Ops Production Manager at KeHE Distributors in North East, MD

Why Work for KeHE?

• Full-time
• Pay Range: $90,000.00/Yr. - $95,000.00/Yr.
• Shift Days: SU-F, Shift Time: 10:00 AM
• Benefits on Day 1
  • Health/Rx
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Flexible and health spending accounts (FSA/HSA)
  • Supplemental life insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Paid time off
  • Paid sick time
  • Short term & long term disability coverage (STD/LTD)
  • Employee stock ownership (ESOP)
  • Holiday pay for company designated holidays

Overview

At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others – and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.

Primary Responsibilities

The Production Operations Manager is responsible for leading daily warehouse operations including inbound, outbound, replenishment, and inventory control functions. This role ensures safe, efficient, and accurate operations while supporting the development of frontline teams and driving key performance indicators (KPIs). The manager partners cross-functionally with internal support groups—including Transportation, Inventory, HR, Safety, and others—to align priorities and drive continuous improvement. As with all positions at KeHE Distributors, we expect that all actions will be consistent with KeHE’s Mission, Vision, and Values.

Essential Functions

**DUTIES, TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:**

- Lead and manage day-to-day execution of warehouse functions across assigned shift(s), ensuring alignment with productivity, safety, quality, and service goals.
- Conduct daily shift planning and review sessions with leads and associates; assign workloads and communicate expectations clearly.
- Conduct mid-shift checks and post-shift debriefs to monitor progress, resolve issues, and provide coaching.
- Ensure SOPs and best practices are followed for picking, packing, shipping, receiving, and inventory accuracy.
- Support warehouse safety and compliance initiatives through hands-on leadership and team engagement.
- Maintain effective communication and coordination between functional departments and leadership to address operational needs.
- Monitor and analyze operational metrics to identify trends, improve performance, and drive accountability.
- Support staffing, training, and cross-training efforts to ensure flexibility and high performance.
- Lead improvement initiatives related to safety, accuracy, and operational efficiency.
- Serve as an escalation point for operational challenges and implement short- and long-term corrective actions.
- Work flexible hours, including weekends and multiple shifts, to support warehouse performance and operational continuity.
- Perform other duties and projects as assigned.

**SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:**

- **Hands-On Leader:** Leads from the floor and stays close to the work.
- **People-Focused:** Invested in coaching and developing frontline teams.
- **Execution-Driven:** Gets results through clear direction, follow-through, and accountability.
- **Process-Minded:** Seeks efficiency, consistency, and operational discipline.
- **Team Player:** Works collaboratively with peers and leadership to achieve site goals.
- Strong operational knowledge of end-to-end warehouse processes (inbound, outbound, inventory, safety).
- Ability to produce and interpret data to drive performance and operational decisions
- Effective communicator in both one-on-one and team settings; comfortable presenting to leadership and frontline associates.
- Ability to coach, influence, and collaborate with others across functions and levels
- Interpersonal savvy with ability to build trust, resolve conflict, and lead in a team-based environment.
- Skilled in situational leadership, capable of adapting style based on team dynamics and operational needs.
- Experience with Lean tools and continuous improvement methods (root cause analysis, visual management, Gemba walks).
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (especially Excel) and warehouse management systems (WMS).
- Strong analytical, reasoning, and problem-solving skills.
- Comfortable accessing all areas and levels of the distribution facility.
- Able to interpret policies and procedures and relay them effectively to team members.
- Flexible to work varying shifts (including overnights and weekends) as needed to support operations.

Minimum Requirements, Qualifications, Additional Skills, Aptitude

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:**

- High school diploma or GED required.
- Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Supply Chain, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of 4+ years of experience in warehouse operations, production or related field, with 2+ years in a leadership or supervisory role.

**PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:**

- These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, climb, and lift up to 50 lbs in a warehouse environment
- Must be able to access all levels and areas of the facility, including rack systems and equipment platforms
- Willingness and ability to work in varying temperature conditions (dry, cooler, freezer)

Equal Employer Opportunity Statement

KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.