Job Details

JOB TITLE: General Manager & VP of Operations – Food Distribution

LOCATION: Lafayette, LA(On Site)

FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

REPORTS TO: COO & President

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Lafayette, Louisiana, LAMM Food Service is a broadline food distributor specializing in high-quality food products and exceptional customer service. LAMM serves a diverse customer base including restaurants, convenience stores, schools, correctional facilities, and other foodservice operations throughout Louisiana and parts of Texas. With a long-standing commitment to reliability, safety, and service excellence, LAMM continues to grow as a trusted partner in food distribution.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The General Manager & Vice President of Operations is responsible for overseeing all aspects of LAMM Food Service's operations, including sales support, procurement, warehousing, logistics, food safety, financial performance, and team leadership. This role is accountable for ensuring efficient daily operations while driving growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction in a highly regulated, fast-paced food distribution environment.

The GM sets strategic direction, translates company objectives into actionable operational plans, and ensures compliance with all food safety, regulatory, and quality standards.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operations & Supply Chain
• Oversee end-to-end distribution operations, including purchasing, inventory management, warehousing, transportation, and delivery.
• Optimize logistics, routing, and inventory turns to reduce waste, spoilage, and operating costs.
• Ensure consistent product availability while maintaining quality and freshness standards.
• Food Safety & Compliance
• Ensure full compliance with FDA, USDA, HACCP, FSMA, OSHA, and local health regulations.
• Maintain food safety programs, audits, and certifications.
• Implement and enforce policies related to sanitation, cold-chain management, and product traceability.
• Financial Management
• Develop and manage operating budgets, forecasts, and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Analyze financial reports and operational metrics to improve margins and overall performance.
• Control labor, transportation, and inventory costs.
• Sales & Customer Relations
• Partner with sales leadership to support revenue growth, pricing strategies, and customer retention.
• Maintain strong relationships with key customers, vendors, and strategic partners.
• Resolve escalated customer issues and service challenges.
• Leadership & People Management
• Lead, mentor, and develop department managers and teams across operations, sales, and administration.
• Build a culture of accountability, safety, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee hiring, performance management, training, and succession planning.
• Strategy & Growth
• Develop and execute short- and long-term business strategies.
• Identify opportunities for new markets, products, vendors, and operational efficiencies.
• Lead process improvement initiatives and system implementations (ERP, WMS, TMS, etc.).

QUALIFICATIONS (Required)

• Bachelor's degree in business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, ora related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in food distribution, foodservice, grocery, or related industries.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and cold-chain logistics.
• Proven experience managing P&L and operational budgets.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multi-department teams.

QUALIFICATIONS (Preferred)

• Experience with perishable goods distribution.
• Familiarity with ERP and WMS systems.
• Experience scaling operations or managing multi-location distribution centers.

KEY SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

• Operational excellence and problem-solving
• Financial acumen and data-driven decision-making
• Leadership and team development
• Vendor negotiation and relationship management
• Regulatory compliance and risk management
• Strong communication and organizational skills

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Combination of office, warehouse, and field environments.
• Ability to work flexible hours as needed to support business operations.
• Occasional walking of warehouse floors, facility inspections, and light lifting.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED

The above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the job proficiently. This job description is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements as the employee may be required to perform any other duties as assigned. In the event of an absence where the Buyer cannot perform these duties, the Manager will determine who shall perform these duties.

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION STATEMENT:

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer, and consider qualified applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected factor under federal, state or local law.