General Manager - Vending Operations

About SmartQ SmartQ is redefining how the world experiences food. As a next-generation food-tech innovator, we solve real operational challenges through empathy-led insights and powerful technology. Our mission is clear: to elevate everyday dining into a seamless and meaningful experience. In the last decade, we’ve transformed cafeteria and food operations across industries with scalable, cutting-edge solutions. Operating in 14 countries and backed by Compass Group- a $60B global foodservice leader SmartQ continues to push the boundaries of what modern food-tech can achieve. Since our inception in 2015, we’ve become a trusted partner for corporates, hospitals, universities, and food courts worldwide. With a bold vision to become the world’s largest B2B food-tech company, we connect people through exceptional food experiences powered by advanced technology. Today, we proudly serve 400+ global clients, including leaders like Google, HSBC, Amazon, and Wells Fargo. At the heart of SmartQ is a culture shaped by four core pillars: Great People | Great Food | Great Experience | Greater Good These values inspire collaboration, innovation, humility, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. To dive deeper into what drives us, explore our cultural pillars on the SmartQ LinkedIn ‘Life’ page. It offers an authentic glimpse into the journey you could be part of: https://www.linkedin.com/company/smartq-bottlelabs/life/cdc290f8-ff81-4e7f-9c96-37d842f936c4/?viewA… Are you excited to join our team as General Manager - Vending Operations ? As the General Manager – Vending Operations, you will be responsible for leading and overseeing end-to-end vending operations across assigned client locations. This role focuses on ensuring maximum machine uptime, optimal product availability, operational excellence, exceptional client satisfaction, and business profitability. You will lead cross-functional field operations teams, drive process improvements, implement best practices, and ensure seamless execution of service delivery while maintaining high standards of operational efficiency and customer experience. Key roles and responsibilities: - Oversee the day-to-day operations of vending machines across multiple client locations, ensuring seamless service delivery. - Ensure maximum machine uptime through proactive preventive maintenance and timely resolution of technical issues. - Monitor inventory levels and ensure timely replenishment to maintain optimal product availability and prevent stock-outs. - Collaborate with warehouse, procurement, logistics, and maintenance teams to ensure smooth and efficient operations. - Lead and manage field executives, supervisors, and vendor partners to achieve operational excellence and meet defined KPIs. - Monitor vending sales, machine utilization, refill frequency, and inventory accuracy to drive operational performance. - Analyze sales trends and customer preferences to optimize product assortment and improve revenue generation. - Ensure compliance with food safety, hygiene, quality standards, and company Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). - Drive adherence to Service Level Agreements (SLAs) related to machine uptime, service quality, and complaint resolution. - Conduct regular operational audits to ensure process compliance and identify areas for continuous improvement. - Build and maintain strong relationships with client stakeholders, proactively managing escalations and ensuring high customer satisfaction. - Prepare and present operational MIS, dashboards, and performance reports for leadership review and decision-making. - Identify and implement opportunities for cost optimization, process automation, and operational efficiency improvements. - Support business expansion initiatives, including new machine deployments, client onboarding, and transition activities. - Ensure compliance with all applicable statutory regulations, health and safety standards, and company policies. Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. An MBA is preferred. - Minimum of 10+ years of experience in Operations Management. - At least 2–3 years of experience managing vending operations, retail operations, FMCG distribution, food service operations, or similar industries. - Proven experience in managing multiple client locations and leading field operations teams. - Strong knowledge of operations management, inventory control, and supply chain processes. - Experience in client relationship management and vendor management. - Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. - Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities. - Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, MIS reporting, and other operational reporting tools. Message from CEO: We've come to realize that we're not merely in the B2B Food service industry; we're in the business of 'Capturing Hearts.' We find ourselves in a unique position to turn ordinary, mundane corporate cafeterias into places of pure delight, where individuals can freely express themselves, find inspiration, and share happiness. Such a profound transformation opportunity is a rare gift, where the purpose of our enterprise transcends the ordinary. If this vision resonates with you, we invite you to join us in our mission to spread joy and happiness in a world weighed down by stress and pressure. Together, let's play our part in making this world a more beautiful place.