Chief Operating Officer

Lakeside HR Group has been engaged by a fast-growing solar company to recruit for a Chief Operating Officer (COO) for their new US Operations located in the Miami, Florida area.

Our client utilizes software and AI to optimize their operations. Their main objective is to build a decentralized utility by installing and owning solar systems and integrating them with the grid, ensuring cost-effectiveness, timely delivery, safety, and quality. As our client expands to new geographic areas, they aim to replicate the best practices of their operations in Mexico. To support their growth, our client is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee and scale their installation department and logistics & procurement department for their Miami, Florida location.

Responsibilities:

1. Installation Department:

• Develop and implement strategies to scale the installation department, ensuring the company's ability to meet growing demand.
• Maintain cost, quality time and safety standards.
• Lead the installation teams, having a culture of efficiency, safety, and quality.
• Establish and replicate best practices from Mexico, ensuring consistent performance across installations.
• Obtain and maintain the necessary licenses and certifications to operate the business in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Expand operations to new geographic areas, coordinating with relevant stakeholders.
• Manage company assets such as vans, tools, and equipment, ensuring their availability and proper maintenance.
• Vertically integrate operations using our software.

2. Logistics & Procurement Department:

• Build and lead the logistics & procurement department to support the company's scaling operations.
• Stay within budget in all purchases and buy directly from manufacturers.
• Keep procurement and deliveries automated.
• Develop strategies to control inventories at a serial number level for major components in the company’s internal software.
• Define and manage inventories for electrical materials, ensuring efficient procurement and timely delivery.
• Establish strong relationships with suppliers of electrical materials and major components, negotiating favorable terms and ensuring the availability of necessary resources.
• Implement automated procurement and delivery systems, streamlining processes, and minimizing manual intervention.
• Uphold safety and quality standards in all warehouses and storage facilities.
• Vertically integrate logistics using our software.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's or master's degree in a relevant field such as engineering, renewable energy, business administration, or a related discipline is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of renewable energy technologies, solar project development, and the broader energy landscape.
• Proven track record of at least 10 years of progressive experience in the solar energy industry, with a focus on overseeing the operations and human capital specifically in the solar and/or roofing industries.
• Experience with installation and distribution channels, procurement, managing logistics, inventory, and warehouse functions.
• Knowledge of the solar and roofing industries and related regulatory requirements.
• Strong business acumen, with a track record of driving growth and profitability.
• Proven experience in navigating the regulatory landscape specific to the US solar energy market, including federal, state, and local regulations.
• Expertise in securing necessary permits, licenses, and approvals required for solar energy operations in the US.
• Proven track record of establishing and growing business operations in the US market.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate the intricacies of launching new operations in the US, including legal, regulatory, and compliance aspects.
• Experience in establishing a strong market presence, building networks, and forming strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in the US solar energy sector.
• Experience in working with local contractors, suppliers, and service providers to ensure seamless project execution and delivery.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire others.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial analysis and profit and loss management.
• Proficiency in using technology and software systems to drive operational efficiencies.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Expectations:

Within 2 weeks:

• Onboard with the operations teams in Mexico, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the company's main objectives and processes.
• Take responsibility for installations, familiarizing oneself with installation procedures and safety protocols.
• Learn to utilize the internal software effectively for tracking and managing operations.
• Take control of the Florida warehouse, ensuring inventory management and organization align with company standards.
• Develop a thorough understanding of the inventory management systems in place, including different SKUs (stock-keeping units) and tracking processes.
• Assume responsibility for running procurement operations, coordinating with suppliers and ensuring timely and cost-effective purchases.
• Onboard with the Mexico team to understand their specific logistics and procurement requirements.

• Perform installations with our own crews, ensuring adherence to time, cost, safety, and quality metrics.
• Build and manage at least two installation crews, recruiting, training, and developing the necessary talent.
• Secure licenses that are already in process, maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Acquire trucks, tools, and equipment necessary for installation operations.
• Implement a fully automated procurement system, leveraging technology and software solutions to streamline the procurement process and minimize manual intervention.
• Establish strong relationships with suppliers of electrical materials and major components, negotiating favorable terms, and ensuring a reliable supply chain.
• Develop and implement an efficient shipping-to-site process, optimizing transportation logistics, and ensuring timely delivery of materials to installation sites.

Within 90 days:

• Achieve key performance indicators (KPIs) for time, cost, safety, and quality for all installations.
• Establish in-house capabilities for all operations, reducing reliance on external contractors.
• Start building a leadership team under the COO's guidance, fostering collaboration and innovation.

Values of the Company:

• Customer Obsession.
• Innovation.
• Grit.
• Collaboration.