Chief of Staff

Seattle Fish Co. / Lombardi Bros Meats - Background

Based in Denver Colorado, Seattle Fish Co. & Lombardi Brothers Meats is a leading processor and distributor of premium seafood and meats. Seattle Fish Co., founded in 1918, is known for its sustainably sourced seafood, serving restaurants, grocers, and institutions across the Rocky Mountain region. Lombardi Brothers Meats, established in 1947, provides high-quality, hand-cut meats, and custom dry-aged beef to top restaurants, hotels, and retail customers. Together, they contribute to Denver's vibrant culinary scene by offering the freshest and widest assortment of premium meat and seafood products to the local food industry.

Seattle Fish and Lombardi Brothers Meats is owned by Founders Group of Food Companies (“Founders Group”), a family-owned Canadian investment firm, focused on very long hold, control investments in food processing and value-added food distribution businesses in North America. Founders Group invests in family-owned and founder-led companies, helping them scale operations while maintaining their unique brand identities. The group leverages deep industry expertise to enhance operational efficiency and support growth across diverse markets. Current holdings are in specialty meat & seafood and edible gifts & confections.

Role Summary & Most Important Candidate Characteristics (Litmus Test)

“The Chief of Staff (“COS”) reports to the Company President, is the #2 executive in the company, and oversees key functions as well as executing important projects and strategic initiatives. At the outset, the COS will oversee human resources and operations (food safety & quality assurance, workplace safety, production, warehouse / shipping & receiving, distribution). We are seeking a candidate that has the ambition to rise into a General Management / President role themself.

Most important candidate characteristics (Litmus Test) are:

• Completed bachelor’s degree (Engineering, or related field)
• Long experience in leading 24/7 operations; track record in perishable goods an advantage
• Proven ability to deliver financial results through operational excellence; formal training in lean or six sigma and / or deep experience in an ‘academy’ manufacturing company an advantage
• Located in or willing to relocate to Denver / Central Park area
• Data-driven with a passion for using systems, tools, metrics, incentives to drive results
• Above average verbal and numeric reasoning (tested)
• Aspires to President role and would be willing to relocate within US for step up to first General Manager / President role

Furthermore, this role demands strong problem-solving and change management skills, exceptional communication, an ability to execute effectively and with urgency, and a willingness to be hands-on when needed to drive results. The ideal candidate is a driven individual who can work independently within a performance / operating framework and exhibits diligent planning & organization, analytical rigor, an obsessive focus on winning outcomes, and a track record of successful influence across various business function teams. He or she has a

demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and strategic initiatives, establish credibility with management & executive teams, and are comfortable rolling up your sleeves to tackle a variety of challenges.

COS Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership / General Management

• Collaborate with the President and executive team to shape the company’s strategic direction and drive value creation.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that align with the company's overall business objectives.
• Provide sound business judgment in the evaluation and execution of strategic initiatives. Collaborate with the President on key decisions, leveraging a deep understanding of the business and industry.
• Lead and mentor senior management to foster a high-performance, resilient culture across the organization, encouraging energy and determination in the face of setbacks, and bold and well-controlled action to grasp opportunities.
• Able to work with executives and represent the President across different company functions and stakeholders, facilitating effective communication and ensuring alignment on key initiatives with team members across different business functions.

Quality, Customer Service & Operational Performance

• Implement tools, routines and metrics to drive change and a transition to a data-driven organization with a winning culture and superior performance.
• Balance customer demands for quality and customer service (on-time, in-full delivery to specification) with the requirement to operate efficiently with respect to operating costs per case or lb.
• Oversee all operational aspects of quality / food safety, the meat and seafood production rooms, warehouse operations, receiving and shipping, inventory control, fleet and distribution operations etc.
• Instill a sense of urgency in meeting operational targets, meeting quality and food safety requirements, customer service, and responding to challenges, ensuring quick and effective decision-making.
• Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure customer success, operational efficiency and drive continuous improvement.

Process Optimization / Organization Design

• Identify opportunities for process improvements, labor and equipment productivity, improved quality / specification accuracy, customer service performance upgrades, including developing strategies and plans that deliver results against set targets.
• Assist in designing and implementing organizational structures that optimize efficiency and effectiveness. Ensure the organization is structured to meet current and future business needs.
• Leverage technology and innovation to enhance operations capabilities and efficiency.
• Develop and implement best practices for lean manufacturing and quality assurance.
• Evaluate and implement emerging technologies that support operational goals and business growth.
• Ensure a positive climate and that the organization can swiftly adapt to changes.

Project and Change Management / M&A

• Oversee and manage complex, multi-dimensional projects, including organization design and development, 90-day strategic initiatives (sprint), acquisition integration, cross-departmental customer improvement initiatives, including a strong focus on improving productivity and customer service metrics.
• Lead and manage integration activities following mergers and acquisitions, ensuring a seamless transition and realization of synergies.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the operating budget, ensuring appropriate spending controls are in place to mitigate risk and deliver financial performance.
• Analyze financial reports and operational data to make informed decisions and drive profitability.
• Ensure accurate COGS by regularly reviewing and updating cost standards in partnership with the Head of Finance and the company President.

Regulatory Compliance and Health and Safety

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, including food safety standards, environmental laws, and labor regulations.
• Lead the facility’s efforts in maintaining certifications and accreditations required for industry standards.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies and address any compliance issues promptly.
• Implement and oversee safety programs, training, and procedures to minimize workplace hazards and ensure employee well-being.
• Manage response strategies for emergency situations and operational disruptions.

COS Skills & Experience In Detail:

Education

BS or BA from four-year college or university ideally in engineering or related field and has minimum of 10-15 years related experience and/or training. Test-based evidence of higher-than-average numerical and verbal reasoning for a US college graduate.

Functional Experience

Deep experience in manufacturing environments including track record of continuous improvement using lean / agile / six sigma or other similar methodologies. Experience in 24/7 food manufacturing environments with high food safety requirements preferred. Career experience in founder-led organizations and broad functional experience considered an advantage.

People Leadership / Communication Skills

Strong leader of people with a track record of developing high performance teams. Ability to form productive relationships with key departments, regulatory authorities and their representatives, customers, suppliers, etc. Skilled in managing conflict and protecting company interests, while sustaining good working relationships with all. Superior communication and negotiation skills (written and verbal), with experience influencing high-level stakeholders such as executive teams, boards, and customers / vendors, as well as facility in dealing with frontline supervisors and teams.

Project Management

Strong project management skills and experience leading high stakes change projects such as (1) ERP / Enterprise Class System implementations, (2) Acquisition Integration, (3) construction / equipment CAPEX projects exceeding $10M, or (4) synergy and cost savings initiatives.

Reasoning Ability

Strong oral communication skills and good written communication skills. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret financial reports, legal documents or governmental regulations, and demonstrated enthusiasm to maintain / further build expertise and remain up to date on regulations. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Strong business acumen and judgement with the ability to navigate and resolve complex business issues.

Working / Management Style

Well-organized with a track record using tools, routines and metrics to drive change and superior performance. A strong orientation towards outcomes and willingness to get the job done. Ambitious and excited about big challenges and rewards.

Certificates and Licenses

GFSI (SQF, BRC etc.), HACCP and Advanced HACCP at a minimum required.