Operations Manager- Farm Food Distribution Hub

The Common Market, a nonprofit regional food distributor, is seeking an Operations Manager for its Great Lakes Food Hub based in Chicago. This position will play a critical role in overseeing the start-up of a new local food distribution hub in a new city. As a member of The Common Market team, the Operations Manager will be an ambassador of our mission to connect urban communities with sustainable family farms. The mission is carried out by selling fresh, healthy food to community institutions, creating a supply chain for farmers and ranchers, as well as providing wholesale food procurement services. The selected candidate will report to the Regional Director and work closely with the national leadership team. The position requires a highly motivated individual who is able to manage multiple tasks at the same time and has excellent communication skills.
Responsibilities

• Lead the start-up of a new distribution hub, including overseeing facility set-up, hiring and training staff, and securing relationships with local farmers and institutional buyers
• Manage relationships with local farmers and institutional buyers to ensure the delivery of fresh, healthy and sustainably grown food
• Develop and track budgets, as well as develop financial forecasts and monthly reports
• Collaborate with the sales team to identify new business and growth opportunities
• Develop and implement new operational strategies that ensure efficiency, accuracy and timeliness of delivery
• Develop and maintain relationships with existing and potential suppliers
• Act as an ambassador for The Common Market and share our mission with external stakeholders and community partners

Requirements

• Demonstrated experience in budget management and financial forecasting
• 5+ years of experience in operations management specifically in food distribution or food related industries
• Bachelor's degree in business, operations, agriculture, or related fields
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Highly motivated individual with strong work ethic
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize work effectively
• Solid understanding of food supply chains
• Ability to lead a team and create a positive culture

Benefits

• $67-$76k Annual Salary
• 2 weeks PTO plus 5 paid sick days
• Comprehensive medical, dental and vision + company paid Life, AD&D and LTD insurance
• Full Time
• SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with a 100% company match (up to 3% of annual salary