Operations Excellence Manager

Home Chef (Internal Employees); Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare coverage

401k match

Paid time off

Job summary

Home Chef is seeking an Operations Excellence Manager in Chicago to lead analytics-driven initiatives across the SWAT function. You will partner with operations and fulfillment teams to drive efficiency, build advanced analytical tools, and coordinate strategic projects.

The role emphasizes data visualization, KPI reporting, and cross-functional collaboration with a 25% travel expectation. A strong background in economics or MBA is preferred.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in supply chain or operations analytics.
• Economics and/or MBA background preferred.
• Excellent analytical skills; strong capabilities in Excel, Google Sheets, and Google Scripts.
• Strong prioritization and project management skills.
• Excellent communication skills with stakeholders such as hourly employees, customers, suppliers, and executives.
• Proactive in identifying problems and finding innovative solutions.
• Completion of a four-year degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math preferred.

Responsibilities

• Run regular and ad-hoc meetings, maintaining close contact with analysts.
• Host routine 1:1 meetings with analysts and coach performance.
• Support analysts and programmers to deliver results.
• Maintain morale and productive culture.
• Recruit high-caliber individuals to join the team.
• Innovate and optimize production planning tools and processes.
• Spearhead high-priority projects from concept to implementation.
• Collaborate with Sr. Manager Operations Excellence to set strategic priorities for the SWAT team.
• Champion data-driven decision making with KPI reporting and forecasting.
• Provide detailed reports on core KPIs and ad-hoc analyses.
• Act as conduit between SWAT and site production teams and mentor analysts on site relationships.

Skills

Excel

Google Sheets

Data visualization

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Analytical thinking

Education

MBA preferred

Bachelor's degree in Economics/Operations

Tools

SQL

Google Apps Script

Job description

The Operations Excellence Manager is a pivotal role within the Home Chef and Tempo brands, serving as a linchpin for strategic insights and operational excellence. This position is crucial for spearheading initiatives that refine and advance our operational framework. The individual will embody the role of a strategic partner, adept at solving complex problems and providing actionable insights. Working closely with the operations and fulfillment teams, the Operations Excellence Manager will develop and maintain advanced analytical tools, drive the strategy for operational efficiency, and act as a central hub for strategy formulation and implementation.

The Operations Excellence Manager supports the ‘digital SWAT’ function, which runs KPI reporting, demand forecasting, procurement excellence and data analytics. The Operations Excellence Manager is responsible for supporting the priorities and expectations of the team, delivering strategic recommendations, and acting as a key subject matter expert and partner to the Kits and RTH fulfillment teams.

Detailed Responsibilities

Team Support and Development

• Run regular and ad-hoc meetings, maintaining close regular contact with analysts
• Host routine 1:1 meetings with analysts, developing talent and coaching performance
• Support team of analysts and programmers to work collaboratively to deliver results
• Maintain morale and a healthy, productive working culture
• Recruit high-caliber individuals to join the team

Operational Excellence and Strategic Project Management

• Innovate and optimize production planning tools and processes, ensuring they are aligned with the company’s dynamic operational needs and growth objectives.
• Spearhead high-priority projects, from conceptualization to implementation, focused on operational improvements, efficiency gains, and strategic growth initiatives.
• Collaborate with Sr. Manager Operations Excellence to help set strategic priorities for the SWAT team

Data Analysis, Reporting, and Decision Support

• Champion the use of data in operational decision-making, creating processes for effective data collection, storage, and visualization to support the production teams.
• Provide detailed reports on core KPIs and conduct ad-hoc analyses to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Coordination with Site Production Teams

• Act as a conduit between SWAT and site production teams through routine meetings and ownership of production-critical tools
• Coach analysts on building strong site relationships through routine tasks, project work, site visits, and quick response to maintenance issues.

This position requires 25% travel

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in supply chain or operations analytics
• Economics and/or MBA background preferred
• Excellent analytical skills; strong capabilities in Excel, Google Sheets, and Google Scripts
• Strong prioritization and project management skills
• Excellent communication skills, with experience creating buy-in with a range of stakeholders such as hourly employees, customers, suppliers, and executives
• Proactive in identifying problems and finding innovative solutions
• Ability to understand big picture as well as exceptional attention to detail
• Skilled at dealing with ambiguity and working in a fast-paced environment
• Experience spearheading execution on large-scale, high-impact projects
• Experience in a high-paced, high–growth environment
• Completion of a four-year degree program in a related field: Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math Preferred

Home Chef offers the base salary range as posted below, with the exact offer depending on factors such as geographic location, experience, skills, and internal equity. While compensation is within the provided range, it is not typical for offers to be made at the upper end. In addition to base salary, Home Chef provides a comprehensive benefits package, including healthcare coverage, 401k match, and paid time off.

$115,000 - $130,000 USD