Director of Optimization, Analytics and IT

Description

Summary: The Director of Optimization, Analytics, and IT leads the design, evolution, and governance of the systems supporting Second Harvest Foodbank’s food distribution. This role champions operational performance through strategic data use, systems integration, continuous improvement, and process management. The Director aligns information systems, reporting and analytics tools, warehouse technologies, and operational workflows to improve throughput, ensure data accuracy, strengthen partner experience, and enable reliable planning. This role advises the VP of Operations on operational efficiency, performance monitoring, technology strategy, and long-term capacity planning.

This position manages the ERP Specialist and IT Specialist, leading technical and analytical capabilities that drive improved performance, efficiency, and resilience across the Operations network.

Position Responsibilities & Essential Functions

Operational Strategy and Continuous Improvement

• Lead multi-year roadmap to identify inefficiencies and implement operational improvements
• Partner with Director of Supply Chain and Director of Operations to establish annual improvement priorities and design and track KPIs aligned with goals
• Support strategic sourcing, distribution expansion, and inventory planning decisions
• Coach staff on data-driven decision making and operational accountability
  
  

Business Process Analysis and Engineering

• Benchmark internal processes against industry-leading supply chain practices
• Partner with Director of Operations to develop sustainable and repeatable workflow improvements that enhance safety, productivity, and cost efficiency
• Recommend standardized policies and procedures that improve quality and workflow efficiency
  
  

Data Visualization, Analytics, and Forecasting

• Architect and maintain enterprise reporting dashboards (Power BI, Tableau, SQL, Excel)
• Conduct modeling, forecasting, and scenario planning to support sourcing, warehouse, and distribution decisions
• Govern data structures and reporting standards to ensure accuracy, availability, and compliance
• Present insights clearly to executives, Board stakeholders, and partners
  
  

IT Leadership and Systems Administration

• Provide leadership and oversight for IT support and infrastructure, including hardware, software, network, security, and telecommunications
• Guide cybersecurity practices, vendor relationships, and technology policy development
• Prioritize technology and software updates and replacement schedules that support productivity and stability
• Ensure positive end-user experience and timely issue resolution
• Lead strategy for ERP (Ceres/NAV), CRM, warehouse systems, and integrated analytics tools
• Translate operational needs into system design, enhancements, and automation initiatives
• Oversee testing, rollout, and change management for technology upgrades
• Align IT and systems architecture with workflow optimization goals
  
  

Warehouse and Facility Optimization

• Partner with Director of Operations and Director of Supply Chain in advanced planning for space utilization, staging, labor modeling, and material flow
• Provide data-driven insights to inform capital investment and solution design
  
  

Change Leadership

• Own SOP governance ensuring accuracy, version control, and accessibility
• Support training that builds organizational proficiency with data and systems
• Guide user adoption and communication for new technologies and process changes
  
  

Team Leadership and Development

• Set performance expectations for 2 direct reports
• Build a high-performing team with strong customer service, process, and systems expertise
• Foster a culture of shared learning, accountability, and innovation
  
  

Personal Effectiveness

• Shows up to work on time, and follows instructions, policies and procedures. Ability to make the best use of available time and resources; balance quality of work with meeting deadlines.
• Shows interest in, anticipates and responds timely to customer needs.
• Ability to work and communicate with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Looks for better ways to perform routine aspects of job; asks for and uses feedback to improve performance.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize and be adaptive to changing needs.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Respects and maintains confidentiality; tells the truth and is honest in all dealings; avoids situations and actions considered inappropriate or which present a conflict of interest.
• Adheres to all workplace safety standards and practices.
• Manages own time, priorities and resources to achieve goals.
• Maintains composure in stressful or adverse situations.
• Ability to cultivate and develop equitable and inclusive working relationships with staff, volunteers, community partners, vendors and applicants
  
  

Computer Skills

• To perform this job successfully, the individual should have advanced knowledge of the following computer software programs.
• Microsoft Office Suite – specifically Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Internet.
• Ceres, Sales force, and other supply chain systems
• Experience working with inventory management software is required
  
  

Other Skills

• Strategic and Systems Thinking - Demonstrates an ability to connect daily operational decisions to long-term organizational goals; sees the broader system and anticipates downstream impacts.
• Data-Informed Decision Making - Uses data and analytics to identify trends, anticipate needs, and make strategic procurement and distribution choices.
• Customer Service Mindset - Prioritizes the experience of agencies, partners, and program guests; translates feedback into actionable service improvements.
• Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement - Implements and reinforces consistent systems, standard work, and metrics to strengthen efficiency, accuracy, and safety across the supply chain.
• Change Leadership and Adaptability - Navigates evolving donor markets, food trends, and community needs with agility; inspires confidence and calm through change.
• Finance and Budget Management - Develops, monitors, and manages sourcing and logistics budgets; aligns financial planning with organizational goals; ensures cost efficiency, responsible use of resources, and transparency in financial decision making.
  
  

Requirements

Qualifications

Required Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Industrial Engineering, Operations, Business Analytics, IT, or related field
• 2 years leadership experience in supply chain, IT, logistics, or operational setting
• 2 years experience supporting ERP systems and analytics in a warehouse/distribution environment
• Demonstrated success improving operational performance using data and technology
  
  

Preferred

• Masters Degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations, Business Analytics, IT, or related field
• Experience in food banking, nonprofit logistics, or mission-driven work
• Lean/Six Sigma certification or continuous improvement training
• Experience with Microsoft NAV/Ceres, Jet Reports, or warehouse technologies
• Lived experience with or commitment to racial equity and inclusive community service
  
  

Applications are due by December 19, 2025

Salary Range: $72,600 - $90,700/based on experience

Benefit Package Includes

• Health Insurance (we pay 90% of premium for full-time employees)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with 5% match
• Short Term Disability Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Life and AD&D Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off starting at 23 Days per year.
• 13 Paid Holidays per year
• Employment Transition Pay
  
  

Expectations of the Employee

• Adheres to Second Harvest Foodbank Policy and Procedures.
• Acts as a role model within and outside the Foodbank.
• Performs duties as workload necessitates.
• Timely and appropriate execution and implementation of plans and ideas
• Maintains a positive and respectful attitude.
• Communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues.
• Demonstrates flexible and efficient time management and ability to prioritize work load.
• Consistently reports to work on time prepared to perform duties of position.
• Actively engages in and promotes an equitable and inclusive work environment.
  
  

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job operates in a professional office environment, and in the distribution center. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, etc. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to working near moving mechanical parts. This job also requires travel within our service area for purposes of meetings and food donor visits.

• In instances of a federal, state or locally declared emergency, Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin is typically considered an essential service and emergency responder; all of its employees may be called in to perform regular or emergent duties outside the scope of their usual responsibilities.
  
  

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully

perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with

Disabilities To Perform The Essential Functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand; walk; use hands to finger,

handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel,

crouch or crawl, taste and smell. The employee is regularly required to lift and/or move up to 30 lbs, and

occasionally up to 50 lbs.