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. RESPONSIBILITIESOperational 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 operationsREQUIREMENTS7–10+ 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
