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Sep 11, 2026 14 hr. ago

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JOB TITLE: Chief Operations Officer, Finlays Extracts

DEPARTMENT: Corporate

REPORTS TO: Chief Executive Officer

LOCATION: Chicago, IL

About Us:

Finlays Solutions is a leading partner to the B2B beverage manufacturing industry, recognized for its deep expertise, strong industry relationships, and commitment to innovation. The company plays a central role in supporting beverage brands, flavor houses, private label partners, and manufacturers through high-quality products, technical capabilities, and collaborative problem-solving. With a strong presence in the ready-to-drink beverage market, Finlays Solutions focuses on identifying emerging opportunities, expanding into new market spaces, and delivering solutions that meet evolving customer and consumer needs.

Finlays Solutions operates with a strong commitment to its mission, values, ethics, and long‑term goals, ensuring that every initiative reflects the company’s dedication to integrity, partnership, and sustainable success.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Operations Officer will be a vital member of a senior leadership team whose goal is to achieve an ambitious, sustainable, and profitable growth plan over the next 5 years. This is to be done through the development and execution of clear strategic goals, the motivation of teams across multiple geographic markets, and the successful identification and completion of targeted mergers and acquisitions.

Leading Finlays Solutions’ World Class Operations agenda, the COO will provide leadership, management, and vision ensuring that the company has the proper operational controls, administrative and reporting procedures, as well as the quality, sustainability, and people systems in place to effectively grow the business and ensure financial strength and operating efficiency. This role will lead and manage Finlays Solutions’ network of factories in the United States (5), in the UK (1), and in Kenya (1), their business unit supply chain that includes coffee and tea procurement, inbound and outbound logistics, business unit specific health and safety requirements, sustainability, and engineering. The safety of our people, contractors, customers, and communities is Finlays Solutions’ highest priority.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

As a member of the senior leadership team, the COO will collaborate in the development and execution of the business vision and strategy Influence the Finlays Solutions SLT to ensure Health & Safety considerations are integrated into business decision-making.
Providee direct and motivational leadership of the Manufacturing and Supply Chain functions aligned with Finlays Solutions’ corporate mission, sustainability commitments, and core values.
Drive and implement best-in-class manufacturing practices, methodologies, and strategies to optimize employee engagement, productivity, quality, and efficiency.
Lead the Health, Safety, and Environmental strategy for the business, driving continuous improvements and ensuring that the business is focused on always providing a safe working environment
Lead, motivate, encourage and develop direct reports (Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Procurement) through the application of effective performance management.

Qualifications & Requirements:

Food & beverage manufacturing (finished product – private labeled and branded

Experience in beverage manufacturing
15+ years of operations experience
Global Experience or Sitting COO
Track record of driving operational improvements across a complex, multi-site organization
Experience implementing best-in-class manufacturing practices
Ecperience leading a multi-region supply chain function
FDA facility experience
Experience building our new facilities/scaling operations
Experience integrating acquisitions
Multi-regional experience
Results-oriented mindset and track record
Demonstrated ability to build high performing teams
Entrepreneurial mindset Experience implementing best-in-class manufacturing practices
Ability to influence collaboratively across and organization; demonstrates flexibility & adaptability to culture.

Physical Demands

Ability to work beyond regularly scheduled hours during peak periods or critical operations
Must possess adequate vision, hearing, and verbal communication skills to meet essential job performance and safety standards.
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and regularly perform physical tasks such as pushing, pulling, lifting, climbing, bending, stooping, squatting, and using hands for detailed tasks

Physically capable of performing tasks such as lifting, climbing, and using hand and power tools, including pallet jacks, scales, ladders, and standard material handling and cleaning equipment
Capable of safely lifting up to 25 pounds frequently throughout the day; ability to handle heavier items with proper lifting equipment or team-assisted techniques to ensure safety

Work Environment

Employees must be able to work in a dynamic manufacturing environment that may include exposure to odors, dust, moderate noise levels, and fluctuations in temperature and ventilation
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times, which may include but is not limited to: safety glasses, steel-toed shoes, gloves, hairnets, uniforms, and face shields, as required by specific job duties and safety protocols
Ability to work in elevated positions, at up to 50 feet and using proper safety precautions
Must be able to work in limited or cramped spaces and extend arms into machinery for inspection, cleaning, or maintenance tasks, while following all established safety protocols

Quality Statement:

Our Quality and Food Safety Management strategy is anchored by our food safety and quality culture and a two-pronged approach to “be the best” as we produce “only the best”. Every employee has a role to play in this strategy as outlined by the following:
Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP’s), allergen control, food defense, HACCP, SQF, and regulatory requirements so that we make consistently safe, quality products.
Ensure the presence of visitors, contractors, and customers are documented on each visit in and out of the facility to maintain good manufacturing practices, allergen controls, food defense/food security and HACCP controls.
Report all food safety and quality issues to management immediately.
Partner with colleagues across all functions to share knowledge, skills, and information regarding quality and food safety.
Adhere to all health and safety work practices.
Exhibit an understanding of quality and food safety standards and be able to speak about the Finlays quality and food safety system and your role in it.
Handle customer complaints in a timely and professional manner so that the customer is put first, always.
Participate fully in Finlays programs that drive continuous improvement methodologies.

Any employee in doubt as to the role they play in the Finlays quality and food safety management system must reach out to the site Quality Manager or VP of Quality.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Finlays Solutions is an equal employment opportunity employer seeking diversity in qualified applicants for employment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, gender, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, perceived disability, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other protected status, as defined by applicable law. Finlays employs individuals that are 18 years of age or older.

This position is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship.

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