BEST RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT & DESIGN

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER

Do you lead with integrity, build strong relationships, and bring a strategic, thoughtful approach? Can you balance the fast-paced demands of a distribution business with thoughtful, data-driven decisions? If you're energized by empowering teams, removing obstacles, and driving lasting success, we want to hear from you!

Our ideal Chief Operations Officer:

• Builds trust through collaboration: You actively engage with every department, understanding the unique challenges and needs of operations, sales, and finance. You know that effective leadership isn't just about making decisions—it's about being a helpful partner. You are a leader who listens, provides clear communication, and ensures alignment across teams.
• Acts with urgency when it counts: You understand the high stakes of our industry and are quick to act when customers need solutions, all while driving strategic, sustainable improvements. Your approach reflects our work hard, play hard mindset, balancing swift action with long-term planning.
• Respects tradition, drives thoughtful progress: You value our company's established processes and are committed to finding ways to improve, based on data and collaboration. Your curious learner mentality drives continuous progress while respecting what works.
• Leads with empathy and accountability: You provide resources and guidance for the leadership team, empowering them to tackle challenges confidently. You champion all departments, using your creative, critical thinking to foster solutions and ensuring every voice is heard, creating an environment of mutual respect and dedication.

As our Chief Operations Officer, you will act as the bridge between operations, sales, and finance, aligning teams while championing the restaurant owners we serve. Your leadership will ensure steady, impactful progress that drives our mission forward and builds lasting trust across the organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership & Board Partnership

• Partner with the board to provide data-driven insights and support strategic initiatives
• Oversee P&L management, resource allocation, and financial health, including cash flow and capital expenditures
• Lead overall financial strategy to drive company growth and long-term stability, aligning operations with financial goals
• Lead financial forecasting, reporting, and decision-making for company growth and stability
• Lead the implementation of the company’s ESOP program, ensuring fiduciary and risk management oversight

Leadership & Team Development

• Act as a key resource for the leadership team, resolving issues and strategizing solutions
• Facilitate alignment and collaboration across departments to remove leadership obstacles
• Empower employees to make informed decisions by fostering a culture of accountability
• Oversee hiring, training, and employee development to build a high-performing team
• Take responsibility for the quality of work across all departments, ensuring alignment with the company’s vision

Operational & Tactical Responsibilities

• Advocate for both sales opportunities and operational feasibility, ensuring flexibility and balance
• Identify opportunities to update and automate processes, implementing technology solutions to enhance efficiency and scalability
• Improve operational processes and procedures to enhance efficiency and support growth
• Manage legal and government documents, ensuring compliance and handling escalations as needed

*This is a full-time, onsite role based in Columbus, OH*

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• 4+ years of C-suite leadership experience in organizations with $40M+ revenue
• Proven leadership in distribution operations
• Strong P&L management, including financial forecasting, resource allocation, cash flow, and capital expenditures
• Cross-functional leadership experience, developing and mentoring teams
• Expertise in delivering scalable, customized solutions
• Risk management experience, including credit extensions, approvals, and credit insurance

Preferred

• Experience implementing technology solutions, including software and process automation
• Familiarity with micro-suite environments
• Experience in small businesses, especially in resource-constrained, adaptable cultures

Desired

• Experience with Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOP)

ABOUT THE COMPANY - Best Restaurant Equipment & Design

Founded in 1987, Best Restaurant Equipment & Design Co. is a leading provider of equipment and design solutions for the foodservice industry. We serve a broad range of clients, from independent restaurateurs to large chains, as well as schools, universities, and commercial foodservice. With a focus on customized solutions and strong client relationships, we specialize in turnkey equipment packages, design layouts, and smallwares programs. As an employee-owned company (ESOP) since 2015, we are committed to long-term success and innovation in the industry, actively participating in national associations like the Foodservice Equipment Distributors Association and SEFA.

OUR CORE VALUES

1. Helpful Partners
2. Curious Learners
3. Work Hard, Play Hard
4. Creative, Critical Thinkers
5. Mutual Respect & Dedication

WHY WORK FOR US?

• This is an industry with a lot of potential—we haven’t even hit our ceiling yet!
• We’re still jazzed about this business after more than 20 years, and there’s a sense of excitement in solving problems and helping our customers succeed
• Every day brings new challenges, and we’re always learning something new—it’s never routine and never dull
• As an employee-owned company (ESOP), we care about our people and reward them for their efforts
• We have a down-to-earth, open-door policy, where leadership is approachable at every level

Salary: $145,000 - $165,000 + bonus

Benefits: ESOP Pension Plan, 401k, Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO & Paid Holidays, HSA, Long-Term and Short-Term Disability, Life and Accidental Death Benefits, Section 125 Tax Savings Plan, Wellness Programs, Tuition Assistance, and Merchandise Discounts

Are you a leader who thrives on building strong teams? Join our fast-paced, people-focused organization—apply today!

JOB CODE: Best Restaurant Equipment & Design