Chief Operating Officer - Commercial Director

Chief Operating Officer - Commercial Director

Career Concepts is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) for a growing organization in the Erie, PA area. This direct hire opportunity is ideal for a commercially driven leader with a strong background in logistics, transportation, and business operations. The successful candidate will oversee daily operations, contribute to strategic business decisions, and help drive continued organizational growth.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily business operations, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and overall organizational performance.

• Develop and implement operational strategies that support business objectives and long-term growth.

• Provide leadership and direction across multiple departments, promoting accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Evaluate existing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen profitability.

• Work closely with executive leadership to establish priorities, evaluate business opportunities, and make strategic decisions.

• Lead commercial initiatives involving pricing strategies, customer proposals, requests for proposals (RFPs), and contract negotiations.

• Collaborate with sales and business development teams to identify growth opportunities and strengthen customer relationships.

• Evaluate potential business opportunities from both an operational and financial perspective to ensure profitability and organizational fit.

• Monitor financial and operational performance, including budgets, operating expenses, profit margins, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Oversee relationships with customers, vendors, and business partners to ensure service quality and operational effectiveness.

• Identify opportunities for business expansion, process improvements, and increased operational capabilities.

• Lead, mentor, and develop management teams while fostering a positive, results-oriented work environment.

• Make independent operational and commercial decisions while maintaining alignment with organizational goals.

Qualifications and Skills

• Extensive experience within logistics, transportation, freight forwarding, supply chain management, or a closely related industry.

• Significant senior leadership or executive management experience overseeing business operations and strategic initiatives.

• Strong commercial background with experience in pricing, RFPs, contract negotiations, and business development.

• Demonstrated understanding of both operational and financial aspects of a logistics or transportation business.

• Experience with profit and loss (P&L) management, budgeting, cost control, and profitability analysis.

• Proven ability to evaluate business opportunities, make sound decisions, and contribute to organizational growth.

• Strong leadership skills with experience managing teams, developing employees, and building relationships across departments.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to work independently, establish priorities, and take accountability for business decisions.

• Adaptable, hands-on leadership style with the ability to succeed in a fast-paced environment.

• Experience in commercial logistics, strategic pricing, or logistics solutions development is highly preferred.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent professional experience will be considered.

Benefits/Compensation

• Full Time

• First shift (8am – 5pm)  

• Compensation: Competitive & based on experience  

• Performance-based incentives may be considered

• Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates

• Direct Hire

Location

• Erie, PA 16509

About Career Concepts Staffing Services, Inc.

Career Concepts is the leading locally owned staffing company in Western Pennsylvania and New York, dedicated to connecting top-tier talent with exceptional opportunities. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and ongoing growth, we pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled services to our clients and candidates.