Wholesale Operations Manager

Wholesale Operations Manager Company: Sullivan Street Bakery – Hell’s Kitchen Location: New York, NY We are seeking an experienced, hands‑on leader to oversee the full scope of our wholesale operations. The role is dynamic and requires a blend of strategic thinking and active participation on the production floor and in the field. Job Summary Reporting directly to the Director of Operations, the Wholesale Operations Manager will lead and manage a team of 12–15 employees across production, packing, delivery, and wholesale administration. The position is responsible for maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and customer satisfaction while driving business growth and operational efficiency. Key Responsibilities Directly manage, mentor, and evaluate a team of 12–15 employees across production, packing, and delivery departments Build and maintain weekly and daily staff schedules that reflect order volume, seasonal fluctuation, and departmental needs—including evening, overnight, and weekend coverage Serve as the primary point of escalation for team concerns, performance issues, and day‑to‑day conflict resolution Foster a collaborative, accountable, and supportive team culture consistent with Sullivan St Bakery’s values Onboard and train new team members across all wholesale‑related functions Enter, review, and update customer orders in our ERP system (FlexiBake) with a high degree of accuracy and timeliness Spearhead potential changes to ERP systems and implementation of route optimization software Prepare and distribute next‑day production sheets to all relevant internal departments (Bakers, Packers, Drivers, and Commissary Kitchen) Oversee setup of sample orders and customer tastings in coordination with the sales team Production Facility Oversight Manage day‑to‑day operations of the production facility, ensuring cleanliness, organization, food safety compliance, and workflow efficiency Proactively identify and address facility maintenance needs, coordinating with vendors and internal stakeholders as needed Verify the accuracy of production sheets distributed to each department and monitor for baking or production discrepancies Maintain current and complete product information across all bread and packaged goods, including ingredients, weights, and expiration dates Conduct and oversee quality assurance checks on all packaged products prior to dispatch Logistics, Delivery & Fleet Management Lead route planning for all delivery drivers, optimizing for efficiency, punctuality, and customer satisfaction Perform end‑of‑day delivery route reviews and implement real‑time adjustments based on order changes or operational disruptions Troubleshoot delivery issues—delays, missed stops, and order discrepancies—quickly and clearly Oversee the maintenance and roadworthiness of the delivery fleet, coordinating scheduled service, repairs, and inspections to minimize vehicle downtime Maintain an accurate fleet maintenance log and ensure all vehicles meet DOT and insurance compliance requirements Hold a valid, clean driver’s license and be ready to operate a 25‑foot Ford Transit delivery van as needed Accounts & Customer Information Management Ensure all customer account details are accurate and current, including billing and shipping addresses, delivery instructions, and contact information Support and oversee maintenance of online ordering platforms Serve as a senior point of contact for escalated customer communications related to accounts and deliveries Accounts Receivable Support Collaborate with the Accounts Receivable Specialist to identify and resolve account discrepancies, including skipped invoices and unapplied credits Oversee processing of credit‑card payments and accurate application to customer accounts Ensure timely distribution of weekly customer statements Manage and transmit EDI files for key wholesale partners Inventory & Supply Coordination Oversee weekly inventory assessments for office, packing, and production supplies Lead sourcing and inventory management for both current and future third‑party wholesale vendors Reporting & Cross‑Departmental Communication Prepare and distribute sales reports and operational recaps on a daily basis Maintain transparent, proactive communication across all departments to ensure alignment on wholesale orders, scheduling, and escalations Report regularly to the Director of Operations on KPIs, team performance, facility status, and fleet health Requirements 5+ years of operations experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role overseeing multi‑person teams Demonstrated ability to build and manage schedules for teams of 10 or more across varied shifts, including evenings, weekends, and/or overnight hours High computer literacy and proven ability to learn and master new software systems quickly; prior experience with ERP platforms strongly preferred—FlexiBake or Streamline is a significant advantage Experience managing or maintaining a production facility, including knowledge of food safety standards, workflow optimization, and vendor coordination Working knowledge of fleet management practices, including scheduling preventive maintenance and coordinating vehicle repairs Valid, clean U.S. driver’s license required; comfortable operating a 25‑foot Ford Transit delivery van Exceptional written and verbal communication skills—clear, direct, and empathetic in all interactions Strong background or genuine enthusiasm for wholesale bakery operations, food production, and/or specialty food logistics Outgoing, grounded, and collaborative leadership style with high emotional intelligence Obsessive attention to detail paired with strong organizational skills and consistent follow‑through Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel in particular); comfortable working across digital platforms Flexible availability is essential—consistent weekend availability and periodic evening and/or overnight hours in alignment with our production schedule What We Offer Sullivan St Bakery offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, a collaborative team environment, and the rare opportunity to build your career within one of New York City’s most storied and respected food institutions. Equal Opportunity Statement Sullivan St Bakery is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr