Strategic Operations Analyst

Job Title: Strategic Operations AnalystDepartment: OperationsReports To: Chief Operating OfficerLocation: San Antonio, TXFLSA Status: ExemptJob Type: Full-TimeAbout The PositionSterling 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 DevelopmentAnalyze 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 & OptimizationRecommend 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 & ReportingBuild 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 CollaborationPartner 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 FoodsFounded 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.