DC OPERATIONS MANAGER

Description

Operations Manager - Frozen Food Distribution

The Operations Manager for Frozen Food Distribution is responsible for overseeing end-to-end operations within a temperature-controlled distribution environment. This role ensures efficient receiving, storage, picking, staging, and shipping of frozen products while maintaining strict adherence to cold-chain, food safety, and regulatory standards. The Operations Manager will drive continuous improvement, develop standardized processes, enhance operational visibility, and strengthen cross-functional collaboration to support a high-performance logistics operation.

Essential Tasks and Responsibilities

1. End-to-End Operational Management

• Oversee daily frozen distribution center operations including receiving, put-away, slotting, picking, staging, loading, and outbound shipping.

• Ensure compliance with temperature control requirements and food safety standards such as FDA and USDA regulations.

• Develop and maintain SOPs, workflow outlines, and operational KPIs for all critical warehouse functions.

• Ensure product rotation accuracy using FEFO (First Expired, First Out) methodology to maintain product freshness.

2. Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization

• Identify and execute opportunities to enhance productivity, accuracy, throughput, and labor utilization.

• Apply Lean and Six Sigma tools such as 5S, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and root-cause analysis.

• Support operational changes through structured rollout plans, training programs, and performance follow-up.

• Implement dashboards and routines (hourly, daily, weekly) to improve visibility into operational performance.

3. Safety, Compliance & Equipment Management

• Ensure full compliance with OSHA, food safety, cold-chain handling, and internal safety protocols.

• Manage material handling equipment performance including forklifts, pallet jacks, and refrigeration systems.

• Lead safety training, incident investigations, corrective actions, and compliance reporting.

• Promote a strong safety culture through proactive risk identification and prevention strategies.

4. Inventory Control & Accuracy

• Oversee cycle counting, reconciliation, and inventory accuracy processes.

• Collaborate with supply planning and quality teams to resolve discrepancies and maintain inventory integrity.

• Implement process controls to ensure accuracy in receiving, put-away, and picking.

• Monitor shrink, damages, and variances, developing action plans to reduce loss.

5. Leadership & Staff Development

• Lead, train, and develop warehouse staff including supervisors, leads, and associates.

• Conduct performance management, coaching, and development planning to build a high-performing team.

• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and operational excellence.

• Ensure adequate staffing levels and manage labor scheduling to support volume demands.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with transportation, supply chain planning, procurement, and quality to ensure seamless execution.

• Support initiatives involving new system rollouts, process enhancements, vendor transitions, and cross-dock operations.

• Collaborate with senior leadership to provide insights, recommendations, and operational updates.

• Align warehouse execution with broader business strategies and customer service expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

• 5+ years of experience in warehouse or distribution operations, preferably within frozen or food industry environments.

• Strong understanding of cold-chain management and food safety regulations.

• Proficiency with WMS, ERP, and productivity reporting tools.

• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

• Strong analytical abilities with experience using KPIs and performance metrics.

• Proven leadership skills with experience managing hourly and supervisory staff.

EOE/Vets/Disability