Strategic Operations Analyst

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.
• Serve as a liaison between analytics and operations teams to ensure actionable insights are implemented effectively.

Qualifications:

• 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.
• Awareness of trends in automation, sustainability, and supply chain resilience within the food industry.

About Sterling Foods

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.