Manager, Facility Operations

About the role

The Manager, Facility Operations oversees the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of all facility, domicile, and hub functions and systems, including general maintenance, repairs, sanitation, groundskeeping, office space, security, power industrial equipment, and compliance on all systems and vendor services.

Responsibilities

• Direct and monitor associates responsible for building, grounds, sanitation, refrigeration systems, power industrial equipment, and security maintenance using tracking software and preventative maintenance schedules.
• Ensure adherence to Preferred Work Methods (PWMs) and foster a safety-first culture that prioritizes injury-free operations.
• Oversee the operation, monitoring, and maintenance of refrigeration systems to ensure temperature control standards are met for perishable products.
• Partner with Quality Assurance and Food Safety teams to prevent product loss, maintain cold chain integrity, and respond quickly to temperature excursions or equipment failures.
• Manage, assign, and oversee all facility operations activities and capital projects. Ensure timely, high-quality completion while minimizing impact on distribution operations.
• Cook up with other departments for repairs, upgrades, and equipment installations.
• Recruit, train, coach, and evaluate staff performance. Administer discipline when necessary and maintain strong associate relations through open communication, regular meetings, and policy clarification.
• Manage labor hours within budget and create work schedules, including overtime as required.
• Able to prioritize daily tasks and long-term projects to ensure timely completion. Manage competing deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Manage relationships with third-party vendors, including utilities, refrigeration contractors, janitorial, pest control, security services. Ensure vendors meet all compliance requirements, including current certificates of insurance and hold harmless agreements.
• Manage the selection, purchase, utilization, and inventory control of company assets such as racking, material handling equipment, and refrigeration units. Monitor equipment life cycles and recommend replacements or upgrades to maintain operational efficiency.
• Partner with QA and sanitation teams to ensure compliance with all food safety regulations (USDA, FDA, GMPs). Maintain facility cleanliness and conduct routine inspections to verify sanitation, pest control, and allergen management programs are effective.
• Develop and manage facility budgets and capital expenditure requests. Identify and implement cost-reduction strategies, sustainability initiatives, and energy efficiency improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations (OSHA, EPA, USDA, Tax Commission, etc.). Conduct internal audits and maintain documentation for inspections, food safety protocols, Process Safety Management (PSM), ammonia refrigeration safety, and fire protection systems.
• Partner with the Safety Department to deliver training, perform safety observations, investigate accidents, and update PWMs. Lead emergency response planning, crisis management, and liaison efforts with local emergency management agencies.
• Cook up with the Warehouse and Transportation teams to ensure facility infrastructure supports high-volume receiving, storage, and shipping activities without delays or product compromise.

Requirements

• 5 years of facilities management experience.
• 3 years working with refrigeration systems within cold chain distribution.
• Proven leadership experience managing maintenance teams, budgets, and vendor contracts.
• Strong understanding of OSHA, EPA, USDA, FDA, GMP, and other regulatory compliance requirements.
• Proficiency with CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) and basic data analytics to drive performance improvements.
• Able to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Facility Operations, Engineering, Construction, or related field, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Level 1 Ammonia Operator Certification or successfully completed within the first 12 months of hire (Ammonia sites only).
• PSM (Process Safety Management)/RMP (Risk Management Process) Certification or must be completed within the first 12 months of hire (Ammonia sites only).
• PSM tracking tool training to be completed within 12 months of hire date (Ammonia sites only).
• CMMS training to be completed within 6 months of hire date.
• Certificate, licenses, and registrations in refrigeration/HVAC, if applicable.

Skills

• Leadership
• Project Management
• Team Building
• Vendor Management
• Regulatory Compliance
• Facilities Management
• Refrigeration Systems
• CMMS
• Data Analytics
• Cost Reduction Strategies
• Sustainability Initiatives
• Energy Efficiency Improvements
• Emergency Response Planning
• Facility Budgeting
• Facility Infrastructure Support
• Warehouse Control Systems
• Automation Technologies

Benefits

To review available benefits, please click here: https://www.usfoods.com/careers/benefits.html

Pay

Compensation depends on relevant experience and/or education, specific skills, function, geographic location, and other factors as applicable by law (for example: state or local minimum wage thresholds).

Schedule

This role may also receive annual incentive plan bonus.