Saenger Associates
Overview
Saenger Associates is seeking a Chief Operating Officer for our confidential client located in the Southeast. The COO is a core member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for managing and optimizing all operational aspects of the business. This includes global sourcing, supply chain, product development, IT infrastructure, distribution, inventory planning, and quality compliance. The COO will lead operational strategy aligned with the company’s financial and growth goals, support margin improvement, and oversee end-to-end process optimization. This role demands a proven leader who thrives in complex, multi-country operations and can drive innovation, efficiency, and cultural alignment. Responsibilities
Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to develop long-term strategic plans, margin goals, and earnings targets. Translate vision into actionable operational strategies, roadmaps, and KPIs. Represent Operations in Board and executive meetings, supporting key business decisions. Lead all day-to-day operations: sourcing, purchasing, distribution, supply chain logistics, and IT. Direct budget planning and operational expenditures across departments. Ensure reliable product development execution in collaboration with design and merchandising leaders. Manage global supply chain performance, including vendor relations. Drive cost efficiency and margin protection through sourcing strategies and contract negotiations. Ensure social and legal compliance throughout the entire value chain. Oversee IT systems, ERP/PLM/WMS integration, and digital transformation initiatives to enable process efficiency. Ensure data protection and cybersecurity protocols are in place and regularly updated. Lead product quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Mitigate operational risk by responding to shifting trade policies, logistics disruptions, and inflationary pressures. Lead and develop a high-performing team of a couple hundred across sourcing, production, distribution, and IT. Foster a culture of performance, innovation, collaboration, and ethical decision-making. Build succession planning and talent development programs within operational teams. Key Qualifications
10+ years of senior operational leadership experience in the apparel industry Proven success in overseeing large-scale operations, supply chains, and global vendor ecosystems. Deep familiarity with Six Sigma, lean operations, and continuous improvement programs. Experience implementing and managing enterprise systems (ERP, PLM, WMS). Strong financial and strategic planning capabilities. Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and decision-making skills. Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or related advanced degree preferred. Seniority level
Executive Employment type
Full-time Job function
Distribution, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance Industries: Retail
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Saenger Associates is seeking a Chief Operating Officer for our confidential client located in the Southeast. The COO is a core member of the executive leadership team and is responsible for managing and optimizing all operational aspects of the business. This includes global sourcing, supply chain, product development, IT infrastructure, distribution, inventory planning, and quality compliance. The COO will lead operational strategy aligned with the company’s financial and growth goals, support margin improvement, and oversee end-to-end process optimization. This role demands a proven leader who thrives in complex, multi-country operations and can drive innovation, efficiency, and cultural alignment. Responsibilities
Collaborate with the CEO and executive team to develop long-term strategic plans, margin goals, and earnings targets. Translate vision into actionable operational strategies, roadmaps, and KPIs. Represent Operations in Board and executive meetings, supporting key business decisions. Lead all day-to-day operations: sourcing, purchasing, distribution, supply chain logistics, and IT. Direct budget planning and operational expenditures across departments. Ensure reliable product development execution in collaboration with design and merchandising leaders. Manage global supply chain performance, including vendor relations. Drive cost efficiency and margin protection through sourcing strategies and contract negotiations. Ensure social and legal compliance throughout the entire value chain. Oversee IT systems, ERP/PLM/WMS integration, and digital transformation initiatives to enable process efficiency. Ensure data protection and cybersecurity protocols are in place and regularly updated. Lead product quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Mitigate operational risk by responding to shifting trade policies, logistics disruptions, and inflationary pressures. Lead and develop a high-performing team of a couple hundred across sourcing, production, distribution, and IT. Foster a culture of performance, innovation, collaboration, and ethical decision-making. Build succession planning and talent development programs within operational teams. Key Qualifications
10+ years of senior operational leadership experience in the apparel industry Proven success in overseeing large-scale operations, supply chains, and global vendor ecosystems. Deep familiarity with Six Sigma, lean operations, and continuous improvement programs. Experience implementing and managing enterprise systems (ERP, PLM, WMS). Strong financial and strategic planning capabilities. Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and decision-making skills. Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or related advanced degree preferred. Seniority level
Executive Employment type
Full-time Job function
Distribution, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance Industries: Retail
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