Operations Manager

Job Description

Are you ready to step into a leadership role at the forefront of fresh produce operations? If so, we have the job for you! Cavalier Produce, a growing provider of fresh produce, food service, and retail items in Central Virginia, is seeking an Operations Manager who has the skills, knowledge, and leadership ability to ensure our continued success.

The family-owned company has enjoyed steady growth over the last twenty-three years and most recently is reaching new heights. This position will be integral to the leadership team, overseeing all aspects of warehouse management, production processes, delivery logistics and quality assurance protocols.

With a legacy of stability and sustained growth, Cavalier Produce offers a solid foundation for career advancement within an environment that prioritizes our CORE Values, which are Heart, Respect, Diligence, Integrity and a Great Attitude.

By joining our team, you will become a part of an established community where your contributions are genuinely appreciated, where your voice is heard, and where your professional development is OUR top priority. If this is YOU, what are you waiting for? We want to hear from you!

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Provide strategic direction and leadership to a multidisciplinary team encompassing production, warehouse, order picking, shipping, receiving, delivery logistics, quality control, and sanitation.
• Develop and implement efficient processes for receiving, sorting, repacking, and processing various fresh produce items.
• Collaborate closely with the quality assurance team to establish and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) and food safety protocols, ensuring strict adherence.
• Devise and oversee preventative maintenance programs to optimize equipment uptime and minimize downtime.
• Manage inventory control systems to optimize stock levels and reduce waste.
• Develop and execute production schedules aligned with customer demand, while maximizing efficiency.
• Supervise sanitation procedures to maintain a clean and hygienic work environment.
• Drive operational excellence by implementing lean manufacturing principles and spearheading process improvement initiatives.
• Analyze production metrics and performance data to identify opportunities for optimization and efficiency gains.
• Conduct regular audits to pinpoint areas for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements, including food safety regulations, and environmental regulations.
• Establish and maintain safety protocols to uphold a secure working environment for all employees.
• Develop and deliver employee training programs.
• Manage the operations budget to ensure cost-effective resource utilization.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and improved profitability while upholding quality and safety standards.
• Cultivate a positive and productive work environment that prioritizes safety and employee well-being.
• Collaborate effectively with other departments, such as sales, and marketing, to ensure seamless coordination and alignment across the organization and supply chain.
• Support new product launches and business initiatives as required.

Qualifications:

• Possess a bachelors degree in business administration, operations management, engineering, or a related field preferred.
• Have five plus years of successful warehouse operations experience.
• Foodservice and retail industry experience a plus.
• Possess a proven track record of logistics management with a growing company.
• Ability to identify, analyze and resolve problems independently and with sound judgement.
• Leads staff through effective communication, timely responses, team building and collaboration.
• Produces cost savings by reducing credits, inventory waste and staff overtime.
• Ability to multitask and adjust to changing priorities under stress of deadlines.
• Communicate regularly with management regarding warehouse issues and concerns.
• Solid organizational skills, including the ability to manage time and effectively prioritize.
• The ability to handle detailed information in a consistent, timely, and reliable manner.
• Experience with ProducePro and is a plus.
• Proficiency with MS Office.
• Excellent organization skills, attention to detail and follow through coupled with the desire to exceed customers expectations.
• Proficiency with inventory management and related software.
• OSHA certification for forklift and other warehouse machinery use.
• Ability and willingness to regularly work Saturdays and Sunday on rotating basis.
• Possess the ability to stand for four or more hours at a time on hard surfaces and in cold temperature.
• Regularly manipulate items with arms, wrists, and hands for up to four hours at a time while operating machinery, organizing, and packing products, keeping house, and other related tasks.