Position Opening: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Company: 5280 Cattle Company
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
About 5280 Cattle Company
Founded in 2020 and operational since December 2021, 5280 Cattle Company is a specialized calf ranch dedicated to raising day-old dairy calves from birth to approximately 500 lbs. Operating with a current capacity of 10,000 head (permit capacity 25,000 head) across four client partners, we focus on scale-driven efficiency to produce superior, high-health calves that are marketed in semi-load quantities directly to feedlots. Our mission remains unchanged: deliver the highest-quality calf possible at a competitive cost while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare, biosecurity, and operational excellence.
Position Summary
The **Chief Operating Officer (COO)** is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing all day-to-day operations while simultaneously driving the strategic growth of the ranch to its full 25,000-head permitted capacity. Reporting directly to the CEO, the COO will lead a newly structured management team, optimize performance across all key performance indicators (KPIs), manage a significant operating budget, and serve as the primary point of contact for current and prospective clients. This is a hands-on, high-visibility position in a fast-paced, 24/7 livestock environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Operational Leadership
- Partner with and elevate the existing management team and newly established Team Leads (Animal Health & Receiving, Movements/Shipping/Vaccinations, Pen & Facility Maintenance, Milk Barn & Bottle Operations).
- Oversee all daily operations including cattle health, pen movements, shipments, feed management, equipment maintenance, facility cleanliness, and biosecurity protocols.
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve standardized operating procedures (SOPs) and ensure consistent execution across all shifts.
- Manage supply chain and purchasing (forages, feed, equipment, and supplies) while driving cost efficiencies.
- Monitor and report on critical KPIs (death loss, average daily gain, feed conversion, treatment rates, etc.) and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Lead hiring, onboarding, training, performance management, and retention of all ranch staff.
- Maintain strict adherence to safety programs, regulatory requirements, and animal welfare standards.
Strategic Growth & Development
- Lead the phased build-out of the ranch to full 25,000-head capacity, including coordination of construction projects and infrastructure improvements.
- Identify, qualify, and secure new client partners while strengthening relationships with existing clients.
- Develop and execute cost-saving initiatives and operational efficiencies to support profitable scaling.
- Build a robust middle-management bench to support long-term sustainable growth.
- Provide the CEO and ownership group with timely, data-driven monthly reports and weekly operational updates.
Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in large-scale livestock operations, with strong preference for dairy calf ranch, heifer-growing, or dairy background.
- Proven track record managing teams of 50+ employees in a 24/7 agricultural environment.
- Demonstrated success in operational excellence, budget management, and scaling agricultural facilities.
- Strong financial acumen and comfort working under strict budget parameters.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with both frontline staff and executive-level clients.
- Experience with livestock health protocols, feed management, and regulatory compliance is highly desirable.
- Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science, Agribusiness, or related field preferred (equivalent experience considered).
What We Offer
- Competitive base salary of **$150,000 per year**
- Company-provided cell phone and work vehicle
- Company Health Insurance via ICHRA reimbursement
- Simple IRA with up to 3% company match
- Opportunity to build and lead a high-performing team in a rapidly growing, professionally managed calf ranch
This is a full-time, salaried leadership position requiring a true 100% commitment. The role operates in a dynamic 24/7 environment and may include irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, to address urgent operational needs.
