Operations Manager

The Operations Manager will lead end-to-end operational execution for a fast-growing frozen pizza brand selling into regional and national retail. This role ownsdemand planning, manufacturing coordination, cold-chain logistics, inventory management, and retail service levels, ensuring product availability, cost discipline, and operational excellence as the business scales.

This position requires strong cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Finance, Brokers, Co-Manufacturers, and 3PL partners to support retail growth while protecting margins and service levels.

Key Responsibilities

Demand Planning & Sales Alignment

• Own SKU-level demand forecasts by retailer, region, and time period
• Incorporate promotional activity, new item launches, and seasonal trends
• Partner with Sales and Brokers to align forecasts and mitigate risk
• Translate forecasts into executable production and inventory plans
• Lead production planning and scheduling with co-manufacturing partners
• Ensure ingredient and packaging availability aligned to production plans
• Monitor quality, yields, and adherence to food safety standards
• Proactively manage capacity constraints, changeovers, and lead times
• Support commercialization of new products and packaging formats

Cold Chain Logistics & Distribution

• Manage frozen warehousing and fulfillment partners (3PLs)
• Coordinate frozen transportation (FTL/LTL)(work with logistics team)
• Ensure temperature compliance and cold-chain integrity
• Optimize logistics network and freight costs as distribution expands

Inventory & Shelf-Life Management

• Maintain optimal inventory levels by distribution center and retailer
• Manage lot control, FIFO, and expiration date compliance
• Minimize shrink, write-offs, and obsolete inventory
• Balance service levels with working capital efficiency

Retail Operations & Service Excellence

• Oversee order fulfillment accuracy and OTIF performance
• Ensure compliance with retailer routing guides and operational requirements
• Manage shortages, substitutions, and service issues
• Monitor and resolve retailer chargebacks and deductions
• Support retail launches, promotions, and resets from an ops perspective

Cost & Margin Management

• Track and manage COGS, freight, and warehousing expenses
• Support pricing strategy and promotional margin analysis
• Identify cost-reduction and efficiency opportunities
• Partner with Finance to forecast and manage operational budgets

Systems, Process & Scalability

• Develop and document SOPs for forecasting, ordering, and fulfillment
• Improve data visibility and reporting across operations
• Support ERP, planning, or inventory system implementation
• Contribute to S&OP processes as the organization matures

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in CPG operations, supply chain, or manufacturing
• Experience withfrozen or refrigerated foods strongly preferred
• Proven experience supporting retail customers (regional or national)
• Hands-on experience managing co-manufacturers and 3PLs
• Strong analytical skills (Excel/Sheets; (Promomash, Netsuit, ERP experience a plus)
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment

Core Competencies

• Retail service mindset with strong attention to detail
• Structured, proactive, and solutions-oriented
• Strong communicator across internal and external stakeholders
• Comfortable operating in a scaling, high-growth environment
• Results-driven with a focus on execution and accountability