The VP of Commissary Operations is responsible for leading and optimizing all back-of-house operations across Bright Eyed commissary. This role oversees production, food safety, inventory, logistics, facilities, and team performance, ensuring seamless day-to-day execution while building a scalable operational foundation for growth.

Reporting directly to the President, this leader will drive operational excellence, implement best-in-class processes, and develop infrastructure to support expansion into additional commissary locations. The role requires a hands-on, strategic operator who can balance immediate execution with long-term planning, while actively championing the Happier Grocery culture and brand behind the scenes.

This role is on site 5 days a week in our NYC office and reports to the President.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Oversee all daily commissary operations, including production, receiving, storage, fulfillment, and distribution, ensuring efficiency, consistency, and quality across all processes
• Establish and continuously refine standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure operational excellence, repeatability, and scalability
• Monitor and improve operational KPIs including throughput, order accuracy, waste reduction, labor productivity, and on-time delivery
• Proactively identify operational bottlenecks and implement solutions that improve workflow, reduce costs, and enhance productivity
• Partner closely with Retail to ensure alignment between commissary output and store-level needs

Supply Chain, Inventory & Vendor Management

• Design and optimize end-to-end supply chain processes, including procurement, inventory planning, and distribution logistics
• Develop and execute inventory control strategies to minimize waste, optimize turns, and ensure product availability across a high-SKU environment
• Establish strong vendor partnerships, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier performance to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and reliability
• Oversee receiving and storage processes to ensure accurate tracking, proper handling, and compliance with food safety standards

Financial Management & Performance Optimization

• Own the commissary operating budget, including cost of goods, labor, and operating expenses
• Partner with Finance and the President to develop budgets, forecasts, and long-term financial plans
• Analyze performance data to identify opportunities for cost savings, margin improvement, and operational efficiency
• Lead initiatives to drive profitability, particularly through high-margin categories such as prepared foods

Strategic Growth & Scalability

• Develop and execute a 3–5 year strategic roadmap to support growth, efficiency, and profitability
• Lead the planning, build-out, and launch of new commissary facilities, ensuring scalability of systems and processes
• Introduce innovative operational strategies and technologies to support business expansion
• Standardize processes and playbooks that can be replicated across multiple locations

Team Leadership & Culture

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing, cross-functional team across operations, production, and logistics
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement aligned with company values of excellence and wellness
• Hire, train, and mentor team members, developing future leaders within the organization
• Establish clear performance expectations, provide ongoing coaching, and drive employee engagement

Compliance, Safety & Risk Management

• Ensure strict compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations, including food safety, sanitation, and occupational health standards
• Maintain and enforce best practices for perishable food handling, storage, and production
• Lead food safety programs, audits, and certifications (e.g., organic, sustainability initiatives)
• Identify and mitigate operational and compliance risks across commissary operations

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Retail, Finance, Merchandising, and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment and strong communication flows
• Provide operational insights and data to inform planning, forecasting, and business decisions
• Act as a key liaison between departments to ensure seamless execution and alignment with company goals

Sustainability & Waste Reduction

• Lead initiatives to reduce food waste and improve sustainability practices, including repurposing and recycling programs
• Identify opportunities to implement environmentally responsible practices across commissary operations

REQUIREMENTS

• 7–10+ years of experience leading commissary or food production operations in a high-volume, perishable goods environment
• Proven experience building and launching commissary kitchens or production facilities
• Experience in both large-scale operations and early-stage or founder-led environments preferred
• Deep expertise in food safety regulations, compliance standards, and perishable inventory management
• Strong background in supply chain, logistics, and inventory optimization within complex, high-SKU assortments
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, forecast financial performance, and drive operational efficiency
• Advanced analytical skills with strong proficiency in Excel and data-driven decision-making
• Exceptional leadership and team development capabilities, with experience managing diverse teams
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex operational concepts into actionable guidance
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities simultaneously
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on, solutions-oriented approach
• High integrity and commitment to ethical business practices