SUMMARY

The General Manager of Operations overseas production in a single-site manufacturing plant in the time efficient, cost effective manner within quality standards. The General Manager of Operations is responsible for the overall logistics strategy for inbound and outbound transportation and warehousing of short shelf life, refrigerated food products. This role requires a focus on continuous process improvement, developing & implementing initiatives that bring speed, flexibility, compliance and connectivity to Whitsons' logistics and distribution processes.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Set strategic direction and plan, direct and control the general manufacturing and warehouse environment
• Ensure standard operating procedures are evaluated and maintained to improve productivity, service and costs.
• Manage quality, cost and timeliness of inbound orders from suppliers and outbound fulfillment to customers.
• Direct, optimize and coordinate transportation from vendors to distribution centers.
• Monitor workforce requirements and confer with managers to maximize labor utilization and minimize labor expense.
  • Set Service Level Agreements (SLA) and Key Performance Indicators (KPI's).
  • Manage fulfillment efficiency and cost by negotiating competitive rates on items such as fuel surcharges and freight charges.
  • Ensure the vendor audits all freight invoices for accuracy.
  • Meet cost, productivity, and accuracy and timeliness targets.
  • Analyze data to assess performance and implement improvements.
  • Conduct quarterly business reviews to report on financial and service level goals, along with initiatives.
  • Comply with laws, regulations and ISO requirements.
• Maintain inventories in Whitsons business management systems following FIFO rules. Ensure cycle counts are completed regularly and provide weekly reporting to senior management.
• Work closely with multiple internal teams to execute seasonal product flow strategies with regard to planning, tracking, and problem solving.
• Ensure all food manufacturing is completed daily and exceeds our customers expectations. Work with planning, purchasing, and production teams to ensure operations are optimized and reduce unnecessary downtimes.

• Work with the Facilities team to coordinate equipment maintenance and construction/renovation projects for the plant.

• Resolve issues regarding shipped orders. Ensure teams do not repeat mistakes, all mistakes are opportunities to grow and learn.
• Ensure all vehicles are maintained according to Whitsons policies.

• Recruit, develop, coach, supervise, and evaluate department staff. Development a team environment that fosters continued growth and success.

• Perform other incidental and/or related duties as required and/or assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor's Degree in Business of related field.
• HACCP certification.
• Servsafe certification.
• Local food safety certification preferred.

Computer Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

• Proficient in business management systems such as X3 and SAP.

• 10 years' experience in refrigerated logistics/manufacturing operations.
• 5 years management experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, passion for results and attention to detail.
• Organizational change management experience.
• Bilingual Spanish a plus.

Competencies

• Communication, Customer Focus, Innovation, Organization Leadership, Operations Management, People Leadership, Process Improvement, Supply Chain Management, Vendor Management

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE JOB

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by a Team Member to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the team member is frequently required sit, stand, walk, talk and hear.
• Use hands and fingers to feel, handle, or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• Lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Lifting while turning side to side is sometimes necessary.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Position sometimes requires extended hours including evenings and/or weekends, travel to multiple work sites and occasional out-of-state travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The work is performed primarily in an office setting. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.
• The work is performed secondarily in a manufacturing and warehouse environment, specifically the packing and warehousing areas. The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud.
• Standing portion of the work day is required.
• Work requires movement in and out of store rooms, near heavy machinery and freezers

• Exposure to extreme temperatures (hot and cold) due to cooking and refrigeration equipment.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work and duties that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position, and Whitsons reserves the right to add additional duties or modify existing duties.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between Whitsons and team member and is subject to change by Whitsons as the needs of Whitsons and requirements of the job change.Employee's signature below constitutes employee's understanding of the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position.