As North America's largest Asian-inspired prepared foods supplier, Advanced Fresh Concepts Franchise Corp. (“AFCFC”) provides consumers with an industry-leading selection of diverse ready-to-eat meals. With over $1 billion in sales, approximately 500 employees, and a presence in more than 4,500 supermarkets and other food service establishments, AFCFC is positioned to innovate and grow, now and in the future.
Position Overview
The Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing the Central Kitchen production operations including employee schedule, food purchasing, preparation and maintenance of quality standards, sanitation and cleanliness, training of employees in methods of cooking, preparation, presentation, portion, cost control, and sanitation and cleanliness.
This position also provides leadership for the effective operations of the Central Kitchen Facility by ensuring the development and implementation of best-in-class manufacturing processes, efficient maintenance of CK equipment and adherence to good manufacturing practices.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
- Responsible for evaluating quality of our sushi products in taste, textures, shape, layout, and overall compliance as it pertains to AFC sushi standards.
- Directly responsible for implementing and maintaining the Company’s Central Kitchen operations, reporting on performance, and initiating improvements for operations.
- Ensure that all food and products are consistently prepared and served according to the AFC’s recipes, portioning, preparation and serving standards.
- Organize and facilitate production line activities to ensure conformance to established requirements regarding quality, safety, employee-relations, and productivity.
- Monitor productivity data and help develop corrective action plans necessary to achieve annual productivity improvements.
- Ensure all food safety measures are strictly adhered to; participate in food safety and quality assurance audits and assist in the development of procedures and corrective actions.
- Lead coordination of master planning, production, receiving, purchasing and inventory management.
- Communicate with appropriate departments within AFC for specific department needs.
- Develop management systems, establish work measurement programs, and perform line workload observations to develop standards for labor and materials utilization.
- Manage operational efficiencies to include yields, labor, shipping/picking efficiencies, and sanitation scores.
- Implement safety measures for accident prevention through departmental safety meetings and work with Supervisors to ensure employee compliance.
- Direct, coach and develop CK supervisors/line leads in the execution of their responsibilities.
- Attend all scheduled employee meetings and offers suggestions for improvement.
- Organize, coordinate, and have general oversight of all production staff and activities, including but not limited to performance management and employee development, etc.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Skills
- 3-5 years of experience making sushi and/or working at Japanese/Asian restaurant/catering setting.
- Knowledge of preparation methods of Japanese or Asian cuisine to be able to determine its quality.
- 5+ years' progressive leadership experience in a food manufacturing environment.
- Background in sushi production is preferred.
- Demonstrate knowledge of food safety and general facility safety practices and procedures.
- Demonstrate ability of applying project management principles and practices.
- Strong knowledge of business and management principles and practices.
- Demonstrated ability to develop and lead teams in processing, storing, and shipping food product initiatives.
- Knowledge of food safety standards and HACCP experience.
- Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Highly self-motivated; ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Ability to work well in a team environment and collaborate up and down the organization.
- Working knowledge of MS applications, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and ability to grasp additional business-related applications.
- Bilingual in Japanese, Burmese, or Spanish is a plus.
Physical Requirements:
- Prolonged periods of standing and preparing food.
- Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds at times.
- Must be able to work in a kitchen environment that may involve exposure to extreme heat or cold.
Employee Offered Benefits
AFCFC’s benefit package includes group medical, dental, and vision health benefits; basic life and AD&D, supplemental life, flexible PTO, paid holiday, and 401k retirement plan with company match, annual bonus (discretionary)
#AFCIndeed
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $62,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Shift:
Education:
Experience:
- Food handling: 3 years (Required)
- Food preparation: 3 years (Preferred)
- Food management: 3 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- HACCP Certification (Required)
Shift availability:
Ability to Relocate:
- Chicago, IL 60639: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
