Operations Manager(FOOD DISTRIBUTION)

Who We Are

Since 1955, we have been on a mission To Passionately Feed Millions Daily with High Quality Food People Enjoy!  We are a third-generation family-owned and professionally managed organization with a commitment to strategic growth. We continue to be successful because of talented people, just like you, who choose to join our family and call E.A. Sween home. We pride ourselves on fostering a welcoming, respectful, and rewarding culture where employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work each day.  At E.A. Sween, our team members are seen, heard, and appreciated not just for what they do, but for who they are. We hope you’ll join us!

What We’re Seeking

We are seeking an operations manager with strong leadership skills, strategic thinking abilities, and a proven track record in optimizing processes and driving efficiency. The ideal candidate should excel in team management, problem-solving, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.

Compensation:  The target salary range for this position is $84,613.60 - $105,000.00 annually, consistent with our internal compensation framework.  This position is classified as Grade 15, with a full pay range of $84,613.60 – $127,028.80.  You are eligible for an incentive bonus up to 10% of your annual salary, prorated based on your start date.  Final pay will be determined by your experience, skills, internal equity, and available budget.

What You’ll Do (Responsibilities)

Operations

• Ensure all KPIs are met, including in-stock %, vendor performance, on-time store delivery, HACCP compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee up to a $4.2M fleet and equipment budget, ensuring maintenance, utilization, and operational efficiency.
• Manage product order flow and customer delivery processes.
• Lead multi-temperature warehouse and fleet operations, where applicable.
• Continuously improve warehousing processes to support operational strategy, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Partner with Human Resources and cross-functional teams to develop, train, and retain associates.

Financial Performance

• Achieve budgeted objectives and center-level KPIs.
• Manage the facility’s annual budget with a focus on labor and cost control.
• Prioritize capital and operating expenditures in collaboration with the General Manager to maximize ROI and profitability.

Client Relationships

• Serve as the primary interface between customers and EA Sween teams.
• Maintain proactive communication with clients, suppliers, vendors, and internal partners.
• Respond promptly to client needs and operational opportunities.
• Partner with the General Manager and customer teams to implement supply chain improvements.
• Recommend operational design changes to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Leadership

• Assess labor needs and collaborate with department leaders and HR on staffing plans.
• Provide hands-on operational leadership in partnership with the General Manager.
• Lead teams through all phases of projects (planning through execution).
• Support long-term business planning and execution.
• Set clear expectations, performance targets, and accountability for direct reports.
• Coach, develop, and provide regular feedback to leaders and team members.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives supporting strategic growth.
• Foster a strong team culture through communication, alignment, and engagement.
• Utilize EA Sween’s development framework to identify and support individual growth.
• Model and reinforce the EA Sween Spirit across the operation.

Health, Safety, and Security

• Ensure daily operations comply with HACCP, FSMA, AIB, and client audit requirements.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant work environment.
• Enforce all safety policies and regulatory requirements.
• Establish after-hours security protocols for employees and facilities.
• Initiate post-incident or reasonable-suspicion drug screenings in partnership with HR and leadership.

Food Safety and Quality

• Ensure strict adherence to food safety and quality standards.
• Support corrective actions when products fall outside specifications.
• Ensure thorough training and supervision of all employees in food safety practices.
• Partner with property management, contractors, utilities, and regulatory agencies to maintain facility standards and security.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead process improvement initiatives across departments.
• Apply continuous improvement tools and methodologies to enhance performance.
• Develop leaders’ problem-solving and process improvement capabilities.
• Use EA Sween guiding principles to drive operational excellence and innovation.

What You’ll Need (Qualifications)

• 5+ years of warehouse, distribution, or supply chain management experience.
• 5+ years of people leadership experience with responsibility for budgets, labor, and productivity.
• Proven experience managing customer relationships and reporting to senior leaders.
• Valid driver’s license; DOT certification if applicable.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to pass background checks, drug screens, and skills assessments.
• Availability to work nights, weekends, holidays, be on call, and support a 24/7 operation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• CLTD or similar logistics certification.
• Experience with automated equipment and production environments.
• Fleet management experience.
• ERP and inventory management system experience.
• Knowledge of electronic logs and onboard computer systems.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Primarily operates in an office/desk environment, utilizing computer and phone systems.
• Exposure to warehouse and outdoor environments, subject to temperatures ranging from 35 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move objects weighing up to 10 pounds, and occasionally up to 25 pounds.
• Physical capabilities include standing, bending, turning, twisting, reaching, pulling, and pushing.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously without direct supervision, handling deadlines, confidential information, and interruptions effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with employees at various organizational levels, cross-functional teams, and diverse cultures.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time as necessary for business needs.

How You’ll Find Success at EAS

• Value People Most of All: Show respect & care, embrace diversity, and empower others.
• Commit to Safety Everyday: See something say something do something, practice safe behavior, and celebrate safety success.
• Invest in Our Company to Thrive: Share ideas to improve, learn & grow, and embrace change.
• Think Before Doing and Act Decisively: Make thoughtful decisions, work together to find solutions, and do what’s right.
• Welcome Constructive Straight Talk: Be honest and respectful even when difficult, be open to ideas and feedback, and ask questions to understand.
• Serve Up Exceptional Experiences: Provide value to customers, take pride in your work, and help others to be successful.
• Enjoy What You Do! Have a positive attitude, Live the Spirit of E.A. Sween, and celebrate success.