Supplier Operations Manager
About the position
The Supplier Operations Manager serves as the primary operational partner to a portfolio of approximately 5-10 supplier facilities, driving performance excellence, operational efficiency, and execution consistency across the supplier network. This role combines hands-on operational consulting with strategic oversight to optimize production outcomes, support new product launches, and establish best-in-class operational standards. The position requires regular on-site engagement through monthly or quarterly facility visits and continuous performance monitoring to identify improvement opportunities and implement sustainable solutions that enhance supplier capabilities and business results.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the primary operational liaison for assigned portfolio of supplier facilities, building strategic partnerships that drive accountability, performance improvement, and operational excellence
- Conduct monthly or quarterly on-site visits to evaluate production processes, assess operational standards, identify execution gaps, and provide hands-on consulting to improve facility performance
- Provide operational consulting and technical guidance across production flow optimization, line efficiency improvements, capacity planning, and labor and staffing model design
- Partner with suppliers to support successful new product launches, ensuring production readiness, execution capability, scalability, and adherence to quality specifications
- Drive continuous quality improvement initiatives by identifying root causes of defects, implementing corrective actions, and establishing preventive measures to sustain quality standards
- Develop, operationalize, and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including yield, waste, service levels, labor efficiency, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE)
- Monitor supplier performance through comprehensive scorecards and reporting systems, ensuring alignment with company standards, targets, and strategic objectives
- Collaborate cross-functionally with operations, field merchandising, quality assurance, and supply chain teams to identify performance gaps, benchmark execution across facilities, and support in-market product launches
- Lead continuous improvement efforts across the supplier network by standardizing best practices, facilitating knowledge transfer, and driving measurable results through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies
- Analyze operational data and production metrics to translate insights into actionable improvement plans that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels
- Facilitate problem-solving sessions with supplier leadership teams to address operational challenges, remove barriers, and implement sustainable solutions
- Develop and deliver training programs to build supplier capabilities in operational excellence, quality management, and performance measurement systems
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field required
- 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, supply chain management, or operations consulting roles
- 2+ years of experience working directly with production environments, supplier networks, or vendor management in a distributed network
- 2+ years of management experience
- Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, production systems, and supply chain management principles
- Proficiency in industrial engineering concepts including workflow optimization, time studies, capacity analysis, and labor modeling
- Advanced analytical skills with ability to interpret operational data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable improvement strategies
- Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis capabilities using structured methodologies such as 5 Whys, fishbone diagrams, and Pareto analysis
- Experience with Lean manufacturing principles including value stream mapping, 5S, kaizen events, and waste elimination techniques
- Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills with proven ability to influence and partner effectively with external stakeholders
- Excellent communication and presentation skills for both field-level operational discussions and executive-level reporting
- Ability to manage multiple facilities and competing priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) with advanced Excel skills for data analysis, pivot tables, and dashboard creation
- Experience with production planning systems, quality management systems, and performance management tools
- Strong project management capabilities with ability to drive initiatives from concept through implementation and sustainment
Nice-to-haves
- Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt) or continuous improvement certification strongly preferred
Benefits
- For a general description of all benefits 7-Eleven is offering in the US for the position, please visit this link.
- For a general description of all benefits 7-Eleven is offering in Canada for the position, please visit this link.
