Chief Operating Officer (COO) – #10077

Chief Operating Officer (COO) – #10077

An Exceptional Executive Leadership Opportunity for a Veterinarian

The VET Recruiter is conducting an executive search for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to join a growing, innovative organization in the Animal Health industry.

Our client is an established organization specializing in the development and manufacturing of veterinary products supporting animal health across multiple species. The company seeks a strategic, hands-on executive who can lead operational teams, strengthen processes, and position the business for continued growth. Demonstrated leadership, veterinary judgment, business acumen, and the ability to develop high-performing teams are paramount.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the CEO, the COO will lead daily operations including manufacturing, animal health, production, and related functions. This executive will collaborate with the CEO and department leaders to drive operational excellence, accountability, and growth while serving as a senior veterinary leader for clinical oversight and technical guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing, production, animal health, and related operational departments.
• Mentor department managers and establish clear expectations, accountability, and performance standards.
• Oversee animal health programs and provide veterinary judgment and animal welfare guidance.
• Partner with the CEO on operational priorities, strategic initiatives, and business growth.
• Improve systems, efficiency, productivity, quality, and cross-functional coordination.
• Support production planning, forecasting, and operational execution.
• Provide technical guidance to internal teams and customers on product and clinical matters.
• Build an empowered leadership team and a collaborative culture of integrity, service, innovation, and excellence.
• Guide operational improvements, growth initiatives, and new product introductions.

Qualifications

Required

• Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree.
• Experience leading teams, managing people, and developing talent.
• Strong business acumen, practical judgment, and operational decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, problem-solving, and accountability skills.
• Ability to understand operational details while maintaining an executive perspective.

Preferred

• Leadership experience in veterinary practice, Animal Health, manufacturing, or complex operations.
• Experience managing multiple departments or functional teams.
• Familiarity with production, quality systems, regulated industries, or veterinary biological products.
• Experience with business growth, operational improvement, or organizational expansion.
• Veterinarians from equine, companion animal, food animal, mixed animal, industry, and other veterinary settings are encouraged to apply.

The Ideal Leadership Profile

The successful executive will be confident, humble, emotionally mature, approachable, and decisive. This person enjoys developing others, builds trust at all levels, handles difficult conversations constructively, empowers capable teams, and balances hands-on involvement with strategic leadership.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Executive influence: Partner directly with the CEO to shape operational strategy and long-term success.
• Meaningful leadership: Develop people, strengthen operations, and build a high-performing team.
• Growing organization: Contribute to an established business expanding its products and operations.
• People-focused culture: Join a workplace emphasizing recognition, respect, collaboration, and accountability.
• Opportunity for impact: Create scalable systems and contribute directly to future growth.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary commensurate with experience.
• Target performance bonus of approximately 20% of base salary, tied to company and individual results, with additional upside potential.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contributions.
• 20 days of paid time off annually and up to 10 paid holidays.
• Additional insurance and voluntary benefit options.
• Relocation assistance based on individual circumstances.

Location and Travel

This is an on-site executive position in Iowa, generally following a weekday business schedule with executive-level flexibility. Travel is minimal, anticipated at approximately two to three trips annually depending on business needs.

Take the Next Step

If you are a veterinarian who enjoys leading people, improving operations, and contributing to the strategic direction of a growing business, we welcome a confidential conversation. Contact The VET Recruiter to learn more. All inquiries will be handled confidentially.

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume to The VET Recruiter. Click on the “Apply” button below.