Head of Operations & Finance | Investor-Backed, Better-For-You CPG | Hybrid

Head of Operations & Finance | Investor-Backed, Better-For-You CPG | Hybrid

Introduction

We are partnering with a venture-backed CPG brand operating at the intersection of taste, health, and modern lifestyle. The business is led by a proven, repeat founder with a track record of building and scaling a $150M+ revenue brand to national distribution.

With strong early traction, a differentiated product, and backing from a network of high-profile investors, the company is entering a critical phase of growth and is building out its leadership team.

The Role

As the first Head of Finance & Operations, you will own both the financial and operational engine of a high-growth, venture-backed consumer business. Operating as a strategic partner to the Founder/CEO, you will be responsible for building and scaling the finance function while leading the supply chain, production, and operational infrastructure that gets product from co-manufacturer to shelf.

This is a uniquely broad, dual-mandate role that combines strategic finance, fundraising, and hands-on operational execution. You will be expected to think like an investor, act like an operator, and bring structure to a fast-moving, entrepreneurial environment.

From owning financial planning and managing capital to overseeing co-manufacturing, inventory, and logistics, you will sit at the center of the company's growth. Over time, you will build out the finance and operations teams and play a key role in preparing the business for its next stages of scale.

This role is ideally suited to someone who is excited by building from zero, thrives in ambiguity, and wants to have a direct impact on the trajectory of a venture-scale company.

Responsibilities

Finance

• Build and own the finance function from first principles, including systems, processes, and reporting infrastructure
• Partner closely with the Founder/CEO on strategic planning, financial decision-making, and capital allocation
• Lead all FP&A activities, including budgeting, forecasting, and long-term financial modeling
• Support and lead fundraising efforts, including investor materials, financial narratives, and data room management
• Develop clear, investor-grade reporting and KPI frameworks to track performance and growth
• Manage cash flow, runway, and working capital as the business scales
• Oversee accounting, audit, and compliance processes (in partnership with external providers)

Operations

• Own end-to-end supply chain, including co-manufacturer relationships, ingredient and packaging procurement, and production planning
• Lead demand planning and inventory management to balance availability, freshness, and working capital
• Manage logistics, warehousing, and 3PL partners to support retail, distributor, and DTC channels
• Drive COGS reduction, margin improvement, and unit economics across the product portfolio
• Negotiate and manage key vendor, supplier, and distributor contracts
• Establish scalable operational processes, systems, and quality standards as volume grows
• Oversee core business operations including legal, insurance, and people/HR administration

Leadership

• Evaluate strategic initiatives including new product launches, partnerships, and expansion opportunities
• Build and scale the finance and operations teams over time

What We Need to See (Essential)

• 8–12+ years of experience across investment banking, private equity, venture capital, and/or high-growth startups, including hands-on operational leadership
• Prior experience in a high-growth consumer, CPG, or retail-driven business (beverage or food strongly preferred)
• Direct experience managing supply chain, co-manufacturing, inventory, and/or logistics
• Strong financial modeling and analytical capabilities, with the ability to translate data into strategic insights
• Experience supporting or leading fundraising and investor communications
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-growth, and often ambiguous environment
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to influence decision-making across the business
• Highly detail-oriented with strong execution skills

What We’d Like to See (Bonus)

• Experience as an early or first finance/operations hire within a startup
• Background in CPG (beverage, inventory-led, or distribution-heavy businesses)
• Experience scaling a brand through national retail and distributor networks
• Exposure to unit economics within consumer or product-led companies
• Experience working closely with founders and executive leadership teams
• CPA, CFA, or MBA (not required)

Package: Up to $210,000 + bonus + equity

Location: Hybrid (4 days/week)

At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.