Manager Central Operations - White Bear Lake, MN - Full-time

Manager Central Operations

This position is not eligible for relocation, works 100% in office. Must be eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Full-time Benefits and bonus eligible!

Smarte Carte Inc. offers a competitive compensation package and outstanding benefits including Group Health & Dental Insurance, Company Paid Life Insurance, Company Paid Short-term Disability, Matching 401k, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Wellness Program, Company Outings and more!

Smarte Carte, Inc. is the leading concessionaire of self-serve vended luggage carts, electronic lockers, commercial strollers and massage chairs, as well as other passenger and guest services.

Smarte Carte is headquartered in St. Paul, MN and has operations in the United States, Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, and United Kingdom.

Are you looking for a job with a flexible schedule, great pay, and a fantastic work environment? Are you looking for a place to develop and build your career? Do you like to have your voice heard and be involved in process improvements? Then Smarte Carte is the place for you! A positive attitude and willingness to learn are the top qualities for our ideal candidate. Smarte Carte prides itself on having a diverse and inclusive workforce. All genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Smarte Carte is focused on being environmentally responsible by owning/operating recyclable equipment and reducing our carbon footprint.

The Manager of Central Operations is responsible for leading day-to-day operations at Smarte Carte's primary warehouse and production facility in White Bear Lake, MN. This role oversees all operational functions within the facility, including logistics, production and assembly, quality, inventory, safety, and facilities management.

The position requires a hands-on operations leader with strong systems acumen, people leadership capability, and the ability to translate demand, production requirements, and inventory strategy into safe, efficient, and predictable execution. While oversight is currently limited to a single warehouse, the scope of responsibility spans end-to-end operational execution with direct impact on cost, service levels, and customer experience.

Leadership & People Management

• Build, lead, and sustain a positive, inclusive, and safety-focused operations culture
• Establish clear performance expectations; provide routine feedback and coaching
• Conduct annual performance reviews and provide compensation and workforce planning input
• Manage staffing levels, schedules, wages, and use of contract labor

Operations Execution

• Lead warehouse, production, and assembly operations to meet production, quality, and service targets
• Ensure adherence to established production, productivity, quality, and customer service standards

Inventory, Production & Systems

• Maintain working knowledge of BOM structures, production orders, and sales order flows
• Partner with planning and inventory teams to ensure accurate inventory data, efficient material utilization, and appropriate purchasing
• Develop and maintain processes for the handling, storage, movement, and tracking of raw materials, components, and finished goods
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures related to receiving, transfers, warehouse management, and shipping

Continuous Improvement

• Analyze workflows, labor utilization, space constraints, and equipment layout to drive operational efficiency
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies
• Standardize processes and work instructions to improve repeatability and reduce variability

Logistics & Vendor Management

• Manage domestic and international logistics, including FCL, LCL, air freight, and high-volume small-parcel shipments
• Manage relationships with key operations and logistics vendors
• Review and approve operational invoices and ensure timely submission for payment

Safety, Compliance & Facilities

• Maintain a safe and compliant work environment in accordance with OSHA and applicable regulations
• Ensure safe operation and maintenance of powered industrial equipment
• Serve as primary liaison with utilities and local agencies (fire, safety, health) as required
• Oversee facility maintenance and operational readiness

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience leading warehouse and/or manufacturing operations. Demonstrated success applying Lean and/or Six Sigma tools in an operational setting. Experience working within ERP/MRP systems (NetSuite experience a plus). Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop operations teams.

Education: Bachelor's degree in Operations, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred.

Leadership Profile The successful candidate will be a hands-on, results-oriented operations leader with strong business judgment and the ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution. This individual demonstrates ownership, accountability, and integrity, and can effectively engage with team members, cross-functional partners, suppliers, and leadership at all levels of the organization.

Physical Requirements Lift 50 lbs. Stand for extended periods of time, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull. Lift above head. Keyboard; typing for long periods of time. View computer screen(s) for long periods of time. Work under tight deadlines.