Operations Manager Lancer Farms

Why choose the College of Lake County for your next opportunity?The College of Lake County (CLC) offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits that includes Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois health, Delta Dental and Superior Vision insurance plans, tuition support for employees and qualified family members, three retirement plans, disability, group and supplemental life insurance, health and dependent care flexible spending account plans, a compressed work week in the summer (Closed Fridays!), generous vacation, sick and personal time off and 14 paid holidays each year.Some benefits will not be available for Part-Time or Part Time Staff Under 20 Hours (ex: health insurance).Position Title:Operations Manager Lancer FarmsJob Summary:The Operations Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing supply chain, distribution, and market-facing operations for all three Lancer Farms at the College of Lake County including the Grayslake Campus Farm, the Greenbelt Farm at the Greenbelt Forest Preserve, and the Urban Farm Center at Lakeshore Campus. The position ensures the efficient, compliant, and strategic movement of agricultural inputs and harvested “Lancer Fresh” products in support of instructional programming, institutional purchasing, community food access, and regional food system development.In addition to supporting College needs, this role works with wholesalers, institutional buyers, local growers, and food producers to strengthen markets for locally produced food. The Operations Manager provides leadership for inventory systems, logistics, purchasing, and sales coordination while advancing the department’s role as a connector within the local and regional food system.Job Description:Essential Job FunctionsSupply Chain, Distribution, and Market Operations (40%)Plan, coordinate, and manage supply chain operations including procurement, inventory management, storage, distribution /sales , and logistics .Coordinate the handling, storage, and distribution of agricultural products for instructional use, College consumption, wholesale distribution, and approved institutional buyers.Work with wholesalers and distribution partners to sell Lan cer Fresh products to institutional buyers beyond the College, in alignment with College policies.Support aggregation, distribution, or coordinated logistics that include products from local growers and food producers, as appropriate .Monitor supply chain and distribution performance; identify risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for market growth.Collaborate with local growers, food producers, and partners to strengthen supply chains and expand access to institutional and wholesale markets.Support efforts to grow markets for locally produced food through coordination, logistics planning, and operational support.Contribute operational expertise to initiatives that advance local food systems, workforce development, and regional economic vitality.Ensure all activities align with educational objectives , community engagement goals, and College policies.Strategic Leadership/Project Management (40%)Assist in the development and management of supply chain– and distribution-related budgets.Monitor inventory levels, sales activity, and expenditures; prepare reports and operational summaries.Coordinate purchasing and vendor relationships in compliance with College procurement requirements.Review and approve supply chain–related expenses within delegated authority.Oversee the use of inventory, logistics , and reporting systems.Maintain accurate records in compliance with College requirements.Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, transparency, and alignment with instructional and food system goals.Serve as a liaison between the Urban Farm Center and internal departments including Finance, Procurement, Facilities (specifically the Auxiliary Services department who will oversee distribution of Lancer Fresh products at the Lancer Fresh Zone (the campus bookstore), Risk Management, and Academic Affairs.Coordinate with wholesalers, distributors, institutional buyers, growers, and food system partners to support operations and market development.Provide data, analysis, and operational insight to support program planning, assessment, and reporting.Personnel Management (15%)Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise assigned staff and student employees involved in supply chain and distribution activities.Assign work, establish priorities, and monitor performance.Provide coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations.Ensure compliance with safety standards and promote an inclusive and respectful work environment.Other (5%)Engage in professional development to stay ahead of industry trends.Represent department in shared governance and industry trade groups.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree and three (3) years of experience in supply chain management, agriculture, business, operations management, or a related field; OR Associate’s degree and five (5) years of experience in supply chain management, agriculture, business, operations management, or a related field .Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience.Experience managing inventory systems, budgets, and operational data.Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.Desired QualificationsExperience working with local or regional food systems, wholesalers, or institutional food buyers.Knowledge of food safety standards, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and produce handling requirements.Experience supporting market access for local growers or food producers.Experience supervising diverse staff and student populations.Proficiency with inventory management systems, spreadsheets, and enterprise software.Commitment to sustainability, workforce development, and community engagement.Physical Demands and Working ConditionsAbility to lift, push, or pull materials up to 50 pounds.Work is performed in farm, warehouse, cooler, and office environments.Frequent standing, walking, bending, and use of computers and mobile devices.Occasional work in varying weather conditions.Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree and three (3) years of experience in supply chain management, agriculture, business, operations management, or a related field; OR Associate’s degree and five (5) years of experience in supply chain management, agriculture, business, operations management, or a related field .Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience.Experience managing inventory systems, budgets, and operational data.Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.Desired QualificationsExperience working with local or regional food systems, wholesalers, or institutional food buyers.Knowledge of food safety standards, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and produce handling requirements.Experience supporting market access for local growers or food producers.Experience supervising diverse staff and student populations.Proficiency with inventory management systems, spreadsheets, and enterprise software.Commitment to sustainability, workforce development, and community engagement.Physical Demands and Working ConditionsAbility to lift, push, or pull materials up to 50 pounds.Work is performed in farm, warehouse, cooler, and office environments.Frequent standing, walking, bending, and use of computers and mobile devices.Occasional work in varying weather conditions.Salary: $70,000 - $84,400/year. Salary, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment are highly competitive and will be commensurate with the candidate’s background and experience.Application Deadline: July 20, 2026.Full-Time/Part-Time:Full timeTotal Hours Per Week:40Position Type:StaffJob Family:ProfessionalPosting Date:07/01/2026Expected Start Date:08/17/2026Compensation Grade:C43Location:Lakeshore CampusDepartment:Lancer Farms DepartmentEEO Statement:College of Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a policy of non-discrimination. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, citizenship, parental status, pregnancy or any other status protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr