About the role
Hartmann Young is partnering with an early-stage CPG / functional wellness company preparing for commercial scale-up, operational maturity, and future fundraising. With rapid growth underway and increasing demand for operational infrastructure, the business is now seeking a Fractional / Advisory COO to support its next phase of development. This position is based in California and offered on an equity-only basis, suitable for a seasoned operator who excels in early-stage, high-growth environments. This is a high-visibility, cross-functional leadership role focused on building the systems, processes, and operational foundations required for scale. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in CPG, functional food & beverage, nutraceuticals, or regulated manufacturing, with a track record of shaping operational strategy, improving margins, and preparing companies for investor diligence and commercialisation. Key Responsibilities:
- ·Establish scalable operational systems across supply chain, manufacturing, quality, and S&OP
- ·Implement financial discipline, forecasting, and operational reporting to support fundraising
- ·Build and optimise co-manufacturing, 3PL, logistics, and vendor networks
- ·Lead commercialisation planning for new products, ensuring margin alignment and regulatory readiness
- ·Collaborate with founders, investors, and cross-functional teams to accelerate growth
- ·Introduce best-practice processes to support repeatable, efficient, and compliant operations
- ·Advise on long-term org design, talent needs, and infrastructure for scale Ideal Candidate:
- ·10–20+ years in operations, supply chain, or manufacturing leadership within CPG or functional wellness
- ·Experience in equity-based, fractional, or advisory COO/CVP Ops roles is highly advantageous
- ·Proven ability to scale early-stage brands, build infrastructure, and improve gross margins
- ·Strong understanding of co-man strategy, S&OP, quality systems, and commercialisation
- ·Comfortable working autonomously, making strategic recommendations, and working hands-on where needed
- ·Background supporting investor diligence or preparing companies for capital raises
- ·Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, Business or related field preferred