Strategic Operations Analyst
9 days ago
San Antonio
Job Description Job Title: Strategic Operations Analyst Department: Operations Reports To: Chief Operating Officer Location: San Antonio, TX FLSA Status: Exempt Job Type: Full-Time About the position Sterling Foods is a dynamic and growing food manufacturing company committed to delivering high-quality bakery products and operational excellence. We're looking for a Strategic Operations Analyst - a sharp, analytical thinker with a knack for uncovering inefficiencies and driving smart, scalable improvements across our production and supply chain operations. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, data-rich environment and is passionate about transforming raw insights into real-world impact. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams - from production and logistics to quality assurance and procurement - to identify opportunities for optimization, cost reduction, and performance enhancement. Duties and Responsibilities • Operational Analysis & Insight Development, • Analyze production line performance, throughput, downtime, and yield metrics to identify trends and root causes., • Evaluate supply chain workflows, inventory turnover, and vendor performance to uncover inefficiencies., • Use data modeling and forecasting to support strategic planning and capacity management., • Process Improvement & Optimization, • Recommend and implement changes to reduce waste, improve quality, and increase operational agility., • Collaborate with plant managers and department leads to pilot and scale process improvements., • Performance Monitoring & Reporting, • Build and maintain dashboards and KPIs to track operational health and improvement initiatives., • Present findings and recommendations to leadership with clear, data-backed narratives., • Monitor post-implementation results to ensure sustainability and continuous improvement., • Cross-Functional Collaboration, • Partner with Finance, Quality, HR, and IT to align operational improvements with broader business goals., • Support change management efforts by documenting processes and training stakeholders., • Education & Experience:, • Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Business Analytics, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree or MBA is a plus., • 3+ years of experience in operations analysis, process improvement, or manufacturing strategy - preferably within the food production or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry., • Technical Skills:, • Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel., • Experience with business intelligence platforms (e.g., QlikView, Power BI, Tableau)., • Familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., Aptean, SAP, Oracle)., • Knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies (certification preferred)., • Analytical & Strategic Thinking:, • Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate it into actionable insights., • Ability to think both tactically and strategically, balancing short-term fixes with long-term improvements., • Communication & Collaboration:, • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences., • Proven ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization., • Industry Awareness:, • Understanding of food manufacturing processes, regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, USDA), and quality assurance standards. Founded in 1971, Sterling Foods is a specialty bakery products manufacturer based in San Antonio, Texas. We are a market leader in national food service, custom manufacturing, retail, military and school dining, and we provide a broad line of proprietary and custom-developed products for our customers. With a continuous focus on innovation, technology and great tasting products, Sterling Foods has grown to become a leading supplier of shelf-stable baked goods and gourmet quality items to the food industry.