Chief Operating Officer

The Chief Operating Officer serves as an integral executive leader for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, overseeing the Foodbank's warehouse/facility operations, transportation logistics, food sourcing, and program partnerships. The COO formulates and executes overall strategy for the multi-site operations with a primary focus on using data-driven metrics to ensure the Foodbank meets the programmatic, annual operating and related strategic goals. The COO possesses expertise in stakeholder engagement, data analysis, operations, regulatory compliance, and team leadership, alongside a deep commitment to driving systemic change in hunger- relief. The role demands a visionary leader who thrives in cross-departmental collaboration, fosters a culture of inclusion, and builds robust partnerships with local, regional, and national partners to elevate the organization's impact. This position reports to the President & CEO and is a member of the Foodbank's Executive Leadership Team (ELT). Salary range $140k-$150k based on experience.

Job Responsibilities:

• Serve as a culture builder by fostering an environment that aligns with the Foodbank's core values, providing mentorship and guidance to staff to enhance the Foodbank's culture and employee experience.
• Ensure the Foodbank is best in class with respect to food safety regulations, people safety operations, OSHA and DOT, TEFAP/CSFP, Feeding America contract compliance, and all relevant laws and regulations, as well as successful completion of related audit(s) by local, state, or national governing authorities.
• Provide leadership and oversight for the activities (people, processes, etc.) of the NPP, Operations, and Food Sourcing/Transportation teams. Ensure cross-departmental collaboration across the organization. Leadership includes time management, performance management, project management, etc.
  • Leadership of Operations includes oversight of product receipts, storage and distribution operations, product handling, product classification, inventory control, delivery, volunteer center activities, and facility management.
  • Leadership of Food Sourcing and Transportation includes oversight of the Foodbank's fleet activity and maintenance, DOT compliance, food/product purchasing, food donor recruitment and retention, and development/implementation of the product sourcing plan.
  • Leadership of Network Partners and Programs includes oversight of partner recruitment and retention, partner and Foodbank compliance, network training and education, foodbank-led distribution programs (such as the pop-up pantry, on-site pantries, and home delivery), and development/implementation of the service area assessment and operational response plan.
• Ensure adequate resources, leadership, systems of internal controls to ensure proper stewardship of operational assets including inventory, warehouse equipment, transportation equipment, electronic equipment and all ACRFB facilities.
• Oversee development of department budgets, ensuring collaboration with department leadership to plan, design, and develop an annual budget and financial plan that accounts for revenues and expenses connected to strategic goal achievement.
• Oversee department standard operating procedures, ensuring adequate review, revision, or development in alignment with internal and external requirements.
• Drive end-to-end supply chain improvements in food acquisition strategies, warehouse operations, food distribution methods, disposal management, inventory controls, transportation, and logistics.
• Plan and execute facility management plans to ensure continuity and safety of operations; oversee capital improvements and construction projects.
• Collaborate with IT on technology and systems that impact functional areas, including Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), appointment scheduling, GPS platforms, neighbor intake platforms, etc.; ensure systems administration and management with continuous improvement in mind to ensure a data-driven culture that improves inventory controls, operational efficiency, and data integrity.
• Work alongside community leaders, food and financial donors, government officials, and internal leaders/board members to build relationships and collaborative partnerships and resources to further the foodbank's mission.
• Travel throughout the 8-County service territory (Carroll, Holmes, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Tuscarawas, and Wayne counties), as well as within the State of Ohio and Nationally (as directed by the President & CEO) to represent the Foodbank externally with a variety of stakeholders (such as food donors, network partners, other foodbanks, etc.). Represent the foodbank with Feeding America, including service on national committees, to elevate the work of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.
• Maintain knowledge of exiting trends in relevant industries, including charitable food and general non-profit sector, corporate sector (including agriculture, grocery, and manufacturing) and government sector (including legislations that impacts functions of the foodbank and the people we serve).
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required, Master's degree preferred.
• Must be able to follow all applicable safety, food-handling, regulatory, and organizational requirements, including American Institute of Baking, Feeding America, Food and Drug Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, and Foodbank standard operating procedures and employee handbook expectations.
• Six to eight years of substantial experience working with public agencies, diverse populations, compliance monitoring and evaluation, communications, information systems, and software used to assess program performance.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents (financial reports, legal documents).
• Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the community.
• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.
• Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference, analyze complex data, and use findings to support data-driven decision-making for internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only a limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule.
• Must be willing and able to travel for the organization with short notice. Willingness to work beyond normal working hours, when necessary.
• Proficiency in Windows based computer systems and network administration mandatory.
• High level of initiative and self-direction to conduct research and analysis and execution of developed strategies.
• Possess strong leadership skills, including the ability to supervise, evaluate, and direct staff, volunteers, and interns. Must be well organized, exercise consistently sound judgment, demonstrate professionalism, and handle confidential information discreetly.
• Established relationships with, or the ability to cultivate relationships with, business, community and foundation leaders, regional media, and government officials.
• Commitment to understand and support ACRFB's mission, vision, and effective actions to end food insecurity and its causes, including respect for the people ACRFB serves and a willingness to learn and understand the drivers of food insecurity.
• A positive, solution-oriented mindset with a "can-do" approach to supporting the organization.
• Demonstrate the ability to interact effectively with individuals from different cultural backgrounds and beliefs, including openness to differing opinions and views.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, talk and/or hear, and/or use hands to finger, handle, or touch objects, tools, or controls. The employee is occasionally required to stand, and/or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds while moving files or small packages. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The mental and physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Work Environment:

Work is typically performed in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. At times, the work environment may be in a warehouse or at a network partner location in the community. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an individual encounter while performing the essential functions of this position.

Come join an organization that makes a difference in the lives of others! The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank is proud to be a multiple time recipient of the NorthCoast99 award, which showcases our Foodbank as one of the top 99 places to work in Northeast Ohio. We offer a warm and loving culture filled with opportunities to grow and develop your career, competitive benefits, and compensation, 9 paid Holidays and a generous paid time off program that begins on day one!