Operations Manager

Operations Manager

About us:

Established in 1926, Mutual Trading Co., Inc. was originally a small co-op organization for centralized purchasing of basic import foods to service the needs of the early Japanese immigrant society in Southern California. We've grown nearly 100 years now, and command a premiere position among Japanese foodservice suppliers, as well as fill a key role as "Culinary Ambassador" promoting Japanese foods worldwide.

Since 2011, our affiliate, Yamasho Inc. takes pride in providing a variety of restaurant items ranging from non-food to dry and frozen food products to our restaurant customers in its current location in Elk Grove, IL. Today, the company is dedicated to meet and exceed the customers’ expectations and create a unique experience to our customers with the explosion of Japanese food and culture in America.

Benefits :

• Health, Dental, Vision 100% covered Insurance for employees; 401K plan.
• Paid vacation, company, and personal holidays.

Position Summary:

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the company’s warehouse operations, fleet management, and safety programs to ensure efficient, compliant, and cost-effective operations. This role will lead warehouse staff, coordinate fleet schedules and maintenance, and ensure compliance with all safety, DOT, and OSHA regulations. The Operations Manager will work closely with other departments to support smooth operations, timely deliveries, and a safe work environment.

Essential Job Functions:

Warehouse Operations:

• Oversee all aspects of warehouse operations, including receiving, storage, picking, packing, and shipping.
• Implement and monitor warehouse procedures to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and effective inventory control.
• Ensure the warehouse operates in a safe, clean, organized, and efficient manner, meeting all regulatory, safety and company standards.
• Ensure proper use and maintenance of warehouse equipment.
• Lead and participate in semiannual inventory counts (including occasional weekend work).

Fleet Management:

• Direct company fleet operations including driver scheduling, routing, vehicle utilization, and fuel efficiency.
• Oversee preventive maintenance, repairs, inspections, and fleet recordkeeping to ensure reliability and compliance.
• Monitor driver performance, hours of service, and adherence to company policies.
• Analyze fleet operations and implement systems to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and extend vehicle life cycles.

Safety & Compliance:

• Develop, implement, and oversee workplace safety programs for warehouse and drivers.
• Partner with the HQ Safety Manager to ensure adherence to all company safety policies and procedures, and compliance with applicable federal and state regulations, including DOT, OSHA, FDA, USDA and other relevant authorities.
• Coordinate, prepare and deliver all safety and compliance reports/policies as requested by HQ, ensuring that the reports are accurate, timely and meet regulatory standards.
• Conduct regular safety meetings, training sessions, and audits.
• Investigate accidents, near-misses, and incidents, and recommend corrective actions.
• Promote a culture of safety throughout the organization.

Leadership & Management:

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise staff in the Logistics, Traffic and Warehouse departments, including logistics department supervisors and personnel, warehouse staff and drivers.
• Encourage continuous learning, improvement and accountability among employees.
• Establish clear performance goals, monitor performance and provide constructive feedback, coaching and ongoing training to promote performance and development.
• Foster teamwork, collaboration and a results-driven culture.
• Coordinate with other managers and departments to meet business needs.
• Attend Company events and functions outside of normal working hours.
• Obligation to answer to all management as requested.
• Other tasks as assigned by the General Manager.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand for extended periods of time.
• Ability to sit and work in an office setting for extended periods.
• Ability to talk, hear, walk, climb, balance, reach, bend, kneel, and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to handle and move up to 165 pounds assisted occasionally.
• Working Conditions - open busy area with equipment noises
• Cold temperatures while working in warehouse and freezer.
• Required to wear company provided personal protective equipment while in freezer.

Other Requirements:

• Business level English required – Read/write/speak/listen.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and afterhours as needed for Company and department related events.
• Maintain a valid driver's license and a clean driving record.
• Maintain a positive attitude.
• Ability to adapt to frequent changes in assignments and workload.
• High School Diploma required. Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics or related field preferred.
• Able to work independently and as a team.
• Possess knowledge and proficiency in operating warehouse equipment, including forklifts, jack handles, sealing machines, etc.
• Forklift certification required.
• Strong knowledge of DOT, FMCSA, OSHA, CSA and other relevant regulations.
• 7+ years of warehouse and logistics experience, preferably in the food distribution industry, including at least 5 years in a managerial role.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Strong communication, customer service, problem-solving, interpersonal skills for effectively interacting with fellow employees and customers.
• Exceptional organization, leadership and time management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Intermediate mathematical knowledge – markups, discounts, percentages, combining/converting measurements, counting inventory, etc.
• Basic Microsoft Office proficiency.
• Knowledge of software, operating systems and ERP systems, especially Microsoft NAV and Microsoft Business Central, is highly preferred.
• Excellent mentoring, coaching, and people management skills.
• Ability to follow directions and complete tasks with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of Japanese foods and liquors operation preferred.

Disclaimers:

This position description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or requirements. Individuals may be required to perform any other job-related duties as instructed or requested by the department manager or other management as needed, subject to reasonable accommodation and business needs. The information contained herein is subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, and no part of this document is to be construed as an express or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter the “at-will” employment status with the Company. Requirements are subject to accommodations with ADA, FEHA, and all other applicable federal and state laws. Please report any changes of essential job functions to the Human Resources Department.

Mutual Trading Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer.