[US-DC] Associate Director, Operations

About the role

As the Associate Director, you will partner with the site Director & SVP to manage and build fulfillment operations. Your time will be spent between running daily operations, driving improvement measures, and shaping operational strategy. This role is ideal if you want to make an impact, lead from the front lines, and drive change from within.

Responsibilities

• Identify problems in fulfillment operations and drive continuous improvement strategies for the distribution center
• Collaborate with the Director of Operations to develop an operations improvement road map in partnership with the SVP and other site directors
• Ensure adherence to OSHA, GMP, SQF, food safety, and facility compliance while meeting operational goals and improving production
• Drive Safety, Quality, Cost, and Delivery while expanding capabilities to meet warehouse requirements
• Lead and supervise a team of managers, supervisors, and hourly associates
• Share and exchange operational best practices with directors of other sites
• Develop and deliver operational procedures for all fulfillment and supporting processes
• Drive strategic planning and forecasting to ensure operational alignment
• Reward and recognize performance and execute progressive discipline as needed
• Mentor, train, and develop teammates for career progression and learning
• Create a positive team dynamic that encourages feedback, adaptability, and customer focus
• Drive a customer-focused environment committed to delivering the highest quality product

Qualifications

• Bold: adventurous, outgoing, and optimistic; confident in decision-making and taking calculated risks
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: visionary, passionate, and imaginative; challenges the status quo
• Versatile: adaptable to change and able to deliver results in fast-paced, hyper-growth environments
• Analytical: skilled at translating data into action and driving efficiency
• Team-oriented: proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and foster collaboration
• Strategic: resolves ambiguous situations using logic and contingency planning
• Customer-focused: committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience
• Comprehensive background in Fulfillment, Shipping, Receiving, and Warehousing
• Experience with inventory control and improving warehouse management or inventory tracking systems (WMS implementation a plus)
• Experience motivating, developing, and managing 150-200+ employees
• Excitement for working in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment with frequent shop floor engagement
• Strong continuous improvement and project management skills
• High level of integrity, ethics, and follow-through
• Bilingual in Spanish/English strongly preferred

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree required (Master’s preferred)
• 8+ years of experience managing operations or production within Food/Beverage/Perishables
• Familiarity with FSMA, HACCP, SQF
• Deep knowledge of Lean manufacturing
• Flexibility to work weekends and/or night shifts

Benefits

• Competitive hourly rate
• 401K company match that vests immediately upon participation
• Team bonus opportunities
• Generous PTO and flexible attendance policy
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits with $0 monthly options, effective on the first day of employment
• Up to 85% discount on HelloFresh meal plan subscriptions (HelloFresh, Green Chef, Everyplate, and Factor_)
• Access to Employee Resource Groups (BIPOC, women, veterans, parents, LGBTQ+)
• Inclusive, collaborative, and dynamic work environment within a fast-paced, mission-driven company
• Eligibility for the HelloFresh equity plan