Kitchen Operations Manager

Responsibilities

• Lead daily kitchen production and ensure orders are produced accurately, efficiently and on schedule.
• Build and implement repeatable systems, processes and SOPs to create a more scalable operation.
• Develop production schedules and proactively plan labor, ingredients, inventory and capacity requirements.
• Create and monitor operational KPIs related to production, fulfillment, labor, inventory, waste and COGS.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement practical solutions to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Ensure production plans align with customer demand and fulfillment requirements.
• Provide proactive, clear and timely communication to remote executive leadership regarding production status, risks, inventory, staffing and upcoming needs.
• Lead, coach and develop Shift Leads and production employees while establishing clear expectations and accountability.
• Partner with the Director of Operations, R&D/Dietitian, Customer Service and external vendors/carriers to coordinate operational requirements.
• Maintain high standards for food safety, sanitation, quality and workplace safety.
• Support the transition to a larger/upgraded facility as the company continues to grow.
• Continuously assess the operation and identify opportunities to improve productivity, reliability, cost and scalability.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading food production, commercial kitchen, commissary, catering, or another high-volume production operation.
• Strong hands-on production leadership experience.
• Demonstrated ability to build systems and processes within a growing operation.
• Strong production planning, scheduling and inventory management skills.
• Experience establishing and managing operational KPIs and performance metrics.
• Understanding labor planning, COGS, waste reduction and production efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to provide concise, proactive updates to senior/remote leadership.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate operational issues before they affect production or fulfillment.
• Experience coaching and developing frontline production teams and shift leaders.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where processes continue to evolve.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Food safety knowledge/certification is strongly preferred.