Group Chief Operating Officer for International FMCG Company (expats welcome)

One of Ukraine's largest food production companies is currently looking for a Group Chief Operating Officer to lead its operational activities in Ukraine and other CIS countries. This is a superior position and only top candidates should apply with a background in both sales and operations. The position reports to the Chief Executive Officer with direct reports including COO Ukraine, COO Russia and COO Other CIS Countries.

The responsibilities include:

• Lead efforts to increase and maintain capital and operating efficiencies.
• Drive day to day operations performance.
• Oversee direct reports.
• Ensure fulfillment of sales- as well as expense budgets.
• Maintain an effective labour relations environment.
• Drive cost and process improvements through purchasing and supplier development, productivity programs and sourcing and materials programs.
• Drive cost, quality, and sales plans.
• Participate in developing business plan and budgets.
• Ensure commercial best practices are implemented across borders.
• Improve group culture and cross departmental cooperation across borders.
• Implement Key Account Management and improve profitability on key accounts in mass retail.
• Assess and improve the sales channel of distributors.
• Develop new business via B2B and export markets.
• Anchor newly developed brand matrix in the mind-set of the commercial departments.
• Ensure timely implementation of new assortment plan.
• Improve qualitative and quantitative improvement of distribution.

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous experience in a senior operations management.
• An international track-record with experience of managing multiple organizations over several geographies.
• Financially literate with a track record of managing complex cost structures, preferably as CCO or Commercial Director.
• Strong leadership and strategic capability - able to see the big picture and identify underlying drivers.
• Ability to lead, develop and inspire others.
• Strong track record of successfully managing large scale change / restructuring programs.
• Background in FMCG industry. Experience in Ukraine or Russia is essential.
• Preference will be given to candidates of the dairy industry.
• Strong Board level communications skills.
• Strong collaborative skills and track record of managing successfully within a matrix environment.
• Fluency in English and at least intermediate Russian or Ukrainian.