Operations Manager

Newrest is looking for an Operations Manager where you’ll play a key role in shaping a start-up operation, leading department managers, improving daily operations, and building a positive workplace where employees feel respected and motivated to succeed.

This role in a start-up operation is an exciting opportunity to make a real impact, drive improvements in efficiency, recruitment, and retention, and help establish a strong foundation for long-term success. You’ll also have the opportunity to grow your leadership skills and advance your career with Newrest, an international company with opportunities to learn, develop, and take on new challenges.

We’re looking for a leader who embraces change, develops people, sets clear expectations, and inspires teams to deliver results while maintaining high standards for quality and safety.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Leadership and Management

• Infuse the Newrest culture throughout the facility through the managers and by example
• Hold managers accountable for meeting expectations and KPI’s
• Mentor and coach managers as needed to ensure performance and adherence to policy and culture
• Train, coach and mentor managers and other direct reports in an effort to provide a strong talent bench for succession planning purposes and career advancement within the unit and other units throughout the country.
• Ensure that all policies and procedures are followed per Newrest and client’s requirements
• Communicate effectively with all crew members and team members
• Hold team members accountable for all expectations

Operations/Logistics

• Fully responsible for the operations of the entire unit, including production, logistics, supply, safety, quality, personnel and customer service.
• Ensure that all quality and safety procedures and program are adhered to by everyone.
• Ensure that all catering needs are met in a timely manner.
• Meet all KPI’s according to customer requirements and KPI standards.
• Properly plan and foresee issues that may cause delays in timely arrival, poor quality, or safety hazard.
• Develop and implement operating methods and procedures designed to eliminate operating problems and improve product quality.

Finances

• Review finances with CFO and Country Manager to ensure proper use of fiscal resources.
• Stay within proposed budget for all items.
• Drive improvements in productivity, cost reduction, plant output, capacity and waste while continuing to deliver quality products complete and on-time to the customer.

QHSE

• Ensure compliance with all applicable requirements related to product and service quality, environmental standards, food safety, and health and safety regulations.
• Support the availability of resources and necessary competencies to maintain and enhance integrated management systems (IMS).
• Uphold commitments to environmental and social responsibility in alignment with the Be the Change CSR charter.
• Promote a safe and healthy work environment by preventing work-related injuries and illnesses, eliminating hazards, and reducing health and safety risks.
• Facilitate systems for joint consultation and participation with employees and their representatives as needed.
• Drive continuous improvement and consistently seek to enhance IMS performance.
• Effectively communicate the organization's vision, goals, and performance both internally and to relevant external stakeholders.

Human Resources

• Evaluate talent of team members and drive actions to address performance issues and/or behavioral concerns.
• Enhance employee morale by driving engagement and establishing an environment of trust and respect.
• Handle employee and management concerns and escalate concerns to the HR department.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelors in Operations Management, Business Management, or related field
• 7-10 years’ experience in inflight catering or airport hub environment, manufacturing, logistics, or food industry indirectly managing 250+ exempt level employees

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Strong leadership experience with experience in start-up or turnaround environments
• Strong communication skills with ability to communicate with non-exempt to upper management levels
• Ability to effectively handle conflict and de-escalate emotional charged situations
• Good understanding of OSHA, HR, and other employment laws
• Good knowledge of investigation procedures and root cause analysis
• Understanding of lean manufacturing principles and operational processes
• Strong knowledge of HACCP & food safety standards
• Strategic thinker with creative and excellent problem solving and decision-making skills
• Resilient self-starter, who can act independently and learn quickly within a rapidly evolving environment
• Aptitude in showing self-initiative and follow-through
• Detail-oriented and ability to see big picture
• Strong ability with Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Excellent organizational and motivational skills
• Outstanding attention to detail and observation ability
• Strong analytical skills for interpretation of data to effectively manage risk
• Ability to effectively collaborate with site operations, functional leaders and external clients and vendors