Senior Manager, Production Operations

KeHE Distributors, LLC•Stockton, CA

24d

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Production Operations leads overall warehouse operations across inbound, outbound, inventory control, and workforce management across multiple shifts. The role is accountable for operational performance targets and service expectations while fostering safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. The Senior Manager serves as a key liaison between the distribution center and cross-functional support groups, including Transportation, Inventory, Safety, Finance, and Human Resources. All actions are expected to be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values. The position provides daily and strategic leadership for warehouse operations, develops management staff and frontline leaders, monitors performance indicators, and coordinates operational reviews and resource planning. It also identifies process improvements, ensures regulatory compliance, and maintains an active presence on the warehouse floor. Flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, may be required to support business needs.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED required.
At least 6 years of progressive warehouse or distribution leadership experience, including at least 3 years managing leaders or teams.
Strong end-to-end distribution knowledge and demonstrated ability to drive operational success in a high-volume environment.
Leadership experience managing frontline supervisors and salaried leaders.
Expertise in warehouse management systems (WMS) and analytics to evaluate performance and support decision-making.
Excellent communication skills across organizational levels, with presentation and reporting capabilities.
Ability to influence, resolve conflict, and build consensus across teams and functions.
Strong understanding of safety practices, regulatory compliance, and inventory control methods.
Experience implementing Lean or Six Sigma practices for continuous improvement.
Strong interpersonal and situational leadership skills and high emotional intelligence.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, changing distribution environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and ability to learn and use internal systems quickly.
Comfort accessing all areas and levels of the facility, including production floors and racking systems.
Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs in a distribution environment.
Ability to access all areas of the facility, including cold storage zones if applicable.
Willingness to work in varied temperature conditions, including ambient, refrigerated, and frozen areas, and non-standard shifts when required.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
Experience in the food, grocery, or consumer goods industry preferred.
Bilingual in Spanish and English is a plus.

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership and direction for daily and strategic warehouse operations, including labor planning, safety, productivity, quality, and customer service.
Lead, coach, and develop warehouse management staff and frontline leaders; support team growth, succession planning, and a positive work environment.
Monitor and drive performance using KPIs, including on-time shipping, productivity, inventory accuracy, and safety incidents.
Conduct daily operational reviews with the leadership team, ensuring execution of pre-shift plans, mid-shift adjustments, and post-shift evaluations.
Collaborate with cross-functional partners such as Transportation, Inventory, HR, and Safety to solve problems, implement initiatives, and align site strategy.
Serve as the primary point of contact for distribution center leadership and liaise with internal support functions.
Identify operational bottlenecks or inefficiencies and lead or sponsor process improvement initiatives using Lean or Six Sigma methodologies.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, food safety, and company-specific regulatory standards.
Develop operational forecasts and resource plans in partnership with Finance and other departments.
Maintain visibility and active engagement on the warehouse floor through a hands-on leadership style.
Work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays, to support business needs and operational demands.
Perform other duties and projects as assigned.