Operations Manager, nonprofit - Never Alone Inc. Community Food Pantry

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Operations Manager - Never Alone, Inc.
Overview
The Operations Manager ensures that pantry and warehouse operations run smoothly, safely, and efficiently—so that every family receives food with dignity, every volunteer feels supported, and the organization remains organized, compliant, and prepared to serve the community effectively.
The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily logistics and execution of pantry, warehouse, and distribution operations to ensure food moves efficiently and safely from donation to delivery to the individuals and families served.
This role partners closely with the Development Director and reports to the President. The Operations Manager leads staff and volunteers, manages inventory and food safety compliance, coordinates distributions, and maintains an organized, welcoming environment. This position serves as the central hub for operational excellence—ensuring that people, processes, and resources work seamlessly to support Never Alone’s mission.

Key Responsibilities
Food Logistics & Distribution
Manage food sourcing, including ordering through Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB) and other partners
Collaborate with the retail pickup team to coordinate food recovery efforts
Oversee receiving, inspection, stocking, and inventory control using FIFO (First In, First Out) standards
Plan and execute pantry operations and warehouse distribution activities
Align inventory levels with anticipated demand to minimize waste and shortages
Volunteer & Staff Management
Supervise the Volunteer Coordinator, support staff, and 200+ volunteers.
Train, mentor, and support team members and volunteers to ensure smooth daily operations
Foster a positive, respectful, and mission-driven culture for staff and volunteers
Anticipate volunteer shortages, minimize turnover and recruit new volunteers to ensure stable workforce availability.
Step in as needed to support or backfill operational roles
Food Safety & Compliance
Enforce all food safety standards, including USDA guidelines, food bank partner requirements, and ServSafe protocols
Monitor and document required temperature controls for refrigeration, freezers, and storage areas
Maintain clean, sanitary conditions throughout pantry and warehouse facilities
Ensure staff and volunteers are trained in proper food handling, storage, and safety procedures
Coordinate pest control services and maintain compliance records
Facility & Equipment Management
Maintain organized, efficient pantry and warehouse environments
Oversee maintenance and proper use of equipment (refrigeration units, pallet jacks, vehicles.)
Ensure facilities are clean, safe, and ready for daily operations
Coordinate repairs, preventative maintenance, and safety improvements
Client Experience
Foster a welcoming, respectful, and dignified experience for all clients.
Manage client flow to promote efficiency, safety, and accessibility
Address operational issues related to client services promptly and professionally
Qualifications & Experience
Five plus years of experience in operations, logistics, warehouse management, or nonprofit food distribution preferred
Strong organizational, leadership, and problem-solving skills
Ability to manage teams in a fast-paced, hands-on environment
Proficiency with basic computer systems and ability to learn tools such as Square, Oasis, Microsoft Word and Excel, Volgistics, and reporting platforms
Knowledge of food safety standards (Manager ServSafe certification preferred. Certification will be required within first six months in the role.)
Ability to lift 20–40 lbs. and work in a warehouse environment
Strong communication skills with a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset
Core Competencies
Operational leadership and execution
Team and volunteer management
Process improvement and organization
Problem-solving and adaptability
Commitment to mission-driven service
Reporting Structure
Reports to the President and works in close partnership with the Development Director. Collaborates regularly with organizational leadership and the Board of Directors
What This Role Is Not
This is not a corporate role.

This is a mission first, philanthropic role requiring creative problem solving, resilience, and a heart for serving others.

If you want meaningful work that makes a positive difference in the lives of others, then this is the role for you.
This is not a purely administrative or supervisory role. This operation is lean to ensure that financial donations benefit the mission as much as possible without excessive administrative costs.

The Operations Manager is expected to be actively engaged in daily pantry and warehouse operations and a partner in optimizing costs to operate and improving guest experience.
This is not a desk-only position. The role requires regular presence on the floor, supporting distributions, managing inventory, and assisting the team as needed.
This is not a predictable, static environment. With over 200 volunteers, variable food availability, and surges in need, the ability to adapt quickly, manage changing priorities, and respond to real-time operational needs is essential.

Benefits
· Employees receive two (2) weeks of paid vacation annually.
· Additional benefits may be available and will be discussed during the interview process.

About Never Alone
Never Alone is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing food and hope to individuals and families experiencing food insecurity across Cherokee, Pickens, and Bartow counties in Georgia.
Operations include:
A client-choice pantry located in Woodstock, Georgia
Mobile food distributions serving rural communities via refrigerated trucks
A warehouse facility in Ball Ground, Georgia focused on food storage, packing, and volunteer engagement
Never Alone partners with volunteers, businesses, churches, and community organizations to extend its reach and impact. The organization operates six days per week, year-round, with closures only on major holidays.

Employment Requirements & Work Environment
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check and drug screening.
Never Alone maintains a drug-free, alcohol-free, and tobacco-free work environment. xsgimln
The use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco is prohibited during working hours, whether on-site or off-site while conducting organizational business.