DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Good Food Jobs; Norwich (VT); On-site; USD 75,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Willing Hands in Norwich, VT, is seeking a Director of Operations to lead core operations. You will manage the warehouse, fleet, and food recovery, ensuring the efficient distribution of fresh food to communities in need.

This role includes oversight of budgeting, operations management, and staff supervision. Candidates should have at least 5 years in operations leadership, preferably in a nonprofit setting, and demonstrate strong financial and team management skills.

Salary range is $75,000 to $100,000.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in an operations leadership role, particularly in a nonprofit.
• Strong experience with financial management and operational leadership.
• Proven ability to supervise and support diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Ensure warehouse workflows support safe and efficient sorting and storage of food.
• Oversee development and management of the annual operating and capital budgets.
• Provide consistent supervision and coaching for direct reports.

Skills

Financial management

Operational leadership

Team supervision

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

5+ years in operations leadership role

Non-profit experience preferred

Tools

Computer systems

Job description

Company Description

Willing Hands’ Mission is to reduce food waste and expand equitable and reliable access to fresh foods. Willing Hands grows, gleans, and recovers nourishing fresh food and distributes it for free to our neighbors in need through a network of nearly 80 human service organizations in the greater Upper Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire.

Director of Operations

Location: Norwich, VT | Category: Agriculture / Nonprofit | Job type: Full‑Time

Job Description

Willing Hands is seeking a Director of Operations to provide senior leadership for our core operations. This role ensures our warehouse, fleet, facilities, and food recovery efforts run safely and smoothly, so that fresh, nourishing food reaches thousands of neighbors across the Upper Valley every week.

The Director of Operations ensures that Willing Hands’ core operational functions, including but not limited to warehouse operations, facilities, fleet, and food recovery logistics, run safely, efficiently, and in alignment with the organization’s mission. In partnership with the Executive Director, this position supports long‑term operational planning, informs and manages the organization‑wide expense budget, and participates in financial reporting. The role will also ensure compliance with safety and food‑handling standards and help maintain the organization’s infrastructure. As a senior leadership position, the Director of Operations supports organization‑wide systems development, staff supervision, and serves as a key internal leader across multiple departments. This position serves on the Willing Hands Management Team.

Key Accountabilities

• Warehouse and Delivery Operations – Oversight of all warehouse and delivery operations, including supervising the Operations Manager and supporting the operations team in SOP development, leading food recovery logistics, food sourcing, food pickup, and delivery. (40%)
• Capital Asset Management and Planning – Responsible for facilities and fleet management, including safety, maintenance, and capital planning. (10%)
• Organizational Leadership – Contribute to organization‑wide strategic planning and support the development team by providing operational insight and impact information. (10%)
• Financial Management – With the Executive Director, oversee all organizational budgeting and expense management. With the management team, lead short‑ and long‑term financial planning. (40%)
• Other related assignments as necessary.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Operations Manager, Part‑time Bookkeeper

Duties & Responsibilities

Operations, Warehouse, and Delivery

• Ensure warehouse workflows support safe, efficient sorting, packing, and storage of fresh food.
• Work with the Operations Manager and Delivery Lead to maintain effective delivery routes and schedules.
• Uphold food safety procedures and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
• Support the development of clear, written SOPs across operational areas.
• Support stewardship of existing and new food recovery partners.

Facilities, Fleet, and Infrastructure

• Manage maintenance and inspection schedules for all vehicles, refrigeration, and buildings.
• Create or maintain checklists and tracking systems for routine facilities upkeep.
• Support long‑term planning for equipment and vehicle replacement.
• Oversee IT systems and IT assets.

Organizational Leadership & Staff Support

• Provide consistent supervision, coaching, and annual evaluations for direct reports.
• Help develop organization‑wide systems that improve clarity, communication, and safety.
• Support implementation of the organization’s strategic plan in collaboration with the Executive Director.
• Foster a positive, mission‑focused, safety‑oriented workplace culture.

Fiscal Responsibilities

• Oversee the development and management of the organization’s annual operating and capital budgets.
• Work with team leads to monitor departmental expenses, update projections, and report monthly.
• Provide operational cost information needed for grant reporting and in‑kind and restricted‑fund tracking.
• Track spending on fleet, facilities, and equipment to support accurate forecasting.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong experience with financial management and operational leadership in a nonprofit or small‑business setting.
• Proven ability to supervise and support diverse teams across multiple functional areas.
• Clear communicator with strong organizational and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to translate complex operational needs into simple systems and checklists.
• Comfortable balancing office‑based work with hands‑on operational oversight.
• Commitment to safety, equity, and mission‑driven decision making.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

Required & Preferred Education and Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in an operations leadership role, with non‑profit experience preferred.
• Strong operational leadership experience, preferred in nonprofit, agricultural, food systems, logistics, or small‑business environments.
• Experience with warehouse, logistics, farming, and food systems is helpful but not required.
• Experience supervising staff and managing multi‑department systems.
• Proficient with computer systems and technology.
• Budget development, expense management, and financial reporting experience required; nonprofit finance preferred.

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

• Prolonged periods of computer work.
• Occasional ability to lift, move, or inspect materials in warehouse, farm, or fleet environments.
• Ability to move between the office, warehouse, and off‑site locations as needed.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Willing Hands is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender or gender identity, race, religion, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, or disability with respect to employment, volunteer participation, and the provision of services.

Compensation

Salaried: $75,000 – $100,000