Manager Central Operations - White Bear Lake, MN - Full-time

Smarte Carte; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Group Health & Dental Insurance

Company Paid Life Insurance

Company Paid Short-term Disability

Matching 401k

Paid Time Off

Paid Holidays

Wellness Program

Company Outings

Job summary

Smarte Carte is seeking a Manager of Central Operations for our White Bear Lake, MN facility. This role leads day-to-day warehouse and production activities, driving safety, quality, and on-time execution in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate brings 5+ years of operations leadership, hands-on Lean/Six Sigma experience, and a proven ability to partner with planning, inventory, and logistics teams to improve cost, service levels, and customer satisfaction.

Qualifications

• 5+ years leading warehouse/manufacturing operations
• Experience applying Lean and Six Sigma tools in an operational setting
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems (NetSuite a plus)
• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred

Responsibilities

• Lead warehouse, production, and assembly operations to meet production, quality, and service targets
• Establish safety-focused operations culture and provide coaching
• Manage staffing levels, schedules, wages, and contract labor
• Partner with planning and inventory teams to ensure accurate data and efficient material utilization

Skills

Conflict Resolution

Critical Thinking

Time Management

Multitasking

Problem Solving

Communication

People Management

Reporting

Scheduling

Prioritizing

Decision Making

Customer Service

Computer

Coaching

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or related field

Tools

NetSuite

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

MANAGER CENTRAL OPERATIONS – White Bear Lake, MN Full-Time

$95000 - $125000 / year

This position is not eligible for relocation, works 100% in office. Must be eligible to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Full-time Benefits and bonus eligible!

BENEFITS

Smarte Carte Inc. offers a competitive compensation package and outstanding benefits including Group Health & Dental Insurance, Company Paid Life Insurance, Company Paid Short-term Disability, Matching 401k, Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, Wellness Program, Company Outings and more!

COMPANY BACKGROUND

Smarte Carte is a global provider of travel and leisure infrastructure solutions, serving major airports, transportation hubs, entertainment destinations, retail locations, resorts, and fitness centers across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. For more than 50 years, we have partnered with over 3,500 world-class venues to deliver convenient, reliable services used by millions of people each year.

Our portfolio includes luggage carts, smart locker systems, mobility rentals (ECVs, wheelchairs, and strollers), massage chairs, medallion collectibles, and a variety of guest and passenger services designed to enhance the visitor experience.

Are you looking for a job with a flexible schedule, great pay, and a fantastic work environment? Are you looking for a place to develop and build your career? Do you like to have your voice heard and be involved in process improvements? Then Smarte Carte is the place for you! A positive attitude and willingness to learn are the top qualities for our ideal candidate. Smarte Carte prides itself on having a diverse and inclusive workforce. All genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Smarte Carte is focused on being environmentally responsible by owning/operating recyclable equipment and reducing our carbon footprint.

BASIC JOB FUNCTION:

The Manager of Central Operations is responsible for leading day-to-day operations at Smarte Carte’s primary warehouse and production facility in White Bear Lake, MN. This role oversees all operational functions within the facility, including logistics, production and assembly, quality, inventory, safety, and facilities management.

The position requires a hands‑on operations leader with strong systems acumen, people leadership capability, and the ability to translate demand, production requirements, and inventory strategy into safe, efficient, and predictable execution. While oversight is currently limited to a single warehouse, the scope of responsibility spans end-to-end operational execution with direct impact on cost, service levels, and customer experience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & People Management

• Build, lead, and sustain a positive, inclusive, and safety-focused operations culture
• Establish clear performance expectations; provide routine feedback and coaching
• Conduct annual performance reviews and provide compensation and workforce planning input
• Manage staffing levels, schedules, wages, and use of contract labor

Operations Execution

• Lead warehouse, production, and assembly operations to meet production, quality, and service targets
• Ensure adherence to established production, productivity, quality, and customer service standards

Inventory, Production & Systems

• Maintain working knowledge of BOM structures, production orders, and sales order flows
• Partner with planning and inventory teams to ensure accurate inventory data, efficient material utilization, and appropriate purchasing
• Develop and maintain processes for the handling, storage, movement, and tracking of raw materials, components, and finished goods
• Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures related to receiving, transfers, warehouse management, and shipping

Continuous Improvement

• Analyze workflows, labor utilization, space constraints, and equipment layout to drive operational efficiency
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies
• Standardize processes and work instructions to improve repeatability and reduce variability

Logistics & Vendor Management

• Manage domestic and international logistics, including FCL, LCL, air freight, and high-volume small-parcel shipments
• Manage relationships with key operations and logistics vendors
• Review and approve operational invoices and ensure timely submission for payment

Safety, Compliance & Facilities

• Maintain a safe and compliant work environment in accordance with OSHA and applicable regulations
• Ensure safe operation and maintenance of powered industrial equipment
• Serve as primary liaison with utilities and local agencies (fire, safety, health) as required
• Oversee facility maintenance and operational readiness

EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience leading warehouse and/or manufacturing operations
• Demonstrated success applying Lean and/or Six Sigma tools in an operational setting
• Experience working within ERP/MRP systems (NetSuite experience a plus)
• Proven ability to coach, mentor, and develop operations teams

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred

Leadership Profile

The successful candidate will be a hands‑on, results‑oriented operations leader with strong business judgment and the ability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution. This individual demonstrates ownership, accountability, and integrity, and can effectively engage with team members, cross‑functional partners, suppliers, and leadership at all levels of the organization.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Lift 50 lbs
• Stand for extended periods of time, walk, bend, stoop, push, pull
• Lift above head
• Keyboard; typing for long periods of time
• View computer screen(s) for long periods of time
• Work under tight deadlines

#LI-VG1

Experience

Required

• Demonstrated success applying Lean and/or Six Sigma tools in an operational setting
• 5 year(s): Leading warehouse and/or manufacturing operations
• 5 year(s): Experience working within ERP/MRP systems (NetSuite experience a plus)

Education

Preferred

• Bachelors or better

Licenses & Certifications

Preferred

• Forklift Operator

Skills

Required

• Conflict Resolution
• Critical Thinking
• Time Management
• Multitasking
• Problem Solving
• Communication
• People Management
• Reporting
• Scheduling
• Prioritizing
• Decision Making
• Customer Service
• Computer
• Coaching
• Attention to detail

Behaviors

Required

• Thought Provoking: Capable of making others think deeply on a subject
• Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
• Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them

Preferred

• Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
• Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest

Motivations

Required

• Ability to Make an Impact: Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization
• Self-Starter: Inspired to perform without outside help

Preferred

• Goal Completion: Inspired to perform well by the completion of tasks
• Entrepreneurial Spirit: Inspired to perform well by an ability to drive new ventures within the business

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.