Director of Operations

Socket.dev; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Mid-South Food Bank seeks a Director of Operations to lead warehousing, transportation, inventory, and facilities. You will collaborate with the COO to chart the logistics strategy and ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards.

The role requires 5+ years of progressive leadership in operations, with a focus on food distribution, and a commitment to safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement across all logistics functions.

Qualifications

• 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 DOT, OSHA, fleet management, and transportation regulations.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for warehousing, transportation, inventory, and facilities functions.
• Collaborate with the COO to develop and implement operational strategy.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and food safety standards.
• Lead logistics managers responsible for daily operations and drive efficiency, engagement, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain performance metrics and drive organizational governance.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Team development

Influencing

Education

High school diploma or GED

Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Inventory management software

Job description

Job Description

• Job Title: Director of Operations
• Reports To: Chief Operations Officer
• Positions Supervised: Inventory Control Manager, Warehouse Manager, Transportation Manager, NSLP Coordinator
• Status: Full-Time
• FLSA: Exempt
• Hours: 40 Hours/Week, Mon - Fri (or as needed/required)
• Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 annually

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.

Duties/Responsibilities

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.
• Attract, develop, retain, and engage high-performing talent from diverse backgrounds.
• Build trust and encourage collaboration among employees, contractors, volunteers, and leadership teams.

Strategic Leadership

• Collaborate with the COO to develop and implement the organization's logistics and operations strategy.
• Develop and maintain performance metrics and balanced scorecards to evaluate operational effectiveness.
• Build relationships with peer organizations and industry partners to share best practices and drive innovation in logistics operations.

Compliance & Risk Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, transportation, warehousing, and food safety regulations.
• Ensure risk management initiatives are in place for facilities, transportation, warehouse safety, food safety, and operational continuity.
• Develop and maintain programs and procedures that document compliance requirements.
• Promote and maintain a culture of workplace safety for employees, volunteers, contractors, and visitors.

Operational & Financial Controls

• Establish and maintain inventory, fleet management, food safety, and financial control systems.
• Oversee the efficient receiving, storage, handling, allocation, shipping, and delivery of food and related products.
• Ensure facilities, vehicles, and equipment are properly maintained and operating safely and effectively.

Organizational Design & Staffing

• Develop and implement an effective logistics organizational structure.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels to support operational objectives.
• Establish performance standards, recognize high performers, and address performance concerns appropriately.

Leadership & Ethics

• Demonstrate strong leadership, sound judgment, and professional integrity.
• Lead by example while fostering accountability, trust, and continuous improvement.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards and ensure decisions align with the organization's mission, values, and stakeholder interests.

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 providedherein 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 theirunderstanding 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 atmanagement’ssole discretion.