Assistant Ops Manager

We are seeking a hands-on and highly responsible Assistant Manager – Warewash Operations to oversee the day-to-day operations of a large-scale warewashing and equipment handling operation. The successful candidate will lead and manage a team of more than 50 ground workers , ensuring that all operational activities are carried out efficiently, safely, hygienically, and in accordance with established SOPs and service standards.

This is a high-volume, physically demanding and fast-paced operational environment that requires the ability to work long hours, manage operational pressure, respond quickly to manpower and service issues, and lead a large frontline workforce effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations of the warewash area, including receiving, sorting, washing, cleaning, sanitising, drying, inspection, storage and distribution of equipment, carts, utensils and related items.
• Lead, supervise and coordinate a team of 50+ ground workers , including allocation of duties, deployment, attendance, productivity and discipline.
• Ensure sufficient manpower coverage across shifts and operational areas to meet daily business requirements.
• Monitor workflow and productivity to ensure all warewashing activities are completed within the required turnaround time.
• Plan and coordinate manpower according to workload, peak periods and operational requirements.
• Ensure all employees follow established SOPs, hygiene standards, food safety requirements, workplace safety procedures and operational guidelines .
• Conduct regular inspections of the warewash area and ensure equipment, workstations and surrounding areas are properly maintained and kept clean.
• Monitor the operation of warewashing machines and equipment and escalate any breakdowns or technical issues promptly.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and implement practical improvements to improve productivity, turnaround time and manpower utilisation.
• Handle daily operational issues, including absenteeism, manpower shortages, equipment breakdowns, urgent operational requests and service disruptions.
• Work closely with supervisors and team leaders to ensure smooth coordination between different operational areas.
• Conduct toolbox meetings, daily briefings and operational updates for ground staff.
• Monitor staff performance and provide coaching, guidance and corrective actions where required.
• Ensure new employees are properly briefed and trained on operational procedures, hygiene, safety and work requirements.
• Maintain accurate records relating to attendance, manpower deployment, productivity, equipment issues, cleaning activities and operational incidents.
• Investigate operational incidents and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Liaise with clients, internal departments and other operational stakeholders to resolve service issues and maintain service standards.
• Support management in preparing operational reports, manpower planning, productivity analysis and improvement initiatives.
• Be prepared to work long hours, weekends, public holidays and shifts when required by operational needs.

Leadership & People Management

• Provide strong leadership and direction to a large frontline workforce.
• Maintain discipline, teamwork and positive working relationships among employees.
• Ensure effective communication between management, supervisors, team leaders and ground workers.
• Manage manpower challenges in a professional and timely manner.
• Motivate employees and maintain operational morale during high-pressure periods.
• Identify high-performing employees and support their development into supervisory roles.

Requirements

• Diploma or equivalent qualification in Operations Management, Logistics, Hospitality, Facilities Management or a related field preferred.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in operations, warehousing, catering, logistics, cleaning, hospitality or a similar high-volume environment .
• Experience managing large frontline teams of 50 employees or more will be an advantage.
• Strong leadership and manpower management skills.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, physically demanding and high-pressure environment .
• Willing to work long hours, shifts, weekends and public holidays when required.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Able to work independently while coordinating closely with management and operational teams.
• Good knowledge of workplace safety, hygiene and operational procedures.
• Proficient in basic Microsoft Office applications and operational reporting.

Key Performance Areas (KPIs)

• Operational turnaround time
• Manpower productivity and utilisation
• Attendance and manpower coverage
• Compliance with SOP and hygiene standards
• Workplace safety performance
• Equipment availability and downtime
• Service quality and customer satisfaction
• Reduction of operational errors and rework
• Staff retention and performance
• Overall operational efficiency