.
• Career growth and advancement opportunities in a fast-growing, profitable company.