JOSE SANTIAGO
LAKELAND,FL
Summary
Dynamic global operations executive with over 20 years of experience driving over $500 million in cumulative revenue across the food, beverage, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) manufacturing sectors. Proven leader in delivering EBITDA growth, capturing market share, and scaling multi-site facilities while consistently aligning operational strategies with commercial objectives. Expertise in collaborating with boards, C-suite executives, and private equity investors to foster sustainable growth and operational excellence. Notable achievements include launching greenfield facilities, executing multimillion-dollar CAPEX programs, and enhancing customer relationships with major retailers such as Walmart, Publix, Dunkin’, and Kroger.
Overview
37
37
years of professional experience
Work History
Chief Operating Officer
US Baking Operations
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Oversaw flagship Florida facility while directing operational playbooks leveraged across additional regional sites, ensuring consistency in performance, compliance, and growth.
- Held VP-equivalent scope with full P&L accountability for $40M operations, directly supporting contracts with Walmart, Publix, and Kroger.
- Built leadership pipeline by promoting supervisors into manager roles and implementing succession planning frameworks aligned with corporate growth strategies.
- Reported to CEO and Board on growth strategy, workforce readiness, and capital investment priorities.
- Launched Florida greenfield facility (2022), scaled to three shifts and a second line by 2024, enabling new distribution capacity and market share expansion.
- Partnered with finance and investors to approve and execute $3M CAPEX expansion with ROI under 2 years, contributing to EBITDA margin improvement.
- Developed contingency planning for supply chain disruptions, ensuring business continuity during natural disasters and market volatility.
- Implemented KPI dashboards (safety, quality, cost, delivery) for executive review, achieving 10% YoY efficiency gains while driving accountability at all levels.
- Directed workforce of 150+ employees across production, QA, maintenance, and distribution in 24/5 operations.
- Achieved SQF Level 2 certification (score 95) and passed social responsibility audits while maintaining FDA, OSHA, and cGMP compliance.
Operations Manager
Linde / Messer Gas
01.2016 - 01.2022
- Managed cryogenic and healthcare gas production & distribution for Caribbean markets with $100M+ sales impact.
- Partnered with public sector leaders and regulators to secure emergency oxygen supply contracts during Hurricane Maria.
- Engaged with EPA, OSHA, and corporate investors to validate CAPEX projects, achieving EPA Non-Exposure Certification and securing $500K funding.
- Negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreements and improved training compliance from 65% → 100%, strengthening labor relations.
Plant Manager
New England Coffee
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Directed $100M semi-automated coffee operations for Dunkin’, Walmart, and Publix, ensuring market growth and customer satisfaction.
- Certified +10M lbs. annual capacity expansion to secure new customer contracts.
- Increased on-time startups to 90% and resolved recurring customer complaints, improving retention.
Operations Manager
Weetabix, Inc.
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Directed cereal production and packaging operations supporting national distribution and customer growth.
- Implemented lean initiatives improving throughput and uptime, capturing additional market share.
- Ensured HACCP, FDA, and cGMP compliance.
General Plant Superintendent
Safeway, Inc.
01.2006 - 01.2010
- Directed large-scale bread production across multiple product lines with $150M+ revenue impact.
- Supervised 150+ employees across 24/7 operations, driving productivity and compliance.
- Led automation and CAPEX projects that improved output efficiency and reduced waste, boosting EBITDA performance.
- Achieved consistent AIB audit scores and strengthened customer trust.
Production Manager, Plant Manager, Production Supervisor/Manager
Arthur Schuman, Tom Cat Bakery, Coca-Cola
01.1988 - 01.2006
- Led operations in cheese processing, artisan bakery, and beverage production across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Kenya, reporting to senior leadership and supporting customer-facing and international growth initiatives.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering
University of Puerto Rico
Mayaguez, Puerto Rico05.1985
Skills
- Executive P&L & EBITDA Management
- Board & Investor Relations
- Multi-Site Operations Leadership
- Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance (FDA, SQF, HACCP, cGMP, OSHA)
- Market Share Expansion & Customer Growth
- 5-Year CAPEX & Strategic Growth Planning
- Greenfield Facility Launches & M&A Due Diligence
- Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma / Continuous Improvement
- Cross-Functional Team Development
- Global Supply Chain & Commercial Partnerships
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
English
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Chief Operating Officer
US Baking Operations
01.2022 - 01.2025
Operations Manager
Linde / Messer Gas
01.2016 - 01.2022
Plant Manager
New England Coffee
01.2013 - 01.2015
Operations Manager
Weetabix, Inc.
01.2010 - 01.2013
General Plant Superintendent
Safeway, Inc.
01.2006 - 01.2010
Production Manager, Plant Manager, Production Supervisor/Manager
Arthur Schuman, Tom Cat Bakery, Coca-Cola
01.1988 - 01.2006
Bachelor of Science - Industrial Engineering
University of Puerto Rico
Similar Profiles
Janeiska BosquesJaneiska Bosques
Administrative Assistant at US Baking Operations -CidrinesAdministrative Assistant at US Baking Operations -Cidrines
Alexy RobleroAlexy Roblero
Maintenance Technician at Klosterman Baking CompanyMaintenance Technician at Klosterman Baking Company
Michela PelusoMichela Peluso
Production Assistant at Metropolitan Baking CompanyProduction Assistant at Metropolitan Baking Company
Shaila TouchtonShaila Touchton
Remote Information Technology Specialist at Abbtech Professional Resources IncRemote Information Technology Specialist at Abbtech Professional Resources Inc
Eric HugginsEric Huggins
Supervisor at Sentry Event ServicesSupervisor at Sentry Event Services