Operations Manager $82,349.00-$123,629.00 USD DOE(Food Distribution)

Since 1955, we have been on a mission To Passionately Feed Millions Daily with High Quality Food People Enjoy! We are a third-generation family-owned and professionally managed organization with a commitment to strategic growth. We continue to be successful because of talented people, just like you, who choose to join our family and call E.A. Sween home. We pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming, respectful, and rewarding culture where employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work each day. At E.A. Sween, our team members are seen, heard, and appreciated not just for what they do, but for who they are. We hope you'll join us!

What We're Seeking

We are seeking an operations manager with strong leadership skills, strategic thinking abilities, and a proven track record in optimizing processes and driving efficiency. The ideal candidate should excel in team management, problem-solving, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.

What You'll Do (Responsibilities)

Operations:

• Ensure all KPI's are met including in-stock % vendor performance, on-time % for store deliveries, HACCP audits, meeting or exceeding customer expectations.
• Responsible for up to a $4.2 million fleet and equipment budget, ensuring maintenance and operational efficiency.
• Maintain the order flow of all products and manage customer delivery processes.
• Manage and care for multi-temperature warehousing and fleet operations where applicable.
• Develop and progressively improve warehousing processes to support operational strategy, focusing on operational performance, quality products, and on-time delivery to both external and internal customers.
• Collaborate directly with Human Resources and other departments to develop and retain associates through training and leadership programs.

Financial Performance:

• Attain budgeted objectives and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) at the center level.
• Effectively manage the annual budget for the facility, ensuring it meets or exceeds desired results with a focus on controlling costs and labor expenses.
• Prioritize capital and operating expenditures, collaborating with the General Manager on strategies to optimize the effectiveness and profitability of capital investments.

Client Relationships:

• Communicate proactively with clients in your market, including client logistics staff, division, and store management, suppliers, and vendor partners as needed.
• Respond promptly to client opportunities and inquiries.
• Collaborate with the General Manager and customer teams to implement operational changes that enhance the supply chain and benefit both parties.
• Recommend design solutions and changes to the Regional General Manager to improve operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Establish and maintain strong customer relationships, serving as the primary interface between the customer and EA Sween teams.

Leadership:

• Assess labor requirements and collaborate with department managers and Human Resources to develop plans for staffing and achievement.
• Provide hands-on technical leadership to ensure the execution of operational goals, working closely with the General Manager in operations and facilities.
• Lead and oversee your team's work throughout all phases of projects (plan, analyze, design, build, and test).
• Assist the General Manager in long-term business planning and execution.
• Demonstrate strong leadership by defining a clear vision, motivating team members to achieve goals, and effectively communicating directives from the General Manager and corporate leadership.
• Provide regular feedback and support to your teams to foster professional growth and performance improvement.
• Drive cross-functional projects that support new strategic initiatives and business opportunities for the center.
• Cultivate an aligned and focused team culture through setting clear performance targets, conducting regular team meetings focused on culture, alignment, communication, and conflict resolution.
• Manage and report on the performance of a diverse team, set appropriate performance objectives for direct reports or team members, and ensure accountability.
• Utilize the organization's development framework to identify individual development needs within the team, plan professional development actions, and set goals to enhance capabilities.
• Offer informal training or coaching to direct leaders at the center level in your area of expertise to enhance performance and personal development.
• Engage the team in embodying the EA Sween Spirit to foster overall team success.

Health and Safety:

• Ensure daily operations adhere to best practices, including maintaining qualifications such as HACCP, FESMA, and the Food Quality Program (AIB), and ensuring compliance with client audits.
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment by educating and guiding personnel on the use of control points, equipment, and resources, while ensuring adherence to established policies and procedures.
• Enforce safety policies and procedures, both internal and regulatory, to minimize the risk of employee injuries during operations. Establish a protocol for after-hours employee and plant security.
• Initiate onsite drug screenings for safety incidents involving property damage or reasonable suspicion of behavioral issues after hours. Collaborate with HR and management to determine appropriate follow-up actions.

Food Safety and Quality Control:

• Ensure team members strictly follow procedures for safe food handling, maintaining qualifications such as HACCP, FSMA, AIB, and adhering to best practices to meet audit compliance requirements.
• Collaborate with senior management to implement corrective actions promptly when products do not meet specifications.
• Ensure comprehensive training, instruction, and supervision of all employees, including new hires, in food safety principles and practices.
• Assist in overseeing property management in partnership with the leasing company, including coordinating with contractors to uphold building quality, maintain parking lots and grounds, and work directly with security firms, fire marshals, and local utilities to ensure secure operations.

Continuous Improvement:

• Enhance business processes across departments through thorough analysis and collaboration with the Regional General Manager.
• Implement continuous improvement tools to streamline and optimize processes throughout the operation.
• Foster the development of functional leaders' process capabilities by introducing best practices, promoting critical thinking, and encouraging innovative solutions.
• Lead initiatives for process improvement by leveraging continuous improvement systems and methodologies.
• Apply the guiding principles of the EA Sween Spirit to inform decision-making and drive continuous improvement efforts across the organization.

What You'll Need (Qualifications)

• Minimum 5 years of experience in Warehouse, Distribution, or Supply Chain management.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in leading and managing teams, with a proven track record in annual budget management, productivity, and labor management.
• Previous experience in cultivating and managing customer relationships, including effective reporting to senior-level positions.
• Possession of a valid driver's license in the state of residence with DOT Certification if applicable.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly strong skills in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and prioritize effectively.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across different levels of the organization.
• Ability to pass criminal background checks, drug screens, and computer skill assessments as required.
• Availability to be on call 24/7, work nights, weekends, holidays, and extra hours as necessary to support a 24/7 business operation.

Preferred Qualifications (If Applicable)

• Bachelor's degree from a 4-year college or university.
• Lean Six Sigma Belt certification indicating proficiency in process improvement methodologies.
• Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD), demonstrating expertise in logistics management.
• Familiarity with automated equipment and assembly lines, with the ability to identify and enhance operational performance.
• Proficiency in a second language such as Spanish, Hmong, etc., relevant to the regional demographic, is advantageous.
• Previous experience in managing a delivery fleet, with understanding and proficiency in fleet management practices preferred.
• Experience with ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems and inventory management systems, enabling effective oversight and optimization of operational processes.
• Knowledge and proficiency in Electronic Logbooks and On-Board Computer Systems, essential for efficient logistics and fleet management.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Primarily operates in an office/desk environment, utilizing computer and phone systems.
• Exposure to warehouse and outdoor environments, subject to temperatures ranging from 35 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
• Physical capabilities include standing, bending, turning, twisting, reaching, pulling, and pushing.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously without direct supervision, handling deadlines, confidential information, and interruptions effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with employees at various organizational levels, cross-functional teams, and diverse cultures.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time as necessary for business needs.

How You'll Find Success at EAS

• Value People Most of All: Show respect & care, embrace diversity, and empower others.
• Commit to Safety Everyday: See something say something do something, practice safe behavior, and celebrate safety success.
• Invest in Our Company to Thrive: Share ideas to improve, learn & grow, and embrace change.
• Think Before Doing and Act Decisively: Make thoughtful decisions, work together to find solutions, and do what's right.
• Welcome Constructive Straight Talk: Be honest and respectful even when difficult, be open to ideas and feedback, and ask questions to understand.
• Serve Up Exceptional Experiences: Provide value to customers, take pride in your work, and help others to be successful.
• Enjoy What You Do! Have a positive attitude, Live the Spirit of E.A. Sween, and celebrate success.