Operations Manager

Who We Are

Food Connect is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bridging the gaps in our food system to build healthier communities. We are passionate about leveraging technology and existing community efforts to bring about a more thoughtful, sustainable, and connected food system. There are amazing initiatives happening all over the world but so much momentum is lost when there is no easy way to connect and collaborate in real time. We are building solutions to help lower the barriers to collaboration and increase efficiencies in food distribution and collaboration to drive better health outcomes for communities and individuals.

Role Description

We are seeking a dynamic Operations Manager with a strong background in operations management to streamline and oversee the logistics functions of our organization. This role focuses on creating efficient systems that allow our team and independent contractor (IC) drivers to operate seamlessly. With a dedicated dispatch team of six and a network of IC drivers, the Operations Manager will optimize workflows, eliminate bottlenecks, and implement best practices across all logistics processes. The goal is to enable the leadership team to prioritize strategic growth while ensuring high-quality logistics operations.

Salary

$80-$90k per year based on experience

Workday and Location

Monday - Friday from 9am – 5pm EST (Schedule dependent on delivery needs of the organization)

Hybrid

Responsibilities

• Oversee all operations of the logistics department, ensuring streamlined workflows and smooth execution of day-to-day deliveries.
• Identify and resolve operational inefficiencies and bottlenecks to improve department-wide productivity.
• Develop and implement standardized processes that enhance efficiency and allow the department to scale effectively.
• Manage and support the dispatch team of six, providing leadership and oversight to ensure efficient operations.
• Oversee the network of IC drivers to ensure the highest quality of delivery services, implementing accountability measures for food safety and customer satisfaction.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, leading initiatives to refine operational processes and procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align logistics operations with broader organizational goals.
• Use data and analytics to track performance, report on key metrics, and guide operational decisions.
• Ensure resources are allocated appropriately, optimizing time and cost savings across the department.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key vendors, partners, and stakeholders to support logistics and delivery operations.
• Evaluate and implement logistics technologies to enhance tracking, reporting, and overall operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including food safety standards and transportation requirements.
• Develop and deliver training programs for dispatchers and drivers to ensure consistency in operations and adherence to Food Connect standards.
• Identify opportunities for geographic or programmatic expansion and design scalable logistics solutions to support growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, business administration, or a related field is a plus.
• 5+ years of experience in operations management, with proven success in streamlining processes and driving efficiencies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams and improve workflows across departments.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Experience in managing and motivating teams to meet performance goals.
• Analytical mindset, with proficiency in using data to make informed decisions and improvements.
• Preferred: Experience in the nonprofit sector or a mission-driven organization, particularly in food rescue or logistics.
• Preferred: Knowledge of food safety regulations and best practices.
• Preferred: Familiarity with logistics software platforms and analytics tools (e.g., route optimization, delivery tracking systems).

Interview Process

• PI Assessment
• 15 Minute Pre Screen Call
• Round 1 - 60 minute Interview: Skills assessment
• Round 2 - 60 minutes Deep dive into experience, your areas of excellence, your “Why"
• Round 3 - 45 minute Interview - Exploring goals, vision, core values

Our Mission

Food Connect bridges the gaps in our food system through innovative technology and focused collaboration to build impactful, sustainable hunger relief solutions. We are committed to reducing food insecurity and improving food equity in real-time and working hand in hand with existing community organizations.

Our Vision

Food Connect envisions a world where our food ecosystem thrives on real time, open-network collaboration and scalable distribution services to enable equitable access to healthy food resources.

Our Values

• Awareness You make wise decisions despite ambiguity
• Courage You can be vulnerable in search of truth
• Passion You care intensely about the people we service
• Curiosity You re-conceptualize issues to discover solutions to hard problems
• Integrity You demonstrate consistently strong performance so colleagues and clients can rely upon you and your word

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Food Connect, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.