Business Details
17 Years
experience
Trusted Employment Agency for Food & Beverage Industry Recruitment
KCO Resource Management is a family-owned and operated recruitment firm specializing in the natural/organic, specialty, and dairy food and beverage industries. Founded in 2009 during the Great Recession, we combine over 40 years of combined industry experience with a personalized approach to talent acquisition. Our team understands the unique demands of these sectors, focusing on matching candidates not just by qualifications but by cultural fit with client organizations. We serve companies ranging from startups to multinational corporations, supporting growth through key hires in operations, R&D, food safety, supply chain, and executive leadership. Our expertise stems from deep industry knowledge gained through supporting major trends like Greek yogurt expansion, plant-based alternatives, and sustainable food practices.As a trusted partner, we prioritize transparency, communication, and alignment with company values throughout the recruitment process. Our commitment to excellence is demonstrated through long-term client relationships and success stories from placed candidates. We maintain industry authority through speaking engagements, published articles, and active participation in professional associations. Our team's educational backgrounds in finance, psychology, and communications complement our recruitment expertise. We operate with core values emphasizing integrity, expertise, and community responsibility in all client and candidate interactions.
Services
Executive Recruitment
Technical Staffing
Management Placement
Food Safety Hiring
Supply Chain Recruitment
R&D Personnel
Plant Management
Quality Control
Sales Leadership
Operations Management
Details
- Year established: 2009
Highlights and features
- 40+ years combined experience in food & beverage recruitment
- Personalized approach matching candidates to company culture
- Specialized expertise in natural/organic and dairy sectors
- Proven track record with industry leaders and startups
- Values-driven process emphasizing transparency and integrity
What people say
Smooth fluid method
Supportive and helpful
Thorough preparation
Open communication
Excited for opportunity
Services
Executive Recruitment
Specialized placement of C-suite executives and senior leaders in food & beverage companies. Our team identifies candidates with proven industry expertise and strategic vision. We ensure alignment with company culture and long-term business goals through comprehensive vetting processes.
Technical Staffing
Connecting food science, quality control, and production experts with industry leaders. We focus on technical qualifications and practical experience in natural/organic product development. Our candidates meet rigorous safety and compliance standards required in modern food manufacturing.
Supply Chain Recruitment
Building efficient supply chain teams for dairy and specialty food companies. We place professionals skilled in cold chain logistics, inventory management, and sustainable distribution practices. Our candidates understand the unique requirements of perishable goods transportation and storage.
R&D Personnel
Sourcing researchers and product developers for emerging food trends. Our network includes experts in plant-based formulations, allergen-free processing, and functional foods. We match scientific expertise with commercialization experience to drive product innovation success.
Plant Management
Placing facility managers with expertise in food safety compliance and production optimization. Our candidates have proven track records in HACCP implementation, SQF certification, and lean manufacturing. We focus on leaders who balance operational efficiency with workforce development.
People
Jill Osterhout
CEO, Founder
20+ years in executive recruiting and natural food industry expert. Former biotech recruiter and Senate finance committee member. Holds anthropology degree from University at Albany and pursuing Masters at University of Edinburgh. Industry speaker and published author.
Ryan Osterhout
COO & Managing Partner
Former banking VP with 20+ years HR experience. Serves on Northeast Dairy Suppliers Association board. Finance degree from University at Albany. Industry columnist and speaker. Co-founded KCO in 2009 after decade in financial services.
Alyssa Sparrow
Director of Recruiting
BA in Employment Relations from SUNY Potsdam. Specializes in candidate sourcing and market research. Former Skaneateles resident now in Bozeman, MT. Outdoor enthusiast with focus on team-building activities.
Lindsay Fukuzawa
Recruiting Relationships Supervisor
Clinical psychology master's degree holder. Transitioned from military community volunteer work to recruitment. Experienced in client relations and new market development. Originally from Michigan with strong family lakefront connections.
Jenelle LaPoint
Acting Manager & Recruiting Coordination Supervisor
Communications degree from SUNY with radio broadcasting background. Five-year morning show host and event emcee. Focuses on candidate-client relationship management. Enjoys live music and outdoor activities in her free time.
Questions
What industries does KCO specialize in?
We focus exclusively on natural/organic, specialty, and dairy food & beverage sectors including plant-based alternatives and sustainable products.
What positions do you help fill?
We place professionals in operations, R&D, food safety, supply chain, executive leadership, and technical roles across the industry.
How does your recruitment process work?
We combine personalized candidate preparation with deep industry knowledge to ensure both skills and cultural fit match client needs.
Do you work with international companies?
Yes, our experience extends to global placements while maintaining local market expertise in North America.
What makes KCO different from other agencies?
Our industry specialization, cultural fit focus, and 15+ years of experience supporting major industry trends set us apart.
