General Manager - Distribution Operations(FOOD PRODUCTS)

General Manager - Distribution Operations

Salary: $110,000-$130,000 + Bonus Eligible

Who We Are

Since 1955, E.A. Sween has been on a mission to passionately feed millions daily with high-quality food people enjoy. As a third-generation family-owned company, we combine the values of a family business with the discipline and growth mindset of a professionally managed organization.

Our success is built on talented people who bring their experience, ideas, and leadership to work every day. We foster a culture where employees are respected, supported, and empowered to make a difference.

Position Summary

E.A. Sween is seeking a General Manager to lead all aspects of a distribution center operation, including warehousing, transportation, customer relationships, financial performance, food safety, and employee development.

This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, achieving financial goals, developing high-performing teams, and ensuring exceptional service to customers. The General Manager serves as the senior site leader and plays a critical role in executing company strategy while building a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Lead all distribution center and transportation operations.
• Ensure achievement of key performance indicators including service, quality, safety, delivery performance, inventory accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee fleet operations, warehouse processes, and cold-chain management.
• Drive operational improvements through process optimization, automation, and technology integration.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Support Teams to implement innovative solutions.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage annual operating and labor budgets.
• Deliver site performance against financial objectives.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Manage capital expenditures and maximize return on investments.

Customer & Business Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong customer relationships.
• Serve as the primary operational contact for customers, suppliers, and vendor partners.
• Identify and execute supply chain improvements that benefit both customers and E.A. Sween.
• Collaborate with customers to implement operational changes and business initiatives.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop managers and frontline leaders.
• Partner with Human Resources to attract, retain, and develop talent.
• Create succession plans and support leadership development programs.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Provide clear communication and alignment with company goals and strategic initiatives.

Continuous Improvement

• Champion Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Utilize data and performance metrics to drive decision-making.
• Lead cross-functional projects that improve operational efficiency and employee experience.
• Support organizational growth and transformation initiatives.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Lead a culture focused on employee safety and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, FSMA, DOT, and company quality standards.
• Maintain audit readiness and support successful customer and regulatory inspections.
• Act as a site leader for emergency response and after-hours facility support.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelors degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in distribution, logistics, supply chain, manufacturing, or transportation operations.
• Experience managing large teams through multiple levels of leadership.
• Strong financial and operational management experience.
• Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing KPIs and operational performance metrics.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred

• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution) certification.
• Experience managing delivery fleets.
• Experience with automated warehouse systems and material handling equipment.
• ERP, WMS, and inventory management system experience.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Primarily office-based with regular time spent in warehouse and operational environments.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, push, and pull as needed.
• Must be available to support a 24/7 operation, including occasional nights and weekends.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.

What Makes Someone Successful at E.A. Sween

• Values people and builds strong teams.
• Leads with safety as a top priority.
• Drives results through accountability and collaboration.
• Embraces change and continuous improvement.
• Makes thoughtful, data-driven decisions.
• Communicates openly and respectfully.
• Delivers exceptional service to customers and employees.
• Creates a positive and engaging work environment.

Benefits

E.A. Sween offers a competitive compensation package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, career development opportunities, and a collaborative culture focused on employee growth and success.

E.A. Sween Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds to apply.