- Company Name
- HOWL Worldwide
- Job Title
- Founding COO
- Job Description
-
**Job Title**
Founding Chief Operating Officer (COO)
**Role Summary**
The Founding COO will design and execute the operational infrastructure that supports rapid growth across manufacturing, supply‑chain, finance, commercial sales, product development, and team building. As strategic partner to the CEO, the COO will lead cross‑functional execution, close new commercial opportunities, and prepare the company for future fundraising.
**Expectations**
- Build scalable systems and processes for a fast‑growing consumer‑goods brand.
- Lead end‑to‑end operations, supply‑chain, and product lifecycle management.
- Own financial planning, forecasting, cash‑flow management, and investor relations.
- Expand retail and B2B sales pipeline, manage key partnerships, and negotiate contracts.
- Recruit, develop, and manage a growing internal team.
- Collaborate on product roadmap, go‑to‑market strategy, and margin optimisation.
**Key Responsibilities**
1. **Operations & Supply Chain** – establish manufacturing relationships, optimise logistics, inventory, and fulfilment; deliver scalable systems for expanding product lines.
2. **Finance & Commercial** – construct detailed financial models, conduct forecasting, manage cash flow, and support fundraising through investor materials and due‑diligence.
3. **Sales & Commercial Development** – drive retail, B2B, and direct‑to‑consumer sales, securing new outlets and building long‑term partnerships.
4. **Team & HR** – design staffing needs, lead hiring, onboarding, performance management, and build culture as the team grows from 5 to 10+.
5. **Product Development** – partner with the CEO on product roadmap, coordinate suppliers, schedule launches, and meet margin targets.
**Required Skills**
- 3–5+ years in CPG/consumer goods operations or equivalent.
- Proven startup or high‑growth environment experience (small team, ambiguity, speed).
- Strong financial modelling, forecasting, and commercial acumen.
- Demonstrated ability to build processes, systems, and teams from scratch.
- Hands‑on operational mindset; comfortable wearing multiple hats.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
**Nice‑to‑Haves**
- Fundraising experience (Pre‑Seed, Seed, Series A).
- Established network in CPG retailers, wellness, beauty, or fashion.
- Interest in nightlife, sexual wellness, or LGBTQ+ health markets.
**Required Education & Certifications**
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Operations, or related field.
- CPA, CFA, MBA, or equivalent advanced finance/operations qualifications preferred but not mandatory.