Business Operations & Launch Manager

Position Summary

Grazier’s Daughter is seeking a highly organized, entrepreneurial Business Operations & Launch Manager to help build and launch a new pasture-based artisan cheese brand.

This will be one of the first key hires for the company and will work closely with the owners to transform the brand concept into an efficient, financially sound, and scalable business. The position will have responsibility across operations, finance, supply chain, sales logistics, and business planning.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a startup environment where systems are still being developed, priorities evolve quickly, and practical problem-solving is essential. This person should be able to move easily between strategic planning and hands-on implementation.

Key Responsibilities

Brand Launch & Business Development

• Assist the owners in launching the Grazier’s Daughter brand and bringing products successfully to market.
• Participate in strategic planning for the startup and development of the long-term business model.
• Help establish priorities, timelines, operating systems, and processes necessary for launch.
• Model financial scenarios for different growth strategies, distribution channels, production levels, and market opportunities.
• Identify staffing, contractor, and other human-resource needs as the company grows.

Operations & Supply Chain

• Develop an efficient, practical supply chain from cheesemaker to customer.
• Coordinate relationships and systems involving:
• Cheese production
• Cold storage
• Cutting, wrapping, and product conversion
• Inventory management
• Order fulfillment
• Transportation and distribution
• Develop systems for tracking products and inventory throughout the supply chain.
• Coordinate sales and distribution logistics and resolve operational issues as they arise.
• Continually evaluate opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and simplify operations.

Financial Management & Bookkeeping

• Maintain accurate bookkeeping and financial records for the business.
• Track and reconcile:
• Inventory
• Sales and accounts receivable
• Operating expenses
• Cost of goods
• Distribution and logistics costs
• Develop and maintain operating budgets and cash-flow projections.
• Prepare financial forecasts and scenario analyses to support business decisions.
• Provide the owners with clear financial reporting that identifies margins, costs, cash requirements, and business performance.
• Help establish financial controls and administrative systems appropriate for a growing food business.

Sales & Distribution

• Manage the operational components of sales, order fulfillment, and distribution.
• Develop systems for managing customers, orders, pricing, inventory availability, and deliveries.
• Support relationships with retailers, distributors, specialty cheese shops, foodservice customers, and other sales partners.
• Coordinate closely with production and inventory partners to ensure product availability aligns with sales commitments.
• Help develop sales forecasts and translate projected demand into production and inventory needs.

Marketing & Market Development

• Work collaboratively with the marketing team to develop the overall market-entry plan and sales strategy.
• Help translate brand strategy into practical sales initiatives and market activities.
• Assist with implementation of product launches, retailer introductions, promotions, events, and other market-development activities.
• Provide operational and financial analysis to help determine which markets, channels, and customers should be prioritized.

Management & Strategic Coordination

• Meet with the owners approximately twice each week to:
• Review business and financial performance
• Provide updates on current initiatives
• Identify challenges and opportunities
• Establish priorities
• Make strategic and operational decisions
• Maintain a clear list of priorities, responsibilities, timelines, and next steps.
• Coordinate contractors, vendors, service providers, and future employees involved in the business.
• Help build the organizational structure and operating systems needed to support future growth.