Operations Manager - Food Production

Join our Fresh Food Production (FFP) team at our new Micro Kitchen in New York! FFP is a groundbreaking initiative by Whole Foods Market committed to delivering top-quality food at scale. Our best-in-class FFP facilities will optimize quality, food safety, and execution consistency for prepared fresh food for Whole Foods MarketLocation: The Micro Kitchen is located in Long Island City, NY, and this will be an onsite role.Ideal candidate currently resides near Long Island City, NYThe New York Micro Kitchen Associate Facility Team Leader ( Operations Manager) will report to the Fresh Food Production Operations Lead and oversee a diverse team of leaders and supervisors with approximately 65 Team Members at peak year volume. Main responsibilities include leadership of a USDA manufacturing facility; ensuring safe facility operations in compliance with regulatory, corporate safety, and environmental programs standards and goals; and collaborating with FFP Operations Lead and Team Member Services (HR) on hiring, development, corrective actions, and separations. The role focuses on fostering a safe environment and improving operational metrics through analytical decision-making to enhance facility and team performance. The Associate Facility Team Leader must strive to support Whole Foods Market core values and goals, promote facility programs and initiatives, and ensure adherence to all applicable health and safety regulations.

Responsibilities

Complete accountability for all aspects of kitchen facility operations. Lead and ensure a USDA manufacturing facility operates safely and in compliance with regulatory and corporate safety and environmental programs standards and goals. Partner with the FFP Operations Lead to develop initiatives to achieve manufacturing, quality, safety, product availability, efficiency, and financial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Ensure kitchen safety and security inspections, auditing, and training procedures are implemented to meet and maintain OSHA and other required regulations. Interview, select, train, develop, and counsel Team Members to meet established goals and in a manner which builds and sustains a high performing team and minimizes turnover. Establish and maintain a positive work environment which sustains an exceptionally high level of Team Member morale. Partner with the FFP Operations Lead to direct and manage the facility’s overall operations and financial performance Profit & Loss statement (P&L). Collect operational metrics to analyze productivity and set performance targets to meet revenue and cost goals. Collaborate with other departments (e.g., Food Safety & Quality Assurance, Internal Audit, Asset Protection, and Team Member Services) to mitigate compliance issues through prompt investigation and resolution by the appropriate partners. Consult with other functions as needed to resolve difficult issues. Direct the resolution of operational, manufacturing, and maintenance problems.

Qualifications

BA/BS degree and 4-6 years of relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Two years of leadership experience managing and mentoring a team. Proven track record of success in a leadership role in the food manufacturing industry. Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chain management, environmental health and safety, and OSHA regulations. Basic computer skills; proficiency in select Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); and ability to learn custom applications. Understanding of financials and P&L statements. Ability to work well with others, self-motivated, and capable of working independently with little supervision. Ability to work a flexible schedule based on the needs of the facility, including nights, weekends and holidays as required. Basic understanding of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) processes within a food manufacturing environment. Ability to build strong partnerships with key stakeholders including Team Members, customers suppliers, and regulators. A genuine passion for food and a deep commitment to our mission of nurturing both people and the planet. Ability to perform physical requirements of position. Travel requirement: up to 5-10%.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions

Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Must adhere to company dress code and standards of production kitchen dress and personal protective equipment (PPE). In an 8-hour workday: standing/walking 6-8 hours. Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing, and pulling. Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching. Exposure to FDA approved cleaning chemicals. Exposure to temperatures: 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Ability to work in wet and dry conditions. Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Ability to use tools and equipment, including knives, box cutters, electric pallet jacks, and other heavy machinery. May require use of ladders.

The wage range for this position is $$92,000 - $128,000 commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off and access to other benefit programs. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire.