Head of Operations - Senior Leader

Position: Head of Operations Reports To: Executive Director Classification: Full-Time, Exempt, Executive Leadership Compensation: Executive-level compensation, commensurate with experience Location: West Michigan | Regional Operations Direct Reports: Operations, Food Club, Food Hub, Warehouse, Procurement, Logistics, Transportation, and Technology Leadership

POSITION SUMMARY

Lakeshore Food Club is seeking an experienced, strategic, and results-driven Head of Operations to lead the operational infrastructure of a growing regional food access organization.

Lakeshore Food Club is transforming how rural communities access nutritious, affordable food. Through innovative nonprofit grocery stores, a regional food distribution hub, school-based food access programs, technology-enabled ordering systems, and strategic partnerships with farmers, institutions, and community organizations, we are building a more equitable, efficient, and sustainable regional food system.

The Head of Operations will serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for translating the organization's strategic vision into operational excellence across all locations, programs, and distribution channels.

This senior leader will provide comprehensive oversight of food club operations, regional food hub activities, supply chain management, procurement, warehousing, transportation, fleet management, operational technology, facilities, and related personnel.

The successful candidate will possess the ability to lead complex, multi-site operations; develop scalable systems; build high-performing teams; strengthen financial performance; and create the operational capacity necessary to support significant organizational growth.

This is a strategic senior leadership position requiring both enterprise-level operational vision and the ability to execute in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

KEY LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Executive Leadership & Organizational Strategy

• Serve as a senior member of the leadership team, collaborating directly with the Executive Director to establish and execute organizational priorities.
• Translate the organization's strategic plan into actionable operational objectives, performance benchmarks, and measurable outcomes.
• Provide executive oversight of all operational functions, ensuring coordination, accountability, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Lead operational planning for expansion into additional communities, facilities, and service delivery models.
• Evaluate organizational capacity, infrastructure, staffing, and technology requirements to support sustainable growth.
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and performance standards across all locations.
• Identify operational risks, develop mitigation strategies, and ensure organizational readiness.
• Provide regular operational performance reports, strategic recommendations, and financial analyses to the Executive Director.
• Collaborate with the executive leadership team on annual budgeting, resource allocation, capital investments, and long-term organizational planning.

1. Multi-Site Food Club Operations

Provide executive oversight of Lakeshore Food Club's community-based nonprofit grocery operations, including existing locations and future expansion.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensure consistent, efficient, and member-centered operations across all food club locations.
• Establish standardized operating procedures while allowing flexibility for community-specific needs.
• Oversee inventory management, product availability, ordering systems, staffing models, and operational workflows.
• Maintain high standards for food safety, facility cleanliness, product quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Evaluate operational performance, member service efficiency, product utilization, and cost effectiveness.
• Develop scalable operational models to support new food club locations.
• Collaborate with programming leadership to support school-based food access, online ordering, refrigerated food lockers, and other innovative distribution models.
• Ensure operations consistently reflect the organization's commitment to dignity, choice, accessibility, and equitable food access.

1. Regional Food Hub & Distribution Operations

Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Lakeshore Regional Food Hub and its expanding role in regional food systems development.

Responsibilities include:

• Direct the operational strategy and infrastructure of the regional food hub.
• Oversee food receiving, aggregation, storage, inventory management, order fulfillment, and distribution.
• Develop efficient processes for sourcing and distributing food across multiple counties and partner organizations.
• Establish and maintain performance standards for warehousing, cold-chain management, distribution accuracy, and food handling.
• Strengthen relationships with agricultural producers, distributors, food banks, and institutional partners in coordination with organizational leadership.
• Develop scalable systems for increased product volume, geographic expansion, and diversified distribution channels.
• Evaluate warehouse capacity, cold storage, facility utilization, equipment needs, and future capital investments.
• Ensure compliance with applicable food safety, transportation, storage, and distribution requirements.
• Monitor distribution costs, product movement, operational margins, and overall hub performance.

1. Supply Chain Management & Strategic Procurement

Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive regional supply chain and procurement strategy that balances quality, cost efficiency, reliability, and mission alignment.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide executive oversight of procurement, vendor management, supplier relationships, and sourcing strategies.
• Develop diversified supply chains incorporating Michigan agricultural products, regional producers, donated food, wholesale purchasing, and institutional supply partnerships.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen purchasing relationships with Michigan farmers, including new and beginning farmers.
• Support responsible sourcing strategies and opportunities involving regenerative agriculture and regional agricultural sustainability.
• Negotiate vendor agreements, purchasing terms, pricing structures, and supplier performance expectations.
• Establish procurement policies and purchasing controls that promote transparency, accountability, and cost effectiveness.
• Utilize purchasing data, demand forecasting, and inventory analysis to reduce waste and maximize purchasing power.
• Develop supplier performance metrics related to cost, quality, availability, delivery accuracy, and reliability.
• Identify opportunities for coordinated purchasing and improved economies of scale.
• Collaborate with program and development leadership to align procurement strategies with grant obligations, institutional partnerships, and organizational priorities.

1. Logistics, Transportation & Fleet Management

Provide executive leadership for transportation, delivery infrastructure, and fleet operations throughout the organization's service region.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and oversee comprehensive logistics and transportation strategies supporting food clubs, schools, institutional partners, and community distribution sites.
• Direct route planning, scheduling, delivery coordination, vehicle utilization, and transportation staffing.
• Establish performance standards for on-time delivery, transportation costs, distribution efficiency, and service reliability.
• Oversee organizational fleet assets, including electric vehicles, delivery vehicles, and future fleet expansion.
• Develop preventive maintenance programs, vehicle replacement strategies, and fleet utilization plans.
• Ensure compliance with applicable transportation, driver qualification, insurance, vehicle safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Optimize transportation infrastructure to reduce operating expenses and maximize geographic reach.
• Evaluate emerging technologies and delivery models that improve distribution efficiency and accessibility.
• Ensure effective cold-chain management throughout transportation and delivery operations.

1. Technology, Systems Integration & Operational Innovation

Lead the selection, implementation, integration, and continuous improvement of operational technology throughout the organization.

Responsibilities include:

• Establish an operational technology strategy aligned with organizational growth and service delivery requirements.
• Oversee technology platforms supporting inventory, procurement, point-of-sale systems, online ordering, member access, warehousing, logistics, and distribution.
• Ensure systems communicate effectively and provide reliable, actionable operational data.
• Lead technology implementation projects, vendor relationships, system upgrades, and process automation initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to leverage technology to reduce administrative burden, increase accuracy, improve productivity, and strengthen the member experience.
• Establish operational reporting tools and dashboards to track performance across all locations and departments.
• Collaborate with external technology providers to ensure system reliability, security, appropriate data access, and business continuity.
• Develop staff training and change management processes to support successful technology adoption.
• Evaluate emerging technologies that support food access innovation, rural service delivery, and operational efficiency.

1. Warehouse, Facilities & Infrastructure Management

Provide executive oversight of facilities, equipment, infrastructure, and physical operational assets.

Responsibilities include:

• Oversee warehouse operations, receiving, storage, product movement, inventory control, and order fulfillment.
• Establish consistent standards for warehouse productivity, accuracy, organization, safety, and accountability.
• Direct facilities management across food clubs, warehouses, and distribution sites.
• Oversee maintenance planning, vendor contracts, equipment utilization, and capital improvement projects.
• Develop long-term infrastructure plans addressing cold storage, warehouse capacity, fleet needs, and organizational expansion.
• Ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations, food handling requirements, and facility operating standards.
• Evaluate operational facilities and equipment needs through financial, logistical, and strategic analysis.
• Establish preventive maintenance and asset management programs.

1. Financial Stewardship & Operational Performance

Assume executive accountability for the financial efficiency and sustainability of organizational operations.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and manage operational budgets in partnership with the Executive Director and finance leadership.
• Monitor departmental expenses, resource utilization, labor efficiency, purchasing costs, transportation expenses, and distribution economics.
• Establish operational financial models that support decision-making and long-term sustainability.
• Evaluate cost per pound distributed, cost per delivery, inventory turnover, labor productivity, and other key operating indicators.
• Identify and implement strategies to reduce unnecessary expenses while maintaining service quality.
• Prepare financial analyses supporting equipment purchases, facility investments, staffing decisions, technology implementation, and expansion opportunities.
• Ensure appropriate purchasing authorization, inventory controls, asset accountability, and operational financial procedures.
• Support financial reporting and documentation requirements associated with grants, contracts, and restricted funding.
• Collaborate with organizational leadership to develop operationally sustainable funding and service delivery models.

1. Personnel Leadership & Organizational Development

Build, develop, and lead a high-performing operations team capable of supporting a complex and growing regional organization.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide executive oversight of operations managers, food club leadership, warehouse personnel, procurement staff, logistics and transportation employees, and other assigned operational personnel.
• Establish clear reporting structures, decision-making authority, job responsibilities, and accountability standards.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and evaluate operational leadership and personnel.
• Build succession plans and professional development opportunities within operational departments.
• Establish performance expectations and measurable individual and departmental objectives.
• Foster a collaborative, solutions-oriented organizational culture emphasizing accountability, respect, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Promote effective communication and coordination across locations, departments, and programs.
• Partner with organizational leadership to evaluate staffing structures, compensation requirements, workforce development, and organizational capacity.
• Ensure operational personnel are appropriately trained in safety, technology, equipment utilization, and standard operating procedures.
• Model professional integrity, sound judgment, and commitment to the organization's mission.

1. Risk Management, Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Establish operational risk management systems across facilities, transportation, food safety, technology, and supply chain functions.
• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Develop and maintain emergency preparedness, business continuity, product recall, and operational contingency plans.
• Maintain appropriate oversight of insurance, workplace safety, incident reporting, and operational documentation.
• Identify inefficiencies and lead cross-functional process improvement initiatives.
• Establish standards for performance measurement, corrective action, and operational accountability.
• Ensure operational practices support applicable grant agreements, service contracts, and organizational policies.
• Build a culture of continuous improvement, data-informed decision-making, and responsible resource stewardship.

EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY & ACCOUNTABILITY

The Vice President of Operations will have delegated authority for the day-to-day leadership and management of organizational operations within approved budgets, policies, and strategic priorities.

The position is accountable for:

• Operational performance across all food club locations and regional distribution activities.
• Execution of organizational expansion and infrastructure initiatives.
• Supply chain reliability, procurement effectiveness, and inventory integrity.
• Warehouse productivity and distribution performance.
• Transportation efficiency, fleet performance, and logistics coordination.
• Operational technology performance and systems integration.
• Operational workforce development and personnel accountability.
• Compliance, safety, risk mitigation, and operational continuity.
• Financial discipline and sustainable operational growth.

The Vice President will work closely with the Executive Director on strategic priorities, major capital investments, significant contractual commitments, organizational restructuring, and new service models.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, operations management, supply chain management, logistics, organizational leadership, or a related field.
• An equivalent combination of advanced professional experience, demonstrated executive leadership, and relevant education may be considered.

Professional Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in operations, supply chain management, logistics, distribution, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of five years of senior leadership experience with responsibility for multiple departments, significant budgets, and personnel management.
• Demonstrated success leading complex, multi-site operations.
• Proven experience developing and implementing scalable operational systems.
• Strong background in procurement, logistics, inventory management, warehouse operations, and organizational infrastructure.
• Experience managing operational budgets, evaluating financial performance, and improving cost efficiency.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational growth, manage change, and develop high-performing teams.
• Experience implementing or optimizing enterprise technology systems.
• Demonstrated success managing cross-functional initiatives and complex operational projects.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in business administration, operations management, supply chain management, or a related field or more than 20 years equivalent work experience.
• Executive leadership experience within food distribution, grocery retail, regional food systems, manufacturing, or a complex logistics organization.
• Familiarity with food safety standards, cold-chain logistics, and regulatory compliance.
• Experience with enterprise resource planning, warehouse management, transportation management, or integrated inventory systems.
• Experience in agricultural procurement, institutional purchasing, or regional food supply chains.
• Experience leading operations within nonprofit organizations, social enterprises, or public-private partnerships.
• Experience overseeing significant capital investments, facilities development, or geographic expansion.
• Familiarity with grant-funded operations and associated accountability requirements.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP COMPETENCIES

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

Strategic Thinking: Ability to anticipate organizational needs, develop long-term operational strategies, and align infrastructure with growth.

Operational Excellence: Demonstrated capacity to manage complex systems while maintaining efficiency, quality, and accountability.

Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of budgeting, cost analysis, operational economics, and responsible resource allocation.

Systems Leadership: Ability to connect people, processes, technology, and infrastructure into coordinated operating systems.

Change Management: Experience leading organizational transformation, integrating technology, and implementing new operating models.

People Leadership: Ability to develop leadership talent, build strong teams, establish expectations, and hold personnel accountable.

Executive Judgment: Sound decision-making, discretion, risk assessment, and the ability to navigate complexity.

Innovation: Commitment to identifying new solutions and leveraging technology to address operational challenges.

Mission Alignment: Genuine commitment to strengthening regional food systems, reducing food insecurity, and advancing dignified food access.

Pay: $85,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person