Chief Operating Officer

At NuWave, we're changing the way the world processes materials.

Our patented microwave-assisted technology goes far beyond drying. It offers a smarter, faster, and more efficient way to solve complex processing challenges across industries. From food to recycling to advanced materials, we deliver customizable and scalable solutions that drive innovation and real results. If you're excited by meaningful impact, cutting-edge technology, and cross-industry collaboration, NuWave is where the future is being built.

The Role:

At NuWave, the Chief Operating Officer turns vision into velocity. You'll lead cross-functional execution across Sales, Design, Operations, HR, and Finance, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in sync. This role is less about subject-matter depth and more about organizational clarity, leadership development, and driving scalable systems. As the CEO’s right hand, you’ll clear roadblocks, align teams, and champion a culture of accountability and collaboration.

What you'll do:

Operational Strategy & Planning

• Oversee the planning and execution of all operational activities
• Translate strategic goals into department-level plans and timelines
• Identify gaps in capacity, process, or coordination, and implement targeted solutions
• Lead weekly operations and project planning meetings with functional leads

Project Oversight & Delivery Accountability

• Ensure on-time, on-budget delivery of client solutions in collaboration with team leads
• Track key project milestones and remove blockers proactively
• Oversee coordination between Sales, Design, Operations, HR, and Finance
• Support client delivery forecasting and risk mitigation

Process & Systems Implementation

• Design and implement internal systems for project tracking, reporting, and status updates
• Establish consistent handoff processes between functions
• Support standardization of procedures and workflows across departments

Team Leadership & Cross-functional Alignment

• Manage team leads (Sales, Design, Operations, Finance/Admin)
• Ensure functional leads are aligned, accountable, and supported in their execution
• Coach and develop team leads to increase their leadership capacity
• Maintain open, productive communication across departments
• Oversee HR-related responsibilities including onboarding, role clarity, performance expectations, and basic compliance.
• Ensure appropriate handling of time-off approvals, basic employee relations issues, and administrative consistency across departments
• Partner with the CEO to maintain cultural alignment and address staffing needs
• Maintain and improve lightweight HR systems (e.g., onboarding checklist, review cycles, role definitions) that support a growing team.

Performance Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Track and report on KPIs for operations, delivery, and internal performance
• Build and maintain lightweight dashboards to monitor business performance and support informed decision-making.
• Analyze data across departments to identify trends, inefficiencies, or improvement opportunities
• Provide regular insights to the CEO and functional leads to support better planning and execution
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement and learning
• Recommend and implement changes that increase throughput, quality, and efficiency

What does success look like in the first year?

• Establish a cross-functional operating cadence with structured weekly updates
• Lead the on-time delivery of at least 4 major client systems with cross-departmental coordination
• Document and implement project tracking and handoff processes
• Reduce rework by 30% through improved planning, sequencing, and coordination
• Support and coach functional leads, resulting in improved leadership ownership and less reliance on the CEO for daily direction
• Achieve operational readiness for scale (systems, processes, and team alignment)
• Build and maintain a lightweight dashboard/reporting system to monitor business performance and support informed decision-making
• Coach and empower leads to take ownership of their areas, resulting in faster decision-making and less operational involvement from senior management

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or technologists diploma in Engineering preferred
• Experience in operations or general management roles within a technical or custom solutions business
• Proven success leading cross-functional teams and coordinating complex project delivery
• Experience coordinating Sales, Design, Production, and Finance functions collaboratively
• Experience building internal systems and delivering on operational KPIs
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Excellent communication and team coordination ability
• Structured problem-solving and systems-thinking mindset
• Ability to balance detail with big-picture execution
• Humble, team-focused leader who earns trust through follow-through

Does this sound like you? Apply today - no cover letter needed.