Operations Manager

SkyChefs

San Diego (CA)

On-site

USD 86,000 - 100,000

Full time

14 hours ago

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Job summary

SkyChefs in San Diego is seeking an Operations Manager to lead multiple production and service teams on-site, ensuring safe, timely, and compliant operations for airline catering and related services.

You will steer daily operations, drive continuous improvement, and develop staff to meet high standards of quality and customer satisfaction in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

Minimum 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in operations management, manufacturing, food production, logistics, distribution, airline catering, or a related field.
Proven success managing multiple departments and large frontline teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
Strong leadership skills with a hands-on management style and the ability to drive accountability, performance, and employee engagement.

Responsibilities

Direct and lead multiple dynamic teams across all operations, supervisors, production employees, etc.
Manage department costs to budget through effective manpower planning, scheduling and overtime usage
Ensure on-time and accurate production in the preparation of food/equipment and catering of flights
Lead root-cause investigations for service or quality issues and implement corrective actions
Maintain an ongoing, positive and pro-active relationship with all internal and external customers
Provide data for the development of an annual business plan and budgeting for the departmen

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic Thinking

Problem-Solving

Excel

ERP Systems

Team Development

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Operations Management or related field

Tools

ERP Software

Production Planning Software

Workforce Management Software

MS Office

Job description

About Us

Since 1942, SkyChefs has taken culinary excellence to new heights. As a trusted partner to the nation’s leading airlines and retailers, we proudly deliver millions of meals and exceptional service experiences every year across 43 sites throughout the United States. Built on a legacy of operational excellence, culinary expertise, and continuous innovation, we are committed to setting the industry standard in aviation culinary, airline services, last-mile logistics, and retail commerce. From the kitchen to the runway, our teams work together to deliver quality, reliability, and service at every altitude. Our people are the heart of everything we do. At SkyChefs, a career is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to grow, lead, and make an impact in a fast-paced, team-driven environment. Join America’s first, foremost, and finest and take your career to new heights.

Job Title:

Operations Manager

Job Location:

San Diego-USA-92102

Work Location Type:

On-Site

Salary Range:

$86,417.73 - 100,000.00

About Us

Role Purpose Statement

Are you ready to take on a dynamic leadership role with one of the world's largest airline catering and hospitality providers? SkyChefs is seeking a passionate, results-driven Operations Manager who thrives in a fast-paced production environment and excels at leading diverse teams focused on delivering exceptional products and service to our airline customers. As an Operations Manager, you will oversee all aspects of daily operations within our Customer Service Center (CSC), ensuring the safe, efficient, and timely production and delivery of products while maintaining the highest standards of quality, safety, and customer satisfaction. This is a highly visible leadership role where you will drive operational excellence through employee engagement, performance management, process improvement, and safety leadership. Your ability to motivate, develop, and inspire team members will be critical to achieving operational goals and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. At SkyChefs, our people are our greatest asset. We are looking for a leader who embraces our values, champions employee development, and creates an environment where individuals and teams can perform at their very best.

Main Accountabilities

Operational Leadership

Direct and lead multiple dynamic teams across all operations, supervisors, production employees, etc.
Responsible for department costs to budget through effective manpower planning, scheduling and overtime usage
Ensure on-time and accurate production in the preparation of food/equipment and catering of flights
Lead root-cause investigations for service or quality issues and implement corrective actions
Maintain an ongoing, positive and pro-active relationship with all internal and external customers
Provide data for the development of an annual business plan and budgeting for the departmen

Compliance & Safety

Ensure full compliance with FDA, USDA, OSHA, HACCP, GQS, and airline-specific requirements
Champion a culture of safety and accountability across all ramp teams
Attend daily operational briefings and provide insight on shift performance

Resource Optimization

Manage inventory levels for customer-specific equipment
Oversee deployment of staff, equipment, and materials to meet operational demands
Support annual budgeting, business planning, and performance tracking

Leadership Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team aligned with company values
Manage performance through the Global Performance System (GPS)
Foster a culture of teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement
Support initiatives in Lean Manufacturing, Quality, Safety, and Operational Excellence
Ensure the department is organized, staffed, and supported to meet business goals

Knowledge, Skills And Experience

Minimum 5-7 years of progressive leadership experience in operations management, manufacturing, food production, logistics, distribution, airline catering, or a related field.
Proven success managing multiple departments and large frontline teams in a fast-paced operational environment.
Strong leadership skills with a hands-on management style and the ability to drive accountability, performance, and employee engagement.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with employees, customers, vendors, and executive leadership.
Professional presentation, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
Experience with workforce planning, production scheduling, staffing management, and operational performance metrics.
Demonstrated ability to identify operational inefficiencies and implement continuous improvement initiatives.
Knowledge of food manufacturing, airline catering, aviation operations, or other high-volume production environments is highly preferred.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with the capacity to make sound decisions in a dynamic environment.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) and Windows-based applications.
Experience using ERP, production planning, workforce management, or operational reporting systems is a plus.
Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.