Operations Director

Position Summary

The Operations Director provides strategic and hands-on leadership for Master Provision’s day-to-day operations, ensuring that food is safely received, stored, managed, and distributed efficiently to agency partners combatting food insecurity.

This position oversees warehouse and distribution operations, inventory management, transportation and logistics, facilities, equipment, food safety, volunteers, and operational staff. The Operations Director develops efficient systems and processes, ensures compliance with applicable regulations and organizational policies, and works collaboratively across the organization to maximize the impact of donated and purchased food resources.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, solutions-oriented leader who can balance strategic planning with hands-on operational management and who is passionate about the mission of reducing hunger in the community. The candidate is a faithful Christian and follower of Jesus who believes in the mission and vision of Master Provisions.

Essential Responsibilities

Team Leadership

• Recruit, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate Operations staff.
• • Current Operations Staff: Warehouse Manager, Agency Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Logistics Manager and Operations Assistant
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, respect, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and implement clear performance expectations and operational goals.
• Develop staff capabilities and succession plans to support organizational growth.
• Ensure effective communication between Operations and other departments.

Operations & Logistics

• Lead and oversee all daily operational activities, including receiving, sorting, storage, inventory, order fulfillment, distribution, and transportation.
• Develop and implement operational systems that improve efficiency, productivity, safety, service quality, and cost effectiveness.
• Ensure appropriate staffing, scheduling, workflow, and resource allocation across operational functions.
• Oversee relationships with food donors, suppliers, transportation providers, and other operational partners.
• Coordinate the movement of food from donors and suppliers to the food bank and ultimately to partner agencies and community members.
• Identify operational challenges and develop timely, practical solutions.
• Mobile Food Pantries

Warehouse & Inventory Management

• Oversee distribution center operations and ensure proper storage, rotation, handling, and distribution of food products.
• Build and maintain accurate inventory records and establish procedures to minimize waste, spoilage, loss, and product damage.
• Ensure appropriate inventory controls, including receiving, product tracking, expiration-date management, and cycle counts.
• Monitor warehouse capacity and develop plans to accommodate seasonal fluctuations and changes in food volume.
• Ensure equipment, vehicles, and facilities are properly maintained and operational.

Food Safety & Compliance

• Establish and maintain high standards for food safety, sanitation, and product handling.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local food safety regulations and organizational policies.
• Maintain appropriate records, documentation, inspections, and training related to food safety, equipment and vehicles and operational compliance.
• Ensure staff and volunteers receive appropriate training in food handling, workplace safety, and operational procedures.
• Work proactively to identify and mitigate operational and safety risks.

Volunteer Management

• Partner with volunteer team to effectively recruit, schedule, and utilize volunteers in warehouse, sorting, packing, and distribution activities.
• Ensure volunteers receive appropriate orientation, training, supervision, and recognition.
• Create processes that maximize volunteer engagement while maintaining productivity and safety.

Budget & Performance Management

• Develop and manage the Operations Department budget.
• Monitor operational expenses and identify opportunities for cost savings and efficiency.
• Establish and track key performance indicators such as food throughput, inventory accuracy, distribution volume, warehouse productivity, waste, transportation costs, and service levels.
• Prepare regular operational reports and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Use data to identify trends, improve processes, and support strategic decision-making.

Strategic Leadership

• Participate in organizational strategic planning and contribute to initiatives that expand the food bank’s community impact.
• Collaborate with Development, Finance, Communications, and other departments to ensure operational priorities support organizational goals.
• Evaluate and implement technology, equipment, processes, and systems that improve operational effectiveness.
• Develop contingency plans for emergencies, supply disruptions, severe weather, equipment failures, and other operational challenges.
• Represent the food bank professionally with donors, community partners, vendors, agencies, volunteers, and other stakeholders.

Qualifications – Required

• Faithful Christian and follower of Jesus who believes in the mission of Master Provisions.
• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, supply chain management, logistics, operations management, nonprofit management, or a related field; equivalent professional experience may be considered.
• 5 years of progressive experience in operations, logistics, warehouse management, distribution, supply chain, or a related field.
• 3 years of supervisory or management experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and developing staff.
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Experience managing budgets and operational performance metrics.
• Ability to work effectively in a mission-driven environment.
• Commitment to the mission of fighting hunger and serving the community.

Qualifications – Preferred

• Preferred CDL certified.
• Forklift certification or willingness to obtain.
• Experience working in a food bank, food pantry, nonprofit, distribution center, grocery, food production, or related organization.
• Experience with food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Experience managing volunteers.
• Knowledge of warehouse management or inventory management systems.
• Experience with fleet, transportation, or route management.
• Relevant certifications in food safety, logistics, supply chain, or warehouse operations.

Physical Requirements

This position requires the ability to work in both an office and warehouse environment. The employee may be required to stand, walk, bend, reach, lift, and move items weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation. The position may occasionally require working in refrigerated or non-climate-controlled areas and operate or work around warehouse equipment and vehicles.

Work Environment

The Operations Director should expect an environment with varying levels of activity based on food availability, community need, seasonal demand, and organizational programs. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for special distributions, emergencies, or organizational events.

Benefits 

• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program