The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operational and facility functions of the company, ensuring that production, packing, logistics, maintenance, sanitation, and warehouse operations are executed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with all regulatory and customer requirements. This role serves as the central point of coordination for facility maintenance, infrastructure improvements, and operational readiness within a high-volume food catering service environment.

The Operations Manager provides leadership to supervisors and operational teams, prioritizing accountability, effective delegation, and timely resolution of operational and facility-related issues. A key responsibility of this role is managing maintenance programs and vendor relationships to ensure repairs and corrective actions address root causes. The Operations Manager proactively identifies opportunities to improve facility infrastructure, equipment reliability, workflow efficiency, and regulatory compliance while balancing operational needs and budget considerations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Facility, Maintenance & Infrastructure Management

• Oversee facility maintenance programs to ensure equipment, building systems, and infrastructure remain safe, reliable, and operational.

• Manage relationships with maintenance contractors, vendors, and service providers, ensuring quality workmanship, timely service, and cost-effective solutions.

• Coordinate and prioritize maintenance activities, repairs, preventive maintenance schedules, and facility improvement projects.

• Investigate recurring operational and maintenance issues to identify root causes and implement sustainable, long-term solutions rather than temporary corrective measures.

• Challenge assumptions, ask follow-up questions, and verify corrective actions to ensure repairs and improvements address underlying problems.

• Develop innovative solutions to overcome facility constraints, aging infrastructure, operational challenges, and regulatory requirements while minimizing disruptions to production and service.

• Conduct post-repair inspections and verify that maintenance work has been completed effectively and in accordance with operational and regulatory standards.

• Ensure the facility remains clean, safe, secure, and fully compliant at all times.

• Oversee inventory movements, storage conditions, warehouse organization, and space utilization in collaboration with the storeroom and warehouse teams.

• Support capital improvement initiatives and facility enhancement projects to improve operational efficiency, reliability, and compliance.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure full compliance with USDA, FDA, HACCP and all company food safety and quality standards.

• Partner closely with Quality Assurance to maintain food safety, sanitation, and operational compliance programs.

• Conduct regular facility walkthroughs, operational audits, and inspections to verify compliance with regulatory, customer, and company requirements.

• Lead corrective action efforts and ensure deficiencies are resolved promptly and effectively.

• Maintain documentation and operational records required for inspections, audits, certifications, and customer reviews.

Operational Oversight

• Manage and direct the daily activities of supervisors responsible for packing and shipping, dispatch and transportation, storeroom operations, equipment maintenance, and facility operations.

• Ensure customer orders are fulfilled, packed, and dispatched accurately, on time, and in accordance with airline, aviation, institutional, and client-specific requirements.

• Monitor workflow efficiency, productivity, staffing utilization, and task execution across all operational areas and shifts.

• Resolve day-to-day operational challenges by coordinating with supervisors, department heads, and support teams to minimize disruptions and maintain service levels.

• Oversee dispatch and transportation activities, ensuring on-time deliveries and compliance with applicable transportation laws, safety regulations, and company procedures.

• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, service quality, and cost control.

Staff Management & Labor Optimization

• Supervise, mentor, and support department supervisors, fostering accountability, consistent performance, and employee development.

• Delegate responsibilities effectively