Operations Support Manager

Ready to change the world? At SFE, we are fueling students to take on their school day one meal at a time, and we need YOU to help bring those healthy, great tasting meals to their plates every day. We are passionate about delicious food, creating a customized experience for each of our districts and schools, bringing innovation to the table and being compassionate leaders to our teams. If you're looking for a career that can truly make an impact on a child's day, we want to meet you!

Summary of Position

Southwest Foodservice Excellence (SFE) is seeking an experienced Operations Support Manager to provide hands-on operational leadership and support across our Michigan school nutrition accounts. This role is ideal for an adaptable foodservice professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys solving operational challenges while supporting district managers and school teams.

The Operations Support Manager serves as a key resource for new account openings, staffing transitions, operational improvements, training, and special projects. This individual will travel extensively throughout Michigan, partnering with field leadership to ensure every operation delivers exceptional service, food quality, financial performance, and customer satisfaction. This position will report to the District Manager.

Responsibilities

• Provide on-site operational support to school foodservice accounts throughout Michigan.
• Partner with District Managers to improve operational performance, food quality, labor efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
• Support new account openings, management transitions, and staffing shortages.
• Train and coach General Managers, Cafeteria Managers, and frontline team members on SFE operational standards and best practices.
• Ensure compliance with USDA regulations, food safety standards, HACCP procedures, and company policies.
• Assist with menu execution, inventory management, purchasing, production planning, and cost controls.
• Conduct operational audits and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Monitor labor, food cost, and financial performance while assisting locations in achieving budget goals.
• Build positive relationships with school district administrators and client partners.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, and development of field management talent.
• Participate in special projects and initiatives designed to improve operational consistency across the region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and foodservice management experience.
• 5+ years of multi-unit foodservice management experience.
• Experience in K-12 school nutrition, contract foodservice, healthcare, higher education, or large-scale foodservice operations preferred.
• Strong knowledge of USDA school nutrition guidelines and food safety regulations is highly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change and effectively support multiple locations.
• Experience managing budgets, labor, inventory, and P&L performance.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, organizational, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with POS and foodservice management systems is a plus.
• Valid driver's license with the ability to travel extensively throughout Michigan, including overnight travel as needed.

Key SFE (Southwest Foodservice Excellence) Benefits:

At SFE, we believe great work starts with great people. That's why we offer Monday–Friday, day‑shift schedules, competitive pay, and a benefits package designed to support your life — both at work and at home.

Eligible employees enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, a 401(k) with pre‑tax and Roth options, employer‑contributed Health Savings Accounts, and access to wellness tools like Telemedicine and an Employee Assistance Program. We also offer employee discounts and flexible options when life changes.

If you're looking for stability, work‑life balance, and a company that truly invests in its people, SFE may be the perfect fit.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, Gender/Minority/Veterans/Disabled and participates with E-Verify Employment Eligibility Program.