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. E.A. Sween is a third‑generation, family‑owned, professionally managed organization committed to strategic growth. Our culture welcomes diverse, respectful, and rewarding work environments where employees are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work each day.

Compensation
Target salary range: $84,613.60 – $ annually (Grade 15). Full pay range: $84,613.60 – $. Incentive bonus up to 10% of annual salary, prorated based on start date.

Operations Manager with strong leadership, strategic thinking, and proven ability to optimize processes and drive efficiency. Ideal candidate excels in team management, problem‑solving, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

• Ensure all KPIs are met, including in‑stock %, vendor performance, on‑time store delivery, HACCP compliance, and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee 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.
• 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.
• 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 with the General Manager to maximize ROI and profitability.
• Serve as the primary interface between customers and E.A. Sween teams.
• Maintain proactive communication with clients, suppliers, vendors, and internal partners.
• Implement supply chain improvements in partnership with the customer teams.
• Recommend operational design changes to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
• Assess labor needs and collaborate with department leaders and HR on staffing plans.
• Lead teams through all phases of projects and 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.
• Ensure daily operations comply with HACCP, FSMA, AIB, and client audit requirements.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and compliant work environment and enforce all safety policies.
• Ensure strict adherence to food safety and quality standards and support corrective actions.
• Lead process improvement initiatives across departments.
• Apply continuous improvement tools and methodologies to enhance performance.
• Use E.A. Sween guiding principles to drive operational excellence and innovation.

• 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.

• 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.

• Primarily office/desk environment utilizing computer and phone systems.
• Exposure to warehouse and outdoor environments, temperatures 35‑85°F.
• Occasionally lift or move objects…