Senior Operations Manager - Bay Area (Food Manufacturing)

Unity Meals is a rapidly growing, family-owned vended meals supplier specializing in innovative, high-quality K-12 school meals. We have experienced rapid growth in recent years, ranking No. 653 on the Inc. 5000 list of America’s fastest-growing private companies and No. 27 in the Food & Beverage sector. We are now expanding to the Bay Area and seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our Northern California operations.

The Opportunity

This role offers the chance to build and scale regional operations from the ground up in a dynamic, high-impact environment.

• Launch and oversee all aspects of operations for the Bay Area opening.
• By year two, scale operations to deliver meals to over 100 local schools. This position will evolve as the business grows, including leading strategic transitions and relocations into larger, state-of-the-art facilities as growth targets are met.

Key Responsibilities

As the NorCal Operations Manager, you will oversee culinary production, team leadership, and fleet logistics.

Culinary & Production Leadership

• Drive Throughput: Oversee day-to-day high-volume meal manufacturing, ensuring strict adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety compliance.
• Lean Execution: Implement and champion 5S methodology and Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Continuous Improvement: Conduct daily time studies to maximize productivity and closely monitor labor and resources.
• Hands-On Leadership: Provide direct production support alongside your team when needed.

Logistics & Fleet Management

• Route & Fleet Ownership: Manage delivery drivers, vehicle maintenance, routing, and distribution operations.
• Flawless Delivery: Ensure daily meals arrive at Bay Area schools on time, every time, safely and reliably.

Team Building & Culture

• Coach & Develop: Build, mentor, and inspire a team of culinary associates and delivery drivers, with a focus on safety and a positive culture.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with corporate leadership, HR (for hiring and performance management), Supply Chain, and Maintenance to ensure smooth facility operations.

What You Bring to the Table

We are seeking a leader who is equally comfortable with operations metrics and on-the-ground production.

• Experience: 3-5+ years of operational leadership in food manufacturing, catering, high-volume hospitality, or specialized food logistics.
• Scale Mindset: Proven experience or a strong appetite for scaling operations, managing facility moves, or supporting rapid business growth.
• Lean Expertise: Solid understanding of 5S, GMP, FDA/USDA regulations, and health and safety codes.
• Systems and Numbers: Experience in production planning using ERP software and BOMs. Ability to create reports and communicate performance and costs using spreadsheets.
• Logistics Savvy: Experience managing drivers, fleet vehicles, and multi-drop delivery routes.
• Leadership Grit: Strong relationship-building skills, critical thinking, and a hands-on, collaborative management style.

What’s In It For You?

• Starting Salary: $110,000 - $120,000 (dependent on experience).
• Career Trajectory: Join the ground floor of a major regional expansion. Your title, responsibility, and impact will grow with our business.
• Culture: Be part of a fast-growing, family-owned business where your voice is heard, your impact is visible, and your work directly feeds the next generation.

To apply, please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in joining Unity Meals as we expand in the Bay Area.

Pay: $110,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person