Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operational and facility functions of the company, ensuring that production, packing, logistics, maintenance, sanitation, and warehouse operations are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulatory and customer requirements. This role serves as the central point of coordination for facility maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and operational readiness within a high-volume food catering service environment.

The Operations Manager provides leadership to supervisors and operational teams, prioritizing accountability, effective delegation, and timely resolution of operational and facility-related issues. A key responsibility of this role is managing maintenance programs and vendor relationships to ensure repairs and corrective actions address root causes. The Operations Manager proactively identifies opportunities to improve facility infrastructure, equipment reliability, workflow efficiency, and regulatory compliance while balancing operational needs and budget considerations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Facility, Maintenance & Infrastructure Management

• Oversee facility maintenance programs to ensure equipment, building systems, and infrastructure remain safe, reliable, and operational.

• Manage relationships with maintenance contractors, vendors, and service providers, ensuring quality workmanship, timely service, and cost-effective solutions.

• Coordinate and prioritize maintenance activities, repairs, preventive maintenance schedules, and facility improvement projects.

• Investigate recurring operational and maintenance issues to identify root causes and implement sustainable, long-term solutions rather than temporary corrective measures.

• Challenge assumptions, ask follow-up questions, and verify corrective actions to ensure repairs and improvements address underlying problems.

• Develop innovative solutions to overcome facility constraints, aging infrastructure, operational challenges, and regulatory requirements while minimizing disruptions to production and service.

• Conduct post-repair inspections and verify that maintenance work has been completed effectively and in accordance with operational and regulatory standards.

• Ensure the facility remains clean, safe, secure, and fully compliant at all times.

• Oversee inventory movements, storage conditions, warehouse organization, and space utilization in collaboration with the storeroom and warehouse teams.

• Support capital improvement initiatives and facility enhancement projects to improve operational efficiency, reliability, and compliance.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure full compliance with USDA, FDA, HACCP and all company food safety and quality standards.

• Partner closely with Quality Assurance to maintain food safety, sanitation, and operational compliance programs.

• Conduct regular facility walkthroughs, operational audits, and inspections to verify compliance with regulatory, customer, and company requirements.

• Lead corrective action efforts and ensure deficiencies are resolved promptly and effectively.

• Maintain documentation and operational records required for inspections, audits, certifications, and customer reviews.

Operational Oversight

• Manage and direct the daily activities of supervisors responsible for packing and shipping, dispatch and transportation, storeroom operations, equipment maintenance, and facility operations.

• Ensure customer orders are fulfilled, packed, and dispatched accurately, on time, and in accordance with airline, aviation, institutional, and client-specific requirements.

• Monitor workflow efficiency, productivity, staffing utilization, and task execution across all operational areas and shifts.

• Resolve day-to-day operational challenges by coordinating with supervisors, department heads, and support teams to minimize disruptions and maintain service levels.

• Oversee dispatch and transportation activities, ensuring on-time deliveries and compliance with applicable transportation laws, safety regulations, and company procedures.

• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, service quality, and cost control.

Staff Management & Labor Optimization

• Supervise, mentor, and support department supervisors, fostering accountability, consistent performance, and employee development.

• Delegate responsibilities effectively while ensuring proper follow-up and execution of operational and maintenance initiatives.

• Implement labor management strategies to reduce overtime, improve productivity, and optimize workforce utilization.

• Promote a culture of teamwork, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the operation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the primary liaison between Operations, Production, Procurement, Quality Assurance, Sales, Customer Service, Human Resources, Finance, and external vendors.

• Provide real-time operational insights and recommendations to support informed decision-making, client communication, and service recovery efforts when necessary.

• Collaborate with Finance to monitor labor expenses, operational costs, maintenance expenditures, and budget performance.

• Partner with department leaders to align operational priorities, customer requirements, compliance objectives, and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Support strategic planning efforts by identifying opportunities to improve operational performance, facility reliability, customer satisfaction, and overall business effectiveness.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS REQUIRED

· Minimum of 5 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, facilities management, food manufacturing, aviation catering, logistics, warehousing, or a similarly regulated environment.

· Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop teams by establishing clear performance expectations, accountability measures, and short- and long-term operational goals.

· Strong organizational, time management, and prioritization skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and operational demands simultaneously.

· Demonstrated ability to identify operational, maintenance, facility, and inventory-related issues, analyze root causes, and implement effective long-term solutions.

· Strong attention to detail and a proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

· Experience developing, tracking, and utilizing key performance indicators (KPIs), metrics, and reporting tools to measure productivity, labor utilization, maintenance performance, and operational effectiveness.

· Knowledge of facility operations, preventive maintenance programs, equipment reliability, warehouse operations, inventory management, and transportation logistics.

· Ability to effectively manage vendors, contractors, and service providers to ensure timely, cost-effective, and compliant service delivery.

· Working knowledge of USDA, FDA, HACCP, workplace safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance requirements.

· Experience identifying and resolving inventory discrepancies while maintaining accurate inventory controls and storage practices.

· Strong analytical and basic mathematical skills with the ability to interpret operational data, labor reports, inventory metrics, and cost information.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with ERP, WMS, inventory management, scheduling, or operational reporting systems.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization and serve as a liaison between departments.

· Ability to work independently, make sound decisions under pressure, and adapt to changing operational priorities in a fast-paced environment.

· Ability to successfully complete company-provided training and certification requirements for operating pallet jacks, forklifts, and other warehouse-related equipment as needed.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

· Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Facilities Management, or a related field preferred.

· 3–5 years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing, aviation catering, logistics, warehousing, or other highly regulated production environments.

· Strong knowledge of USDA, FDA, HACCP, food safety, sanitation, and regulatory compliance requirements.

· Proven experience leading multiple operational departments, supervising managers or supervisors, and driving accountability, productivity, and continuous improvement.

· Experience managing facility operations, maintenance programs, vendors, contractors, and infrastructure improvement projects.

· Demonstrated ability to identify root causes of operational or maintenance issues and implement effective long-term solutions.

· Knowledge of warehouse operations, inventory management, transportation logistics, and dispatch functions.

· Strong financial and operational acumen, including labor planning, overtime reduction, budgeting, cost control, and performance metrics.

· Excellent leadership, communication, problem-solving, and project management skills.

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office and operational, inventory, or ERP management systems.

· Ability to work a flexible schedule as needed to support operational requirements.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS

· HACCP Certification.

· ServSafe Manager Certification.

· OSHA 30 Certification.

· Lean Six Sigma or other Continuous Improvement certification.

· Facilities or Maintenance Management certification (IFMA, BOMI, or equivalent) preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

· The role involves a combination of office-based administrative work and hands-on oversight of facility operations, requiring frequent interaction with employees, contractors, vendors, regulatory agencies, and customers. Success in this position requires adaptability, sound judgment, proactive problem-solving, and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a dynamic operational setting.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK CONDITIONS

· This position requires regular presence in production, warehouse, loading dock, and facility environments.

· Ability to walk extensively throughout the facility to monitor operations, conduct inspections, and oversee maintenance and sanitation activities.

· Ability to occasionally lift, carry, push, or pull items weighing up to 25 pounds.

· May be required to bend, stoop, kneel, climb stairs, and access equipment or facility areas during inspections and maintenance reviews.

· Availability to work flexible hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency situations as business needs dictate.

Ability to respond to operational, maintenance, or facility emergencies outside of normal business hours when required.