The Operations Manager will lead the execution of safe, effective, and efficient warehouse operations at the new Chick-fil-A Supply Distribution Center (DC) in Columbia, SC. This individual will lead a team of warehouse staff and oversee functional operations of the DC, ensuring the seamless integration of warehouse and transportation operations. The Operations Manager will help lead the workforce distributing millions of cases of inventory annually to Chick-fil-A Operators throughout the Southwest. This leader will create warehouse procedures and service standards for the operation, helping drive continued innovation at an operation like no other in the food service industry. Most importantly, this person will lead in a way that supports Chick-fil-A’s vision and strategy while embodying the corporate purpose.

This position requires a leader who can call upon a diverse range of skills and experiences to support overall operations. The role is highly interdependent with the other divisions of the distribution center and Chick-fil-A Supply Services, requiring the Operations Manager to foster relationships with a wide range of people to execute their responsibilities. This calls for a dynamic leader who has a heart for service and compassion coupled with a mind for effectively supporting the management of the business. Furthermore, this role will be uniquely challenged with their participation in the stand up of a brand-new DC and the testing and refinement of a new facility implementation playbook to assist in the stand up of future facilities.

About Chick-fil-A Supply

Chick-fil-A Supply®, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chick-fil-A, Inc., is an innovative distribution service provider focused on understanding and meeting the unique needs of Chick-fil-A restaurants. Chick-fil-A Supply® ensures restaurants have the food and products they need through a seamless delivery experience that extends Chick-fil-A's culture of care. For more information, visit cfa-supply.com. 

• Lead the warehouse division of a large-scale food service distribution center operation, including the design, implementation, management, and improvement of warehouse procedures and service standards.
• Closely collaborate with DC leaders, including planning, sales, and transportation to identify operational bottlenecks and develop solutions to streamline and improve as needed.
• Support the safety leader in ensuring compliance with government regulations (federal, state, and local), including responding to regulatory and internal audits of operations.
• Manage budget of warehouse operations at the DC, and assess the cost and performance of current and alternative warehouse procedures and service standards, analyzing the data to recommend process improvements to ensure optimal alignment and collaboration.
• Deliver high service levels to Operators and achieve Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Define and communicate warehouse equipment needs (e.g. MHE, racking).
• Lead resource planning, shift planning and scheduling for warehouse staff, collaborating with the staffing lead. Recruit, train, and develop a strong team.
• Coach and mentor a team of warehouse supervisors.
• Support the Chick-fil-A vision and strategy by building a culture that aligns with the Chick-fil-A Supply values of care, safety, and excellence.
• Work closely with CFA Supply Senior Leadership Team, CFA Supply Services, Operators, and various business partners to ensure service standards are met.

• 7+ years of experience in distribution, manufacturing, or other relevant supply chain field management.
• Strong aptitude to think critically, solve problems, and drive improvements in a professional and respectful manner.
• Demonstrated functional knowledge and expertise in distribution, including Warehousing – ambient as well as refrigerated zones, operations (including Six Sigma and Lean), engineering standards, warehouse equipment, sanitation and GMPs, performance metrics, supplier management.
• Working knowledge of inbound logistics, warehousing, IT systems, and outbound logistics in the distribution industry.
• Demonstrated experience and success with process improvement and efficiency, including establishing and managing KPIs.
• Working knowledge of innovations in supply chain and warehousing.
• Knowledge of and ability to ensure compliance with general safety standards, quality specifications, and governmental requirements.
• Exceptional organization, attention to detail, and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to value both relationships and results and to put others above themselves.
• Strong ability to negotiate and resolve conflict by navigating confrontational situations to ensure all parties are treated with honor, dignity, and respect.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Access; experience with ERP, WMS, and TMS solution.

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, accounting, logistics, supply chain or another relevant field
• 10+ years of leadership experience in a distribution or manufacturing with warehouse responsibility
• Experience working in a scalable distribution environment
• Experience in a start-up environment
• Demonstrated success in operation and people leadership.