Manager, OPEX

Company: gategroup
Location: Dallas
Posted on: January 1, 2026

Job Description:

We’re looking for motivated, engaged people to help make everyone’s journeys better. Responsible for analyzing material and information flows for operations units in the region to identify opportunities for improvement in productivity, material consumption, other operation expenses, quality, safety and space utilization. Salary Range: $85,000-$95,000 Benefits: Paid time off 401k, with company match Company sponsored life insurance Medical, dental, vision plans Voluntary short-term/long-term disability insurance Voluntary life, accident, and hospital plans Employee Assistance Program Commuter benefits Employee Discounts Free hot healthy meals for unit operations roles Main Duties and Responsibilities: • Quantify the effects of improved processes, work flows and aforementioned opportunities. • Make documented proposals for improvements. • Communicate with unit management and leadership team on implementation of changes. • Support management and associates in overall change process. • Must be able to work autonomic and have an analytical mind. • Train and build capability in all levels of organization regarding lean manufacturing • Secure relevance and availability of GG-Production System road maps and blue prints • Participate on cross-fertilization with other sites/areas • Perform diagnostics on major cost drivers (material, labor and OOC) • Plan and guide unit management in productivity, material waste, safety and quality improvement initiatives • Initiate improvement proposals • Actively practicing change management • Actively participate in unit’s performance management system and dialogue • Support and drive continuous process improvements utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles to maximize departmental efficiencies, minimize waste and improve safety. • Train and build capability in all levels of the plant regarding Lean Manufacturing; perform diagnostics on major cost drivers, including material, labor, and OOC • Plan and guide Unit management in productivity, material, waste, safety, and quality improvement initiatives; analyze material and information flows; analyze opportunities in productivity, material consumption, other operation expenses, and space utilization; quantify the effects of improved processes, work flows and fore mentioned opportunities • Make documented proposals for improvements and syndicate with kitchen’s management on implementation of changes; responsible for supporting management and associates in the overall change process. • Actively practice change management and actively participate in the Unit’s performance management system and dialogue; present progress and plans to company executives; liaise with corporate and area Continuous Improvement resources • Propose and keep up with company Best Practices and benchmark initiatives; coach other Continuous Improvement Managers and lead training and presentation sessions • Provide Lean expertise training. Work on all related training materials, and work with other team members to identify improvements, additions, corrections or clarifications to the training material provided. • Work with Lean Manufacturing tools and techniques, such as 8 Waste (muda), Just in Time (takt-flow-pull), Value Stream Mapping, Kanban system, Problem Solving, FIFO and 5s and workplace organization including layout changes when necessary. Qualifications Education: • Bachelor’s Degree in Business Economics, Science, Industrial Engineering or a related field required. Work Experience: • Minimum four (4) years of experience in Lean Manufacturing or related experience as an Industrial Engineer. • Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience working in a high volume, manufacturing, food production, restaurant or catering environment required • Experience leading projects and people across organizations, and maintaining mandatory standards to ensure the safety of products and processes and to improve product quality required • Experience analyzing operations and its cost drivers, analyzing material and information flows, and analyzing productivity, material consumption, and operation expenses required. • Experience with Lean Manufacturing techniques, including “Just in Time” (takt-flow-pull), 5S and workplace organization as well as value stream mapping and Kanban system preferred. Technical Skills: (Certification, Licenses and Registration) • 6-Sigma or Lean Manufacturing Certification preferred. • ServSafe Certification preferred; Ability to obtain ServSafe Certification required • Must have strong computer skills using Microsoft Office products including Excel • Ability to work in a fast paced, deadline driven environment • Must have strong and effective leadership skills • Excellent time management skills required • Ability to handle multiple tasks without losing focus on priorities • Strong organizational, analytical and leadership skills required • Must be innovative in making changes to the operation as needed to further improve the work environment and unit performance • Ability to effectively work with diverse work groups and all levels of the Operation. Exposure to AutoCad a plus Language / Communication Skills: • Excellent oral and written communication skills • Proficiency in Spanish is preferred Job Dimensions Geographic Responsibility: Area/Region Type of Employment: full-time Travel %: Up to 50% of the time Exemption Classification: exempt Internal Relationships: unit employees and leadership External Relationships : n/a Work Environment / Requirements of the Job: normal office environment Budget / Revenue Responsibility : (Local Currency) Competencies Required to be Successful in the Job: • Thinking – Information Search and analysis & problem resolution skills • Engaging – Understanding others, Team Leadership and Developing People • Inspiring – Influencing and building relationships, Motivating and Inspiring, Communicating effectively • Achieving – Delivering business results under pressure, Championing Performance Improvement and Customer Focus Demonstrated Values to be Successful in the Position Employees at gategroup are expected to live our Values of Excellence, Integrity, Passion and Accountability. To demonstrate these Values, we expect to observe the following from everyone: • We treat each other with respect and we act with integrity • We communicate and keep each other informed • We put our heads together to problem solve and deliver excellence as a team • We have passion for our work and we pay attention to the little details • We foster an environment of accountability, take responsibility for our actions and learn from our mistakes • We do what we say we will do, when we say we are going to do it • We care about our coworkers, always taking an opportunity to make someone’s day better The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Candidates will be required to go through Pre-employment drug screen, criminal background check, and/or airport fingerprinting. gategroup is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, disability status or other category under applicable law. For further information regarding Equal Employment Opportunity, copy and paste the following URL into your web browser: http://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf We anticipate that this job will close on: 01/30/2026 For California Residents, please clic k here to view our California privacy notice. If you want to be part of a team that helps make travel and culinary memories, join us!

Keywords: gategroup, Keller , Manager, OPEX, Manufacturing , Dallas, Texas