Director of Operations & Finance

WHO WE ARE

Curio Spice Co. is an independent, woman-owned, certified B Corp dedicated to finding unique, organic spices around the world, sourcing them responsibly and bringing them together in artful blends. Our mission is to improve the lives of spice farmers by directly sourcing from small, sustainable farms and inspire culinary creativity by crafting blends that celebrate unique flavors from around the world. We value organic, fair-trade ingredients, supporting women, and enriching our local community — and making sure we all have the chance to eat well. Our products are sold online at our flagship store in Cambridge, MA, and directly to restaurants, retail, and wholesale businesses across North America. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

Curio has been on a consistent upwards trajectory – growing sales by 20% last year, increasing manufacturing, and reaching new market segments -- and is now seeking a Director of Operations & Finance to support our continued growth and expansion. Reporting to the Founder and serving on the leadership team, the Director of Operations & Finance will:

• Build out strategies, systems, and processes to create the conditions for increased efficiencies, financial health and sustainability, and revenue growth.
• Oversee the creation of short- and long-term goals, collaborating with the leadership team to develop and track key performance metrics; regularly collect and analyze performance data to gain insights into drivers of costs, revenue, and profitability.
• Lead financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting processes; institute and utilize reporting mechanisms to easily track and analyze financial position and performance.
• Provide strategic leadership for key business functions (e.g. procurement, manufacturing, logistics, human resources, marketing and sales.) Coach, mentor, and support functional team leaders, as well as directly supervise the retail and wholesale operations managers.
• Manage relationships and contracts with external consultants and vendors, including a bookkeeper, accountant, law firm, ERP provider (Cin7Cor), and IT consulting firm. 
• Gain expertise on the requirements of B Corporation compliance and manage the recertification process (occurs on a 3-year cycle.)
• Collaborate with and serve as a thought partner to the Founder, balancing creative thinking and vision with business management best practice. 
• Operate from a place that centers Curio’s mission and values, and promotes a culture of accountability, high standards, consistent improvement, and innovation.

WHO YOU ARE

• You are inspired by Curio’s mission and values. You are energized to join a team that is committed to ethical food sourcing, gender and racial equality, climate resilience, and supporting our local community. You thrive in a start-up environment and believe in doing business in a better way that serves our people and our planet. 
• You are a seasoned manager with strong operations and finance chops. You bring at least 10 years of work experience, with a proven track record in director-level roles and knowledge of all operational aspects of running a business, with strength in strategic planning, organizational performance management, and financial planning/budgeting/forecasting.
• You are a “big picture” thinker with ability to implement tactically. You bring an analytical and systematic approach to setting and translating strategy into tangible activities. You leverage financial acumen in data-driven decision making and recommendations. You are comfortable with numbers and have never met a spreadsheet you didn’t like. 
• You are a hands-on team leader who leverages individuals’ strengths and fosters collaboration. You have experience in managing and coaching direct and indirect reports for high performance and accountability to goals. You are a natural motivator, play well with others, and encourage domain experts to “step into their authority.”
• You are an effective, transparent, and authentic communicator. You convey information clearly and are skilled in breaking down financial data to individuals who do not have finance backgrounds. You communicate from a place of humility and curiosity, and are eager to learn from others’ expertise and knowledge. 
• You are a well-organized and resourceful project manager. You are experienced in leading and/or supporting multiple projects from inception to completion, with the ability to guide others through all stages of execution. You effectively utilize tools to manage workflows and strategically use limited resources to reach a desired outcome.
• You are an action-oriented, agile, and tech savvy “doer.” You have a bias towards action with the ability to stay focused and nimble in an entrepreneurial and dynamic setting. You are fluid with technology, an expert Excel and Google Slides user, and bring experience in (or facility to learn) other core business systems (e.g. QuickBooks, Shopify, Cin7Cor, ShipStation.) 

The following qualifications, experience, and knowledge are nice to have, but not required: 

• MBA or comparable degree
• Experience and/or knowledge of B Corp businesses
• Experience and/or knowledge of companies that manufacture specialty foods, beverages, commercial goods, or similar products

WORK ENVIRONMENT, SALARY, AND BENEFITS

This is a hybrid position that works 3 days/week at Curio’s main office in Winchester, MA. Compensation includes annual salary in the range of $120,000 - $140,000 and the following benefits: 

• Health insurance (50% covered by Curio)
• Dental and vision insurance options
• Paid sick time and time off
• Green commuting incentive program
• Sensory training and education
• Employee field trips and development opportunities
• Unlimited spices!

TO APPLY 

Please apply with 1) your resume and 2) a thoughtful cover letter that explains your interest in Curio Spice Co. and the Director of Operations & Finance position. Please address your cover letter to Claire Cheney, Founder and Blender-In-Chief. We review applications on a rolling basis and strive to get back to applicants within two weeks. 

As an equal opportunity employer, Curio Spice Co. is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace and a diverse workforce. We are committed to prioritizing applicants from our local community. Employment decisions at Curio are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, age, beliefs, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in Massachusetts. Curio does not tolerate harassment or discrimination based on any of these characteristics.

Curio has retained DH Search to lead the search for a Director of Operations & Finance. DH Search partners with mission-driven organizations to hire the people they need to create a more just and equitable world. Learn more at www.dhsearch.net.