About Elephants Delicatessen

Locally owned and operated since 1979, Elephants Delicatessen has been a cornerstone of Portland’s food culture. With seven bustling retail locations, a thriving catering division, and two dedicated production facilities, we are known for scratch-made food crafted with care and locally sourced ingredients. As a certified B Corporation, we’re passionate about sustainability, equity, and using business as a force for good.

Position Overview

We’re looking for a skilled and people-focused Operations Manager to lead the daily operations of our Central and Milwaukie Kitchen facilities. This leadership role plays a vital part in coordinating food production, team management, and process execution that supports our retail, catering, and wholesale lines of business.

The ideal candidate brings experience in high-volume food operations, a knack for problem-solving, and a passion for leading teams in a fast-paced, quality-focused environment. You'll oversee daily production workflows, support food safety programs, coach staff, and help drive continuous improvement in systems and outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations at the Central Kitchen (CK) and Milwaukie Kitchen (MK), supervising production, menus, and administrative teams.
• Lead daily operations and stand-up meetings to ensure alignment, communication, and rapid problem-solving.
• Collaborate with culinary and production leadership to uphold quality standards, food safety compliance, and labor efficiency.
• Train, coach, and mentor team members while fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth.
• Coordinate and manage documentation, including scheduling, reviews, timecards, certifications, and compliance reporting.
• Lead food safety efforts, including HACCP program oversight and regulatory compliance with agencies such as the USDA and Oregon Health Authority.
• Support planning and execution of catering, banquets, and custom production needs, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Uphold workplace safety, cleanliness, and company standards in all operational areas.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in food production, foodservice, or manufacturing operations, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Food Science, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of food safety practices, quality control, and production scheduling.
• Proven ability to lead diverse teams and address workplace challenges with professionalism, transparency, and effective communication.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfortable navigating production software and systems.
• ServSafe certification/Food Handler's Card or ability to obtain within 30 days.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish, with the ability to communicate effectively across multilingual teams and support inclusive workplace communication.

Why Work With Us?

At Elephants, you’ll be part of a team that values collaboration, creativity, and community. We offer competitive pay, full benefits (including medical, dental, vision, and 401k), and plenty of opportunities to grow your career. As a B Corp, we’re dedicated to doing business in a way that supports people and the planet.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Elephants Delicatessen is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to building an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone feels welcome—regardless of race, gender, identity, age, ability, or background.