Vacant job

Operations Manager for Food Company

Employer: Gårdslagret Väst AB

Location: Gothenburg

Scope: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: Fixed monthly salary according to agreement

About the Role

We are entering an exciting phase of expansion, connecting local, small-scale producers with the HoReCa customer segment in West Sweden. To lead our operational activities and establish our new system flows at our warehouse in Gothenburg, we are now looking for an engaged and experienced Operations Manager.

The role involves having overall responsibility for strategically and operationally building up, stabilizing, and optimizing the distribution chain. You will work at the interface between logistics, procurement, brand-building communication, and relationship building with producers and customers.

Main Responsibilities:

• Strategic and operational management of warehouse and distribution flows (cold chain and fresh goods).
• System development and process optimization for short food supply chains.
• Development of new brand and communication strategies to position local producers in the premium segment of the restaurant industry.
• Quality assurance and logistics planning in close collaboration with company management and external partners.

Qualifications and Requirements:

To succeed in this role, a combination of culinary expertise and commercial logistics understanding is required:

• Industry Experience: Several years of documented experience in leadership roles within the food wholesale sector, along with a deep operational understanding of the specific requirements of the restaurant industry (previous background as a head chef or equivalent at an international premium level is highly meritorious).
• Network and Logistics: Proven experience in designing and operating logistics systems adapted for short, transparent distribution chains, and direct collaboration with local farmers in Sweden.
• Language Requirements: As the role involves frequent contact with producers, suppliers, and customers who primarily prefer to communicate in English, it is essential that you are comfortable speaking and writing in English.
• Competence: Documented experience in business development as well as the startup and operation of logistics hubs. Insight into sustainable methods for animal husbandry, slaughter processes, as well as practical and anatomical butchery techniques. Extensive knowledge of plant-based foods, from cultivated vegetables, fruits, and herbs to mushrooms, including knowledge of storage requirements and seasonal availability.

Personal Suitability:

Great importance will be placed on personal suitability. We are looking for a person with high social competence, strong collaboration skills, and the willingness and experience to work in a team. We are looking for you who want and can contribute with knowledge, experience, insights, and inspiration.