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.