Job Description

Operations Manager - JhbFull job descriptionUCOOK is a tech start-up, meal-kit delivery service, delivering across South Africa. Our network of top chefs create recipes for our customers to choose from each week, and we deliver the fresh, locally sourced ingredients to their door. Whilst Mealkit is our core we also have a significant add on business comprising of frozen meals, pizza, kids meals, wine and a broad market offering. We are part of the Silvertreebrands group of companies. The Operations Manager is ultimately in charge of our Johannesburg facility, responsible for all production, warehousing and logistics outcomes. This involves the active management of its inventory, equipment, people and processes to ensure all functions are being performed accurately, efficiently and timeously. Working together with the other operational managers and supervisors, you will be responsible for the daily coordination, improvement and execution of all manufacturing and fulfilment operations; overseeing production, planning, food safety, health & safety, quality control and maintenance. You will also be accountable for the cost management of labour and packaging materials, food cost & waste and warehouse overheads and will be required to report on these weekly. To be successful in this role, you will need to have excellent leadership skills with a fair and consistent disposition and the ability to lead, motivate, and support a large team within a time-sensitive and demanding environment. As the primary point of contact between the warehouse and the rest of the business, you will be required to communicate and escalate any risks deriving from and/or impacting the warehouse and your input on various projects and initiatives will be crucial. As such you should be a great communicator that builds strong relationships with colleagues and managers in other departments as well as your own. The role is hands on, based in Midrand (Johannesburg). The nature of UCOOKs weekly cycle means that production is predominantly over the weekend, so the role will require weekend work and/or mobile availability over the weekend. Ultimately, well trust you to help us remain productive, efficient and compliant, whilst delivering a superior product and keeping our staff safe and engaged. GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES Lead UCOOK operations and mealkit production:End to end responsibility for the operational processes including process optimisation, workforce allocation, people management, facility management and problem-solving.Supporting the production planning and execution process and ensuring key performance indicators (KPIs) are in place and targets are metPeople management, to ensure that supervisors are effectively managing their teams, that standards are maintained and to avoid wasted time or resources.Analyse and improve operational processes, flow and best practices. Manage timely data collection to update operations metrics to achieve productivity targets, reduce cost, eliminate errors, and deliver excellent customer serviceAddressing operational concerns and issues, monitoring overall customer satisfactionServe as primary point of contact for issues related to warehouse errorsCommunicate customer issues with operations team and devise ways of improving the customer experience, including resolving problems and complaintsResponsibility for food safety and compliance:Drive implementation and adherence to food safety systemDrive implementation and adherence to OHSE systemDevelop, implement, and maintain quality assurance protocolsStandard Operating Procedures - drafting, improving, implementing and monitoring.Drive and maintain warehouse hygiene and housekeeping standardsStock management / control:Own accuracy and integrity of stock within warehouses including; FIFO, stock takes, variance investigations, communication with procurement.Own the stock counts and posted variances.Work closely with procurement to ensure that all required materials are available on time and meet the required specifications.Cost ManagementResponsible for processes related to Food Cost including receiving, issues, portioning (production usage), waste & discarded stock.Responsible for Food Cost Investigations, identifying insights and driving actions to reduce usage and bring down Food Cost.Assist in the development of operational budget and monitor and control expenses according to the allocated budget.Ensure all operations are carried out in an appropriate, cost effective waySuggest and implement cost-saving initiativesManage staff levels, wages, hours, contract labour to revenuesReview and approve all operational invoices and ensure they are submitted for paymentPlanning and communicating CAPEX requirementsContinuous improvement & collaborationChanging the way we work, to continuously improve the quality and accuracy of our output, and reduce costs.Working with our projects, processes and tech teams to ensure that any new technology and processes that we deploy is appropriate for use, and implemented successfully.Drive development & updating of Standard Operating Procedures for all operational activities and maintain clear & accurate documentation for operational procedures and activities.Ensuring the standard operating procedures are effectively leveraging our tools.People Management:Recruit, train & supervise staff.Provide operational support & guidance to staff.Set goals & objectives for direct reports, in line with the business strategy & objectives.Conduct performance reviews and corrective action plans where required.Lead and manage disciplinary matters with the assistance of HR.Foster an environment of trust, diversity and inclusion.Strive for a well-trained motivated workforce through excellent leadership and communication skills.

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