Director of Operations
Feeding America, Syracuse, NY, United States
Reports to: Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Salary Range: $90,000-$111,000 annually
Position Summary Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Director of Operations provides leadership and strategic direction for all operational functions that support the distribution of food and resources across the emergency food network. This role ensures that all Operations departments function safely, efficiently, and in alignment with organizational standards for food safety, regulatory compliance, and service reliability. The Director coordinates cross‑department operations, develops management capacity, and ensures consistent implementation of operational systems that support the mission of Food Bank of Central New York to provide nutritious food to people in need.
Essential Functions
Operational Leadership
Develop, coordinate, and lead day‑to‑day operations in the warehouse, transportation, food rescue, and facility operations departments.
Exercise sound judgment and independent decision‑making within scope of responsibility, escalating issues appropriately.
Promote and model leadership that supports the organization’s values and strategic direction.
Collaborate effectively with other departments and leadership to support cross‑functional initiatives and organization‑wide goals.
Ensure consistent execution of operational procedures.
Monitor overall operational performance and throughput, addressing bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
Maintain awareness of budgetary impact, resource needs, and compliance requirements relevant to teams and grants.
Participate in leadership meetings and contribute to organizational planning, policy updates, and performance improvement efforts.
Manager Development & Accountability
Provide direct supervision, coaching, and support to assigned staff, including regular one‑on‑one meetings, performance evaluations, professional development planning, and conflict management.
Monitor departmental performance indicators.
Support managers in resolving operational challenges.
Ensure managers maintain appropriate safety and sanitation standards.
Reinforce accountability and consistent management practices.
Safety and Risk Oversight
Ensure operational activities are conducted safely in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
Oversee safety practices in all operational areas.
Review incident reports and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
Coordinate safety training and communication.
Support development and maintenance of safety policies and procedures.
Monitor trends related to equipment damage, injuries, and near misses.
Food Safety & Compliance Oversight
Support organizational compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.
Ensure operational departments follow food safety procedures.
Monitor sanitation and facility standards.
Ensure all operational areas are ready for inspections and that corrective actions are completed.
Coordinate with staff responsible for documentation and compliance tracking.
Operational Systems & Continuous Improvement
Continuously improve operational efficiency and reliability across assigned departments.
Identify opportunities to improve workflows and coordination.
Implement standardized operational procedures where needed.
Support data collection related to operational performance.
Physical Requirements
Occasionally lift and maneuver heavy items weighing 60+ pounds.
Stand, walk, bend, and lift for extended periods.
Work in various climates, including a –40°F cooler and a 0°F freezer (appropriate gear/PPE provided).
Operate or oversee the operation of warehouse equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks.
Work prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Move about office and warehouse environments as needed.
Education & Certification Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Logistics/Supply Chain, Business Administration, Industrial Management, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid driver’s license required.
Food safety certification preferred.
OSHA safety training or certification preferred.
Pre‑employment background check required.
Experience Requirements
At least 5 years of experience in operations, warehouse management, fleet management logistics, regulated food environments, OSHA safety programs, and/or continuous improvement processes.
Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
Experience in nonprofit, food banking, or regulated food environments a plus.
Experience managing budgets, operational metrics, and process improvement initiatives.
Experience with warehouse management systems (WMS) or logistics software.
Skill Requirements
Strong leadership and people management skills.
Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate operational procedures.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
Effective communication skills across diverse teams and functions.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and inventory management software.
Commitment to the mission and values of Food Bank of Central New York.
Bi‑ or multilingual a plus.
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance
12 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday
Generous paid time off (PTO)
401(k) plan after 1 month with employer match after 1 year
$100 annual boot credit
Eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for federal college loans
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for employees who require them due to medical conditions or disabilities.
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Salary Range: $90,000-$111,000 annually
Position Summary Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Director of Operations provides leadership and strategic direction for all operational functions that support the distribution of food and resources across the emergency food network. This role ensures that all Operations departments function safely, efficiently, and in alignment with organizational standards for food safety, regulatory compliance, and service reliability. The Director coordinates cross‑department operations, develops management capacity, and ensures consistent implementation of operational systems that support the mission of Food Bank of Central New York to provide nutritious food to people in need.
Essential Functions
Operational Leadership
Develop, coordinate, and lead day‑to‑day operations in the warehouse, transportation, food rescue, and facility operations departments.
Exercise sound judgment and independent decision‑making within scope of responsibility, escalating issues appropriately.
Promote and model leadership that supports the organization’s values and strategic direction.
Collaborate effectively with other departments and leadership to support cross‑functional initiatives and organization‑wide goals.
Ensure consistent execution of operational procedures.
Monitor overall operational performance and throughput, addressing bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
Maintain awareness of budgetary impact, resource needs, and compliance requirements relevant to teams and grants.
Participate in leadership meetings and contribute to organizational planning, policy updates, and performance improvement efforts.
Manager Development & Accountability
Provide direct supervision, coaching, and support to assigned staff, including regular one‑on‑one meetings, performance evaluations, professional development planning, and conflict management.
Monitor departmental performance indicators.
Support managers in resolving operational challenges.
Ensure managers maintain appropriate safety and sanitation standards.
Reinforce accountability and consistent management practices.
Safety and Risk Oversight
Ensure operational activities are conducted safely in accordance with organizational policies and regulatory requirements.
Oversee safety practices in all operational areas.
Review incident reports and ensure corrective actions are implemented.
Coordinate safety training and communication.
Support development and maintenance of safety policies and procedures.
Monitor trends related to equipment damage, injuries, and near misses.
Food Safety & Compliance Oversight
Support organizational compliance with food safety and regulatory requirements.
Ensure operational departments follow food safety procedures.
Monitor sanitation and facility standards.
Ensure all operational areas are ready for inspections and that corrective actions are completed.
Coordinate with staff responsible for documentation and compliance tracking.
Operational Systems & Continuous Improvement
Continuously improve operational efficiency and reliability across assigned departments.
Identify opportunities to improve workflows and coordination.
Implement standardized operational procedures where needed.
Support data collection related to operational performance.
Physical Requirements
Occasionally lift and maneuver heavy items weighing 60+ pounds.
Stand, walk, bend, and lift for extended periods.
Work in various climates, including a –40°F cooler and a 0°F freezer (appropriate gear/PPE provided).
Operate or oversee the operation of warehouse equipment such as forklifts and pallet jacks.
Work prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Move about office and warehouse environments as needed.
Education & Certification Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Logistics/Supply Chain, Business Administration, Industrial Management, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Valid driver’s license required.
Food safety certification preferred.
OSHA safety training or certification preferred.
Pre‑employment background check required.
Experience Requirements
At least 5 years of experience in operations, warehouse management, fleet management logistics, regulated food environments, OSHA safety programs, and/or continuous improvement processes.
Minimum 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
Experience in nonprofit, food banking, or regulated food environments a plus.
Experience managing budgets, operational metrics, and process improvement initiatives.
Experience with warehouse management systems (WMS) or logistics software.
Skill Requirements
Strong leadership and people management skills.
Excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate operational procedures.
Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
Effective communication skills across diverse teams and functions.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and inventory management software.
Commitment to the mission and values of Food Bank of Central New York.
Bi‑ or multilingual a plus.
Benefits
Health, dental, and vision insurance
12 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday
Generous paid time off (PTO)
401(k) plan after 1 month with employer match after 1 year
$100 annual boot credit
Eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for federal college loans
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for employees who require them due to medical conditions or disabilities.
#J-18808-Ljbffr