Director, Operations

gategroup•New York, NY

2d•$115,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

This role provides overall leadership and tactical direction for the Assembly processes/department within Gate Gourmet Large operations. The individual is a strong leader with strong people management skills, focusing on optimizing assembly processes, productivity, efficiency, compliance with regulations, and continuous development of the Assembly leadership team. As a key member of the Unit Senior Leadership team, this role actively engages in the overall development and improvement of the entire Unit, particularly in production/labour planning and people management. The role requires strong coordination and collaboration with other departments, especially Supply Chain Process Director and HR.

Requirements

At least 5 years’ experience working within Operations in a “manufacturing environment”
Experience providing leadership through a middle management layer
Experience of managing a team of more than 100 people
Experience in change management projects
Strong People Manager
Empathetic and Open minded – hence determined and persistent
Resilient and well-rounded individual
Team player who believes in structured Performance and Talent Management
Planning and coordination – Ability to oversee multiple activities at the same time
Continuous improvement mindset – Flexible and embracing change
Self-motivated & Proactive
IT literate, basic level of MS Office and general SAP understanding.
Excellent communicator – Whether “one to one” or “on the beer case”
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Direct and indirect headcount of 180+ employees.
Direct Line Manager (Title): GM, A Unit
Number of Direct Reports: 3-12
Estimated Total Size of Team: 50+
Thinking – Information Search and analysis & problem resolution skills
Engaging – Understanding others, Team Leadership and Developing People
Inspiring – Influencing and building relationships, Motivating and Inspiring, Communicating effectively
Achieving – Delivering business results under pressure, Championing Performance Improvement and Customer Focus
Employees at gategroup are expected to live our Values of Excellence, Passion, Responsibility and Respect.
To demonstrate these Values, we expect to observe the following from everyone: Excellence We put the customer at the forefront of everything we do, taking time to understand their needs, wishes and desires. We constantly learn by giving and receiving feedback, improving from our mistakes and bettering ourselves. Passion Hospitality, in its purest form, comes down to a single, core principle: care. We do everything with thoughtfulness, attention, and care. We have a growth mindset, a resilience that makes us determined to bounce back from failures and setbacks. Responsibility We care about what we do, and we understand the impact we have on others and the planet. We always look out for each other –creating a safe workplace environment is everyone’s responsibility. Respect Every job matters. We each do our part to ensure our colleagues and our customers succeed in their goals. We respect each other’s voices and foster a workplace that supports inclusion and belonging. We are all one gategroup.

Nice To Haves

Experience of process improvement is a plus.
Experience of working in a Food Hygiene/Health & Safety/High Security environment preferred.
Previous knowledge of Airline Catering operations is preferred, but not essential.

Responsibilities

Overall leadership and coordination of the 3 operating areas within Assembly: Wash & Pack; Make & Pack and Pick & Pack.
Structure and process optimization (Work stations, floor map, work processes).
Proactive and fact-based Labour planning (Short, Medium and longer term) in close cooperation with the Supply Chain Process: For hiring needs (Longer term), For Optimal Rosters/Schedules (Medium term), For short term labour planning to adjust hours needed (Daily/Weekly).
QA compliance, HACCP, Customer Specs and requirements.
Drives engagement by providing and keeping a strong focus in development of the Assembly leadership team, especially in respect to: Coaching, Involvement, Feedback, Consistent and persistent Performance Management.
Drives Cross training of staff to increase flexibility within the Assembly process; establishes and maintains skills matrix for optimization of rosters and ongoing labour planning.
Coordinates with other operational areas of the unit to ensure optimal service for both internal and external customers.
Ensures all activities and output are in compliance with customer specs (Volume and Quality).
Promotes, develops and supports continuous improvement and operational excellence initiatives (like for ex. GateOpex, Central and Local CI programs etc.).
Aligns, implements and continues to facilitate improvements to the agreed US/Group standard process’ (Whether forecasting, Planning, IDS interfaces etc.). Including best practice sharing with Assembly Process peers and the Supply Chain Function/OP&C.
Aligns material and labour targets together with the Supply Chain Process – I.e. serves as a strong sparring partner in respect to the forecasting and planning process (including the alignment of the MPS of the Unit).
Responsible for setting up (including delegation and communication) KPIs within the area and be a strong facilitator/driver of the use of OPRS/active Labour Planning within all the Assembly processes.
Accountable for departmental financial indicators (Hours, waste, Spec compliance).
Manages productivity and efficiency – I.e. responsible for labour adjustments to increase productivity (on the basis of proposals and departmental insights) and meet/beat targets.
Captures, tracks, analyses and ensures correction of incidences (I.F.B.L. throughout own Department).
Resource optimisation in the Department through process improvement, lean and continuous improvement principles - Drives and performs continuous improvement in the area and in collaboration with other departments, both operational and support functions, especially with the Forecasting/Planning and IDS departments.
Participation in customer and authority audits.
Ensures compliance of procedures for Hygiene and Food Safety.
Actively recognizes good performance in the team and promote the company reward and recognition scheme – People First behavior and actions.
Continuously improves quality and efficiency of the team.
Resolves conflicts and provides solutions by exercising high levels of influencing, negotiation and communication skills.
Be proactive and address issues when they appear.
Serves as an operational and management source of expertise, and contributes to the success of the unit/senior management team as a whole – By supporting associated and unit wide initiatives.
Organizes and leads operational meetings (Leadership team meetings and Assembly staff meetings).
Supervises and supports lower level managers/supervisors on daily operations including: Conducts performance evaluations for employees providing specific and detailed feedback on their management and leadership skills and the attainment of their respective goals and objectives.
Ensures compliance with company Wage & Hour policy, including ensuring employees get the rest & meal breaks and ensuring company processes are followed.
Trains and monitors employees on proper work procedures to ensure maximum productivity with minimum labor and food expenses.
Monitors daily manpower planning and schedules employees.
Responsible for employee retention and reducing employee turnover.
Responsible for coaching, counseling and preparing corrective actions for employees in compliance with the applicable union/collective bargaining agreement(s).
Reviews and ensures employees in chain of command are in correct cost centers and correct job titles.
Reviews and ensures union represented employees’ pay rates are correct based on wage scales and seniority.
Compliance with all company required policies, procedures and processes including but not limited to required training.