Finding Your Next Chief Operating Officer Just Got Easier

Your operations deserve exceptional leadership. Whether you’re seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) or VP of Operations, our specialized executive search firm delivers proven results in placing top-tier operational executives.

Why partner with us for your COO search?

We’ve mastered the art of identifying transformational operational leaders who drive growth, streamline processes, and build high-performing teams. Our targeted methodology cuts through the noise to connect you with executives who don’t just manage operations—they revolutionize them.

The Perfect Leadership Balance

For EOS practitioners, you know the power of the Integrator-Visionary dynamic. We excel at finding that crucial “Integrator” who transforms your CEO’s vision into operational reality, creating the leadership synergy that drives sustainable success.

Ready to elevate your operations? Let’s find your next game-changing COO.

Recruiting Top COO and VP Operations Talent in the Northwest

At Herd Freed Hartz, we understand the pivotal role that a Chief Operating Officer or VP of Operations plays in scaling companies, optimizing performance, and leading through transformation. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, operations leaders must be both strategic thinkers and tactical executors—able to translate vision into action and complexity into clarity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, top executive roles, including COOs, are projected to grow by 3% through 2032, reflecting consistent demand for strong operational leadership, particularly in high-growth regions like the Pacific Northwest.

Why COO Searches Require a Unique Approach

Unlike other C-suite roles, the COO function is often shaped uniquely by the CEO’s strengths and the organization’s stage of growth. That makes finding the right candidate more art than science. Some COOs are integrators—masters of execution. Others are change agents, operationalizing innovation. In our experience, no two COO searches are ever alike. That’s why our process begins with a deep dive into your company’s leadership DNA, strategic goals, and operational needs. A McKinsey study on organizational performance highlights that companies with aligned leadership teams are 1.9x more likely to achieve above-average financial performance—underscoring the importance of getting this match right.   Recruiting the next COO for HenryBuilt was a great highlight of this strategy for success.

Proven Success Across Diverse Industry Verticals

Our operations leadership expertise spans a broad spectrum of industries, reflecting the Pacific Northwest’s dynamic economy and our nationwide reach. We’ve successfully placed COOs and VP Operations across technology companies like T-Mobile and F5, healthcare organizations including Premera and First Choice Health, retail giants such as REI and Starbucks, and financial services institutions like BECU. Our deep experience in food and agriculture—from dairy cooperatives and seafood companies to wine producers and CPG brands—showcases our ability to navigate complex supply chains and regulatory environments. Whether you’re a private equity-backed manufacturing firm, a high-growth SaaS company, or an established agricultural cooperative, we understand the unique operational challenges and leadership requirements specific to your sector. This industry diversity isn’t just breadth—it’s strategic advantage, allowing us to cross-pollinate best practices and identify unconventional candidates who bring fresh perspectives to traditional operational challenges.

What’s Changing in COO Hiring Today

Post-pandemic, COO roles have expanded in scope. Operations leaders are now expected to handle everything from digital transformation and supply chain resilience to ESG compliance and workforce strategy. Today’s COOs are increasingly being recruited from diverse career paths, including finance, technology, and even marketing, reflecting the need for cross-functional versatility. In this climate, a successful hire isn’t just about past titles—it’s about competencies, leadership style, and adaptability.

Best Practices in Executive Recruitment

Recruiting senior operations executives requires more than a resume search. We blend data-driven insights, behavioral interviewing, and cultural alignment to ensure long-term success. Industry research from Deloitte shows that 70% of failed hires are due to poor cultural fit, not lack of technical skills. That’s why we place a premium on understanding both the hard and soft sides of the role. Our clients tell us that our transparent communication style, thoughtful candidate assessments, and Northwest-specific market expertise make all the difference.  On a nationwide search for a President & COO at Patriot Erectors balanced the need for someone with private-equity experience and a family-run business culture working for the CEO.

Why Companies Trust Herd Freed Hartz

Our COO and VP Operations searches are guided by our mission to help companies hire leaders who create lasting impact. We’ve worked with private equity-backed firms, founder-led startups, and established enterprises across the Northwest to identify leaders who can scale operations and foster sustainable growth. We don’t just fill roles—we build trusted partnerships and deliver results. And we do it with a balance of professionalism and personality that our clients value. After all, recruiting is about people—and so are we.