Chief Operating Officer - Clean Energy Logistics

About the Role

Our client specializes in ensuring timely and accurate delivery of hardware essential for large-scale solar and energy storage projects nationwide. Handling the warehousing, freight management, and inventory control of components like modules, trackers, transformers, and battery systems, the company is in a phase of rapid growth. Current operational methods are insufficient for future expansion, and this Chief Operating Officer position is critical to establishing the operational framework for scalable success.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee comprehensive operations and logistics across warehousing, transportation, inventory management, and fulfillment processes, including management of a nationwide network of third-party logistics (3PL) providers and warehouse partners; coordinate carrier selection and handling of specialized freight such as heavy, oversized, and hazardous cargo including transformers and lithium-ion batteries.
• Develop and maintain metrics and operational cadence, including establishing KPIs, conducting weekly to quarterly business reviews, generating dashboards, and enforcing accountability aligned with business goals.
• Evaluate current team capabilities and restructuring as necessary to place the right personnel in roles that enable the company to meet defined objectives on a stable foundation.
• Support sales and business development through infrastructure enhancement such as pipeline management, forecasting, CRM optimization, deal desk procedures, and pricing discipline, while preserving customer relationship ownership by commercial leaders.
• Lead the strategy and deployment of core operational technology stacks including warehouse management systems (WMS), transportation management systems (TMS), customer relationship management (CRM), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, ensuring leadership has clear insight via accurate reporting.
• Build and oversee a scalable compliance function addressing regulations such as Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements for hazardous materials and oversized loads, along with managing commercial contracts and deal review processes.
• Provide leadership and mentorship to a team of operations leaders, supervise offshore support teams, and serve as a strategic partner to the CEO, Board of Directors, and executive peers.

Requirements

• At least 15 years of experience in operations, supply chain management, or general management roles, with a minimum of 8 years in senior executive positions such as COO, VP/SVP of Operations, or General Manager.
• Proven expertise in designing and implementing operational systems from inception, including KPIs, planning cycles, cadence, and processes.
• Substantial logistics or distribution experience handling heavy industrial or renewable energy components like transformers, batteries, trackers, or modules.
• Practical leadership experience guiding WMS, TMS, ERP, and CRM implementation projects from evaluation through go-live stages.
• Experience managing operations spanning multiple locations or extensive third-party logistics networks.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with CEOs, Boards, and senior executives, with a leadership style focused on building effective systems rather than direct P&L ownership.
• Hands-on leadership approach suited for scaling founder-led or fast-growing startups.

Additional desirable qualifications include direct involvement in solar, storage, or renewable energy distribution sectors; knowledge of NetSuite; experience in private equity-backed or founder-led companies; and familiarity with structured operating models such as EOS or Traction.

Benefits and Work Environment

• Fully remote position with flexible time off tailored to leadership roles.
• Influential role within a small, agile executive team with considerable autonomy to define operational strategies.
• Opportunity to guide the company's transition to its next phase of growth and leave a personal legacy.
• Competitive executive compensation including base salary, performance bonus, and equity participation.
• Generous discretionary time off policy (essentially unlimited).
• Comprehensive health benefits including medical, vision, dental, and life insurance as well as voluntary benefits, FSA/HSA options, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Employee discounts and referral incentives.
• Support for professional growth and allotted volunteer time.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Legal Compliance

The hiring process and workplace adhere strictly to equal opportunity employment practices, non-discrimination policies, and comply with federal, state, and local regulations. The company fosters diversity and inclusion, providing reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees as needed. Privacy and pay equity standards are maintained, and anti-harassment policies are enforced to ensure a respectful working environment. The engagement includes transparency around compensation and participation in identity verification processes where applicable.