Job Description

Job Title:

Director of Operations

Reports To:

Chief Operations Officer

Positions Supervised:

Inventory Control Manager, Warehouse Manager, Transportation Manager, NSLP Coordinator

Status:

Full-Time

FLSA:

Exempt

Hours:

40 Hours/Week, Mon - Fri (or as needed/required)

Salary:

$90,000 - $100,000 annually

Job Summary:

The Director of Operations provides strategic and operational leadership for Mid-South Food Bank's warehousing, transportation, inventory, and facilities functions. This position leads logistics managers responsible for daily operations, collaborates with the Chief Operations Officer to develop and implement operational strategy, ensures compliance with applicable regulations and food safety standards, and represents the organization as a senior leader to donors, partners, board members, and the community. The Director of Operations is responsible for driving efficiency, employee engagement, safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across all logistics operations.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Key Accountabilities

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Create and maintain a diverse, inclusive culture where employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to perform at their highest level.
• Attract, develop, retain, and engage high-performing talent from diverse backgrounds.
• Build trust and encourage collaboration among employees, contractors, volunteers, and leadership teams.

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with the COO to develop and implement the organization's logistics and operations strategy.
• Develop and maintain performance metrics and balanced scorecards to evaluate operational effectiveness.
• Build relationships with peer organizations and industry partners to share best practices and drive innovation in logistics operations.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, transportation, warehousing, and food safety regulations.
• Ensure risk management initiatives are in place for facilities, transportation, warehouse safety, food safety, and operational continuity.
• Develop and maintain programs and procedures that document compliance requirements.
• Promote and maintain a culture of workplace safety for employees, volunteers, contractors, and visitors.

Operational & Financial Controls

• Establish and maintain inventory, fleet management, food safety, and financial control systems.
• Oversee the efficient receiving, storage, handling, allocation, shipping, and delivery of food and related products.
• Ensure facilities, vehicles, and equipment are properly maintained and operating safely and effectively.

Organizational Design & Staffing

• Develop and implement an effective logistics organizational structure.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels to support operational objectives.
• Establish performance standards, recognize high performers, and address performance concerns appropriately.

Leadership & Ethics

• Demonstrate strong leadership, sound judgment, and professional integrity.
• Lead by example while fostering accountability, trust, and continuous improvement.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards and ensure decisions align with the organization's mission, values, and stakeholder interests.

Key Challenges

Internal

• Creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive culture.
• Accomplishing organizational objectives within staffing and budget limitations.
• Driving collaboration across employees, volunteers, contractors, and leadership teams.
• Implementing continuous improvement initiatives while managing organizational change.

External

• Attracting and retaining talented logistics and operations professionals in a competitive labor market.

Required or Preferred Qualifications:

Core Competencies

• Leadership and team development.
• Conflict management and collaboration.
• Customer focus and relationship building.
• Organizational planning and resource management.
• Process improvement and operational excellence.
• Performance management and accountability.
• Results orientation and strategic thinking.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and influencing skills.

Knowledge and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum five years of progressive leadership experience in logistics, warehousing, transportation, inventory management, or related operations management.
• Food distribution experience preferred.
• ServSafe certification or food safety credential preferred.
• Knowledge of Safe Food Handling requirements, food safety regulations, and best practices preferred.
• Knowledge of DOT, OSHA, fleet management, and transportation regulations.
• AIB inspection experience and HACCP training preferred.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and inventory management software.

Work Environment

This position operates in a combination of office, warehouse, transportation, and distribution environments. Responsibilities routinely require interaction with employees, volunteers, contractors, vendors, community partners, and donors. The position may require travel between facilities and the flexibility to work hours as necessary to support operational needs. The position may require the ability to operate and work safely around material handling equipment. The position may require the ability to lift heavy materials. The position requires the ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, twist, reach, push, pull, and lift throughout the day. The Director of Operations is responsible for ensuring safe, clean, organized, and compliant facilities and work environments.