Operations Excellence Manager

The Operations Excellence Manager is a pivotal role within the Home Chef and Tempo brands, serving as a linchpin for strategic insights and operational excellence. This position is crucial for spearheading initiatives that refine and advance our operational framework. The individual will embody the role of a strategic partner, adept at solving complex problems and providing actionable insights. Working closely with the operations and fulfillment teams, the Operations Excellence Manager will develop and maintain advanced analytical tools, drive the strategy for operational efficiency, and act as a central hub for strategy formulation and implementation.

The  Operations Excellence Manager supports the ‘digital SWAT’ function, which runs KPI reporting, demand forecasting, procurement excellence and data analytics. The  Operations Excellence Manager is responsible for supporting the priorities and expectations of the team, delivering strategic recommendations, and acting as a key subject matter expert and partner to the Kits and RTH fulfillment teams.

Detailed Responsibilities

Team Support and Development

• Run regular and ad-hoc meetings, maintaining close regular contact with analysts
• Host routine 1:1 meetings with analysts, developing talent and coaching performance
• Support team of analysts and programmers to work collaboratively to deliver results 
• Maintain morale and a healthy, productive working culture 
• Recruit high-caliber individuals to join the team

Operational Excellence and Strategic Project Management 

• Innovate and optimize production planning tools and processes, ensuring they are aligned with the company’s dynamic operational needs and growth objectives.
• Spearhead high-priority projects, from conceptualization to implementation, focused on operational improvements, efficiency gains, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Collaborate with Sr. Manager Operations Excellence to help set strategic priorities for the SWAT team 

Data Analysis, Reporting, and Decision Support 

• Champion the use of data in operational decision-making, creating processes for effective data collection, storage, and visualization to support the production teams.
• Provide detailed reports on core KPIs and conduct ad-hoc analyses to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Coordination with Site Production Teams

• Act as a conduit between SWAT and site production teams through routine meetings and ownership of production-critical tools 
• Coach analysts on building strong site relationships through routine tasks, project work, site visits, and quick response to maintenance issues.

This position requires 25% travel

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed for this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.

• 3+ years of experience in supply chain or operations analytics 
• Economics and/or MBA background preferred 
• Excellent analytical skills; strong capabilities in Excel, Google Sheets, and Google Scripts
• 3+ years of experience with Javascript, HTML, CSS, and common coding languages
• Continuous improvement mindset 
• Strong prioritization and project management skills 
• Excellent communication skills, with experience creating buy-in with a range of stakeholders such as hourly employees, customers, suppliers, and executives
• Proactive in identifying problems and finding innovative solutions 
• Ability to understand big picture as well as exceptional attention to detail 
• Skilled at dealing with ambiguity and working in a fast-paced environment 
• Experience spearheading execution on large-scale, high-impact projects
• Experience in a high-paced, high–growth environment
• Completion of a four-year degree program in a related field: Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math Preferred

Illinois Pay Range 115000 - 130000 USD