Director Ops. W&P P&P (San Francisco)

Job Opportunity at Gate Gourmet

We are seeking motivated and engaged individuals to join our team. This role provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the Wash & Pack processes within the Gate Gourmet SFO operations. The successful candidate will be a strong leader with excellent people management skills, focusing on four key areas:

1. Ensuring Wash & Pack processes are structured and optimized according to corporate standards and local opportunities, including LEAN and CI initiatives.
2. Optimizing productivity and efficiency through effective rostering, scheduling, and proactive labor planning using tools like OPRS.
3. Ensuring compliance with HACCP, customer specifications, safety, and security regulations.
4. Developing and coaching the Wash & Pack leadership team through proactive engagement, feedback, and performance management.

This role involves active participation in the overall development of the unit, with cross-functional collaboration with Make & Pack, Supply Chain, and HR teams. The position requires coordination across processes and a focus on continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate the Wash & Pack and Pick & Pack operations.
• Optimize work stations, floor layout, and processes.
• Implement proactive labor planning in collaboration with Supply Chain for hiring, scheduling, and daily adjustments.
• Ensure compliance with QA, HACCP, and customer requirements.
• Drive team development through coaching, involvement, feedback, and performance management.
• Promote cross-training and maintain skills matrices for workforce flexibility.
• Coordinate with other operational areas to ensure service excellence.
• Ensure all activities meet quality and safety standards.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives and standard process alignments.
• Align material and labor targets with forecasting and planning processes.
• Set KPIs and promote the use of labor planning tools like OPRS.
• Manage departmental financial indicators and productivity improvements.
• Track and analyze incidences, implementing corrective actions.
• Optimize resources through process improvements and lean principles.
• Participate in audits and ensure hygiene and food safety compliance.
• Recognize team performance and promote company rewards.
• Resolve conflicts and exercise influencing and negotiation skills.
• Lead operational meetings and supervise managers and staff daily.
• Conduct performance evaluations and ensure compliance with HR policies, including wage and hour regulations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field preferred, with specialization in operational and people management advantageous.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in manufacturing operations, with leadership experience managing over 100 people.
• Experience in change management and process improvement is desirable.
• Experience in food hygiene, health & safety, or high-security environments preferred.
• Knowledge of airline catering operations is a plus but not essential.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in MS Office and SAP.

Job Skills:

• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Empathetic, open-minded, resilient, and proactive.
• Excellent planning, coordination, and communication skills.
• Continuous improvement mindset and adaptability to change.

Language and Communication Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Job Dimensions:

• Location: SFO Unit
• Type: Full-time
• Travel: Limited, some travel expected
• Exemption: United States exempt

Work Environment:

• Long shifts involving standing, bending, lifting, and moving.