Operations General Manager - Charlotte (Hands-On Production & Logistics)

Operations General Manager

Iacofano's Catering is seeking a hands-on Operations General Manager to lead our Charlotte kitchen. This is a working leadership role responsible for executing and overseeing a high-volume, 24/7 catering operation specializing in private aviation and corporatecatering.

This is not a desk job.

This role is approximately:

• 70% production and operations (on the floor)
• 30% planning, logistics, and team leadership

You will be responsible for building and running a high-performance operation focused on:

• Order accuracy
• On-time execution
• Food quality and presentation
• Labor control and efficiency
• Logistics coordination and routing

Interview Opportunities

• Monthly Open House: First Wednesday of every month | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Walk-In Hiring Hours: Tuesdays | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• Scheduled Interviews: Fridays 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM

Success in this role means creating systems, training leaders, and building a team that delivers consistently without requiring constant manager intervention or after-hours calls.

Core Responsibilities

Operations and Production

• Lead daily kitchen operations across multiple shifts, including early mornings, nights, and weekends
• Work alongside the team to ensure proper execution of all orders
• Maintain strict adherence to food quality, presentation, and packaging standards
• Ensure all orders are completed accurately and leave on time

Logistics and Execution

• Oversee daily routing, delivery timing, and order flow
• Coordinate with the logistics and QA team to ensure seamless execution
• Identify and solve operational bottlenecks before they impact service

Labor and Cost Control

• Manage labor scheduling to meet business demands while controlling costs
• Monitor productivity and efficiency across all shifts
• Hold team accountable to performance standards

Quality and Accountability

• Own all quality control processes and ensure compliance with company SOPs
• Track and reduce errors, deviations, and customer issues
• Lead by example in maintaining high standards

Leadership and Systems

• Train, coach, and develop Shift Supervisors and key team members
• Build systems and processes that allow the operation to run smoothly without constant oversight
• Establish clear communication and escalation protocols across all shifts

What Success Looks Like

• Orders are accurate, on time, and consistent
• Labor is controlled and aligned with volume
• The team operates efficiently across all shifts
• Issues are solved at the lowest level possible
• The operation runs smoothly without constant calls or intervention

What You'll Get Out of This Role

• Competitive base salary with performance-based bonus opportunity tied to key operational KPIs such as labor control, order accuracy, and efficiency
• Real operational ownership with responsibility for running a full-scale catering and logistics operation
• Clear path for growth into multi-unit or senior operations leadership roles as the company expands
• Hands-on leadership environment where you work alongside your team while building systems that improve performance
• Structured operation with defined SOPs, processes, and leadership support designed to help you succeed without working 24/7
• Direct impact on a growing company serving corporate clients and private aviation nationwide

Success in this role is rewarded financially and with growth opportunities.

Requirements

Experience

• 3 to 7 or more years in high-volume food production, catering, or logistics-driven operations
• Proven experience managing teams in a fast-paced, execution-focused environment
• Experience with scheduling, labor management, and operational systems

Skills and Traits

• Highly organized and detail-oriented
• Strong work ethic with willingness to lead from the front
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Process-driven mindset with focus on efficiency and consistency

Leadership Profile

• Comfortable working in a hands-on role
• Able to train and hold team members accountable
• Strong communicator across shifts and departments
• Builds systems that reduce chaos and improve performance

Preferred

• Catering, airline, or logistics experience
• Experience in 24/7 or multi-shift operations
• Food safety certification such as ServSafe Manager