Director of Operations

Job Title We're looking for motivated, engaged people to help make everyone's journeys better. Provides overall leadership and tactical (strategic) direction for Wash & Pack and Pick & Pack operating area processes within Gate Gourmet Newark/EWR2 operations through strong leadership and People management & development knowledge, skills & abilities. This role is predominantly concentrated around four focal areas: 1) Ensuring all Wash & Pack processes are structured and optimized in accordance with corporate standards (Gate OPEX) and Local opportunities (General LEAN, CI thinking); 2) Ensuring Productivity and Efficiency are optimized by through optimal Rosters/Schedules and proactive short/medium term Labor Planning on the basis of proposals received (by the OPC/Local Supply Chain Process) and daily use of the OPRS tool. 3) Making sure all wash & pack processes comply with HACCP, Customer Specs/requirements and other relevant safety and security regulations and policies. 4) Making sure the Wash & Pack leadership team is continuously developed via proactive coaching, involvement, feedback and a strong performance management approach. As a key member of the EWR2 Senior Leadership team, this role is also expected to actively engage in the overall development and improvement of the entire Unit - Especially in respect to production/labor planning and People Management. Given the responsibilities and general nature of this role, the individual will have multiple cross functional touch points Wash & Pack interlinks with all other processes and hence good coordination and collaboration is essential. Especially the individual is expected to work closely together with Make & Pack, the Supply Chain Process Director and HR. Salary Range: $120k - $130k Benefits: Paid time off 401k, with company match Company sponsored life insurance Medical, dental, vision plans Voluntary short-term/long-term disability insurance Voluntary life, accident, and hospital plans Employee Assistance Program Employee Discounts Free hot healthy meals for unit operations roles Main Duties and Responsibilities: Leads and coordinates the Wash & Pack and Pick & Pack Operating areas 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 Wash & Pack leadership team, especially in respect to: Coaching Involvement Feedback Consistent and persistent Performance Management Drives Cross training of staff to increase flexibility within the Wash & Pack 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' (Forecasting, Planning, IDS interfaces etc.). Including best practice sharing with Wash & Pack 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 Wash & Pack processes. Accounts 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). Optimizes resources 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. Participates 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 Wash & Pack 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 Education: Bachelors' degree in a relevant subject or business management is preferable Desirable specialization in Operational and People Management Work Experience: 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 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. Technical Skills: (Certification, Licenses and Registration) IT literate, basic level of MS Office and general SAP understanding. Job Skills: Strong People Manager Empathetic and Open minded hence determined and persistent Resilient and well-rounded individual

Created: 2026-04-04