General Manager - Distribution Operations(FOOD PRODUCTS)

Since 1955, E.A. Sween has been on a mission to passionately feed millions daily with high-quality food people enjoy. As a third-generation family-owned company, we combine the values of a family business with the discipline and growth mindset of a professionally managed organization.

Our success is built on talented people who bring their experience, ideas, and leadership to work every day. We foster a culture where employees are respected, supported, and empowered to make a difference.

E.A. Sween is seeking a General Manager to lead all aspects of a distribution center operation, including warehousing, transportation, customer relationships, financial performance, food safety, and employee development.

This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, achieving financial goals, developing high-performing teams, and ensuring exceptional service to customers. The General Manager serves as the senior site leader and plays a critical role in executing company strategy while building a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Lead all distribution center and transportation operations.
• Ensure achievement of key performance indicators including service, quality, safety, delivery performance, inventory accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
• Oversee fleet operations, warehouse processes, and cold-chain management.
• Drive operational improvements through process optimization, automation, and technology integration.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Support Teams to implement innovative solutions.
• Maintain compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
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• Develop and manage annual operating and labor budgets.
• Deliver site performance against financial objectives.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Manage capital expenditures and maximize return on investments.
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• Build and maintain strong customer relationships.
• Serve as the primary operational contact for customers, suppliers, and vendor partners.
• Identify and execute supply chain improvements that benefit both customers and E.A. Sween.
• Collaborate with customers to implement operational changes and business initiatives.
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• Lead, coach, and develop managers and frontline leaders.
• Partner with Human Resources to attract, retain, and develop talent.
• Create succession plans and support leadership development programs.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Provide clear communication and alignment with company goals and strategic initiatives.
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• Champion Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Utilize data and performance metrics to drive decision-making.
• Lead cross-functional projects that improve operational efficiency and employee experience.
• Support organizational growth and transformation initiatives.
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• Lead a culture focused on employee safety and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure compliance with HACCP, FSMA, DOT, and company quality standards.
• Maintain audit readiness and support successful customer and regulatory inspections.
• Act as a site leader for emergency response and after-hours facility support.
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• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in distribution, logistics, supply chain, manufacturing, or transportation operations.
• Experience managing large teams through multiple levels of leadership.
• Strong financial and operational management experience.
• Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement initiatives.
• Experience managing KPIs and operational performance metrics.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
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• Lean Six Sigma certification.
• CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution) certification.
• Experience managing delivery fleets.
• Experience with automated warehouse systems and material handling equipment.
• ERP, WMS, and inventory management system experience.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.
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• Primarily office-based with regular time spent in warehouse and operational environments.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 30 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, push, and pull as needed.
• Must be available to support a 24/7 operation, including occasional nights and weekends.
• Ability to travel up to 25%.
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• Values people and builds strong teams.
• Leads with safety as a top priority.
• Drives results through accountability and collaboration.
• Embraces change and continuous improvement.
• Makes thoughtful, data-driven decisions.
• Communicates openly and respectfully.
• Delivers exceptional service to customers and employees.
• Creates a positive and engaging work environment.
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E.A. Sween offers a competitive compensation package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, career development opportunities, and a collaborative culture focused on employee growth and success.

E.A. Sween Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

Qualifications
Education Biz-Director (preferred)

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

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.