Operations Director

Position Summary This is a senior leadership operations position responsible for overseeing and directing the daily execution of all aspects of inbound and outbound warehouse, fleet services, facilities management (including building, grounds, power and industrial equipment, sanitation, security), transportation (including routing, delivery, and backhaul), operations systems and related third‑party providers. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, achieving performance key metrics; managing expenses and revenue; strategically executing local and corporate initiatives; complying with government regulations; and ensuring the safety and security of the building, its contents and people. The role focuses on building and developing the operations management team while fostering a culture of engagement, problem solving and continuous improvement. The expressed purpose of this role is to prepare the incumbent for future Vice President of Operations opportunities. Essential Functions/Responsibilities The Director of Operations assists the Vice President of Operations in shaping company strategy, culture and direction. Sets strategic direction in alignment with corporate strategy for all aspects of operations. Ensures the wholesome, accurate, efficient, fiscally responsible daily work and safety of inbound and outbound warehouse, transportation (delivery), fleet services, facilities, beverage services departments and associates. Supports the VPO in developing the annual Profit Plan with direct input from the management team. Oversees budget management—including labor, benefits, supplies, company assets, capital investments, depreciation, maintenance and repair, and third‑party contracts. Evaluates fiscal metrics and adjusts activities to meet or exceed performance expectations. Coordinates with other departments as necessary to ensure upgrades and repairs are completed efficiently and effectively. Performs management functions of staff selection, compensation, development, discipline, performance reviews and terminations. Strategically adjusts departments’ activities, policies and practices to meet or exceed key performance metrics and customer satisfaction goals, and actively supports other departments in achieving their goals. Coordinates with the corporate facilities team to analyze growth of the site against facility size to maintain proper storage, receiving and shipping capabilities for present and future business. Champions efficiency ideas, cost‑reduction measures and assists with the implementation of changes as they pertain to areas of responsibility and total company. Identifies problems and proposes solutions to other senior management. Monitors audits ensuring all required inspections and documentation—including, but not limited to, food safety documentation, DOT records, EPSM, PSM—are completed accurately and retained to minimize potential loss. Enforces policies and procedures to drive compliance with all insurance pooling requirements, local, state, federal and provincial regulatory agencies (e.g., OSHA, DOT, FDA, USDA, DOL, CVOR (Canada)), licensing and log book requirements and food safety policies, protocols and requirements. Monitors the condition and maintenance of warehouse, fleet services, equipment, software, ammonia refrigeration system, HVAC, fire protection and office to ensure they meet Sysco safety, security, sanitation and appearance standards, reducing operational injuries, accidents, product loss and unnecessary costs. Ensures contingency systems/practices/protocols are in place to eliminate business disruption. Oversees emergency response or crisis management activities, develops and maintains liaisons with local emergency management and other entities to facilitate plan development and response coordination, and assists the safety manager with training initiatives. Drives compliance in utilization of systems in line with standard operating procedures. Collaborates with merchandising, sales management and marketing associates to resolve customer or delivery opportunities or issues. Visits customer locations and meets with customers to address issues and assess delivery difficulty. Provides assistance in soliciting new or prospective business by participating in company meetings and presentations when necessary, and in other market‑area activities to develop and foster the company’s recognition within the business community. Oversees or participates in the interpretation, adherence and negotiation of the collective bargaining agreement; and when necessary, participates in grievance or arbitration proceedings. Maintains associate relations through regular department meetings, ongoing interaction, open communication channels with associates, morale monitoring and response to ideas that improve engagement and enablement. Interprets, trains and consistently enforces company policies and procedures. Required Minimum Education/Experience Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and related experience. Eight years of professional experience with demonstrated progressive levels of management experience (including at least four to five years in operational management). Experience in warehouse and transportation preferred. Willingness to relocate to advance into a Vice President of Operations position. Abilities And Skills Ability to read, comprehend, write and speak English. Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations; write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals; effectively present information and respond to queries from managers, clients, customers and the public. Ability to perform basic arithmetic—add, subtract, multiply, divide—in all units of measure, using whole numbers, fractions and decimals. Ability to solve practical problems and handle varied concrete variables in situations with limited standardization; interpret instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. Demonstrated knowledge of spreadsheet and word‑processing software; proficient in learning Sysco technology software and programs; excellent computer skills. Working knowledge of federal motor carrier safety regulations. Working knowledge of environmental regulations, legislation and governing bodies. Ability to engage and lead individual and team discussions and meetings. Ability to apply all relevant policies in a consistent, timely and objective manner. Capability to collaborate with peers and associates from other departments, sites, corporate and the business community proactively and constructively. Ability to work in a disciplined manner, follow established procedures and comply with local, state and federal regulations. Ability to manage the pressures and stress associated with a deadline‑oriented environment and customer‑service issues, and to make independent decisions in support of company policies and procedures promptly. Reports to work promptly and regularly; works well with others; consistently meets deadlines. Success in this position requires demonstration of all Director‑level Leadership Framework competencies. PHYSICAL DEMANDS Physical demands described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform essential functions. During duties, the associate is regularly required to talk or hear; frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hands and arms, and climb or balance. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; occasionally must lift or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described are representative of those an associate encounters while performing essential functions. During duties, the associate is occasionally exposed to wet, hot, extreme cold and/or humid conditions, moving mechanical parts and may be required to work in confined spaces. The associate works non‑traditional business hours, including evenings, nights, weekends, holidays and on‑call. The associate may occasionally travel to other operating companies or corporate office as business needs dictate. The associate is occasionally exposed to high, precarious places, fumes or airborne particles. Noise level is usually moderate. NOTICE: The above statements describe the general nature of the environment and level of work being performed by this job. The job description does not list all tasks; an associate may be required to perform other duties as directed by a supervisor. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job description supersedes prior job descriptions. When duties and responsibilities change and develop, the description will be reviewed and may be modified for business necessity. EEO/AA Employer #J-18808-Ljbffr