Overview
Join Our Team at Cultivate Food Rescue!
Are you an experienced Director of Operations with a passion for community impact? Cultivate Food Rescue, a leading food rescue organization based in South Bend, Indiana, is seeking a strategic leader for our operations team.
Position Summary
The Director of Operations will play a pivotal role in overseeing the daily operations and ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of all business functions within a cold storage warehouse. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Director of Operations will have input on and implementing strategic initiatives, optimizing warehouse operations, maintaining regulatory compliance, and driving operational excellence.
Position Responsibilities
· Operational Leadership:
· Oversee and manage all operational activities within the cold storage warehouse, including receiving, storing, inventory management, and order fulfillment.
· Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure efficiency, safety, and quality across all operations.
· Strategic Planning:
· Collaborate with the executive team to develop and execute short- and long-term business strategies.
· Identify opportunities for expansion, process improvement, and cost reduction.
· Team Management:
· Lead, mentor, and manage a diverse team including a warehouse manager, a route and building maintenance manager and a food donor and recipient rep and staff to meet performance goals.
· Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
· Regulatory Compliance:
· Ensure compliance with industry standards, health and safety regulations, and environmental requirements specific to cold storage.
· Maintain accurate documentation for audits and inspections.
· Customer and Vendor Relations:
· Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and logistics partners.
· Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction through timely and accurate service delivery.
· Technology and Systems Optimization:
· Oversee the implementation and management of warehouse management systems (WMS) and other technology to streamline operations.
· Learn and integrate our AWS pantry ordering platform with our Warehouse Management Software.
· Leverage data and analytics to monitor performance, drive decision-making and to report to stakeholders.
· Budget Management:
· Develop and oversee operational budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with financial goals.
· Monitor expenditures and identify areas for cost-saving measures.
· Cold Storage Expertise:
· Ensure proper handling and storage of temperature-sensitive products, maintaining optimal conditions to prevent spoilage or loss.
· Stay updated on best practices and technological advancements in cold storage and logistics.
Core Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following core competencies:
· Be passionate about our mission that No Neighbor goes Hungry, and No Food is Wasted
· Building a culture of respect and compassion
· Strategic Thinking
· Logistics and Food Handling Experience
· Leadership and Team Building
· Financial Acumen
· Process Improvement
· Customer Focus
Working Conditions:
· The role requires time spent in both office and warehouse environments, with routine exposure to cold temperatures.
· Typical office activities.
· Local travel frequently to meet with clients, vendors, or stakeholders and to oversee multiple facilities and occasional out of town travel.
· Walking, sitting, standing, and bending.
· Using hands to operate object, tools, computers, and other electronic equipment
· Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
Minimum:
· Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related field; an MBA is a plus.
· Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in cold storage, logistics, or a related industry.
· Proven track record of leadership and driving operational excellence in a warehouse or logistics environment.
· Strong understanding of cold storage requirements, including temperature control, food safety regulations, and inventory management.
· Exceptional problem-solving, organizational, and decision-making skills.
· Proficiency in warehouse management systems (WMS), excel, software development and other relevant technology.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills of personnel so classified.
