Director of Operations

Director of Operations

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.

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.
• Strategic Leadership: Collaborate with the COO to develop and implement the organization's logistics and operations strategy.
• Compliance & Risk Management: Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, transportation, warehousing, and food safety regulations.
• Operational & Financial Controls: Establish and maintain inventory, fleet management, food safety, and financial control systems.
• Organizational Design & Staffing: Develop and implement an effective logistics organizational structure.
• Leadership & Ethics: Demonstrate strong leadership, sound judgment, and professional integrity.

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.

ADA/ADAAA Statement: Mid-South Food Bank is committed to equal opportunity in employment for persons with disabilities and complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), as amended, and any other applicable state and federal laws. Accordingly, Mid-South Food Bank does not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities regarding application, hiring, advancement, discharge, compensation, training or other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. Moreover, it is Mid-South Food Bank's policy to provide reasonable accommodations in employment to qualified individuals with disabilities so that they can perform the essential functions of the job, unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of Mid-South Food Bank's business or would change the essential functions of the position. Retaliation against an individual with a disability to utilize this policy or seeking reasonable accommodation is prohibited. Individuals with any questions or requests for accommodation should contact the Human Resources Department.

Job Description Acknowledgement

All requirements in the job description provided herein indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills, and/or abilities deemed necessary to perform the job competently. Job descriptions are an overview of the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position. Food Bank Employees may be required to perform other job-related assignments as requested. Upon offer and acceptance of employment, the candidate will indicate their understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position by signing a copy of this job description. The Food Bank reserves the right to make appropriate changes in this job description at management's sole discretion.