Chief Operating Officer

Position Announcement :

Chief Operating Officer

August 16, 2024 (open) until filled

Resumes will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

About Us :

Since 1981, the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore has proudly provided more than 400 million meals to our neighbors in need.

Serving eleven cities and counties where one in ten neighbors are food insecure, we play a vital role in the fight against hunger by collecting, storing, and distributing nutritious food.

In addition, we focus on long-term solutions towards self-sufficiency by addressing the root causes of hunger. Our mission is supported by a dedicated network of volunteers, generous donors, and compassionate community partners.

Together, we strive to ensure that no one in our community goes to bed hungry. To learn more, visit foodbankonline.org or find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and TikTok.

Position Overview :

Providing leadership, vision and expertise, the Chief Operating Officer is responsible for advancing the mission of the Foodbank through food sourcing, storage and distribution activities across the Foodbank’s service area.

• They lead planning and implementation of food sourcing across multiple channels (government, food and farming industry donations, and purchasing);
• warehousing and distribution across 3 branches, 4 food hubs and 200 partner and program sites; development and implementation of all standard operating policies and procedures including those concerning food, safety, workplace safety and transportation;

and the management of the organization’s fleet facilities and warehouse equipment.

As a key member of the Executive Team, serves as a top and trusted advisor to the President & CEO and members of the Board of Directors (BOD) in areas of operations and project management.

The COO will ensure the Foodbank complies with all applicable State and Federal laws, Feeding America guidelines and AIB standards.

The COO will demonstrate a passion for the mission of the Foodbank : Leading the effort to eliminate hunger in our community.

They will adhere to the highest ethical standards, demonstrate empathetic disposition and perseverance, and respect for those we serve and those we serve beside.

The COO will serve as the tactical leader of the foodbank and maintain the day-to-day operations of the food distribution business.

Duties and Responsibilities :

Leadership, Management and Culture :

• Evaluate the results of department operations and programs regularly and communicate findings to the President and CEO and Executive Team.
• Promote communication and adequate information flow departmentally and organization wide.
• Maintain communication with other Foodbank executives to ensure proper coordination and work plans.
• Ensure that all functional activities are carried out in compliance with local, state and federal regulations and laws governing business operations.
• Assist the President and CEO in coordinating information and reports.
• Translate strategy into actionable goals for performance and growth to implement annual work plans for department teams and members.
• Provide direction and coaching to direct reports in performance management and professional development of departmental staff.
• Promotes effective communication between executive leadership and departments, aiming to eliminate communication barriers, ensure timely responsiveness, and facilitate prompt decision making.
• Provides business advice and guidance to Foodbank staff, covering operational policies, procedures and new initiatives, while cultivating a success-oriented and accountable environment.
• Serves as the Chief responsible for the safety of our entire staff and ensures that the safety of our employees and neighbors is our top priority, including physical / health safety, food safety and environmental safety.
• Adhere to the highest ethical standards, demonstrate empathetic disposition and perseverance, and respect for those we serve.
• Performs all other related duties as requested or assigned.

Planning and Strategy :

• Participates in the development and execution of multiyear organizational strategic plans.
• Assess and enhance internal systems, policies, and procedures to optimize operational performance, while also creating and executing plans for the organization’s operational infrastructure.
• Leads the development of annual workplans and budgets for the Operations Department.
• Oversee all building, construction and capital projects.
• Develop and execute short-term and long-term plans for Facilities, Food Sourcing, Operations and Partner Agencies, aligning with organizational goals and growth objectives.

Additionally, take the lead in creating annual work plans and budgets for the Operations Department.

During times of emergency, work with the leadership team to oversee the planning and execution of disaster response operations and management of partner relationships.

Food Sourcing, Warehousing and Distribution :

• Manages and orchestrates the flow of food throughout our system to include donation, purchase, storage, inventory and distribution to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our agency partners, Programs / Innovation Department Initiatives, community partners, and, most importantly our neighbors
• Ensures a comprehensive understanding of all aspects related to the warehouse and other food bank facilities, prioritizing timely product receipt, distribution, and accurate documentation while adhering to health and safety standards.
• Ensure effective inventory management (weighing, counting, receiving, resolving unaccounted-for products, product rotation, and sufficient food availability and supply in line with the Foodbank SOPs.
• Oversees the development, implementation, and adaptation of annual food sourcing plans consistent with the organization’s strategic goals and a dynamic sourcing environment.
• Ensures that food sourcing is fulfilled in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders and in accordance with the Foodbank’s nutrition policy as well as applicable regulations.
• Ensures accurate and effective utilization of the Foodbank’s inventory management system by all staff in the department.
• Maintains a high standard of customer service for internal and external stakeholders, including and especially food distribution and program partners, in all areas of food sourcing and distribution.
• Identifies and realizes efficiencies in warehouse operations and transportation, balancing as efficiency with volunteer and community engagement as necessary to support and achieve broader organizational goals.
• Ensures compliance with all federal and state transportation regulations.
• Oversees the maintenance of the Foodbank’s fleet and warehouse equipment in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and best practices including but not limited to federal and state regulations.

Workplace and Food Safety :

• Ensures that each distribution center operates under safe conditions and complies with OSHA and all other safety regulations.
• Regularly oversees the training of staff members in workplace safety.
• Develops, updates, and ensures adherence to food safety policies and procedures aligned with standards from the American Institute of Baking (AIB), Feeding America and the USDA.
• Prepares for and successfully passes annual AIB food safety audit across all three warehouses.

Working Hours :

• Full-time, exempt
• Monday-Friday, with Saturdays as needed for scheduled distributions.
• Some evening and weekend work is required.
• Hours are dependent upon tasks, meetings, projects and scheduled distributions.

Qualifications :

Bachelor’s degree in public / business administration, management, human services, or related fields. (Master’s degree preferred.

or equivalent experience.

• Minimum five (5) years of management experience in a related field. (Executive nonprofit experience preferred).
• Experience with inventory management software and a high level of computer mastery. (MS Office Suite, Pivot tables, etc.)
• Excellent public speaking skills.
• Exceptional communication skills (verbal and written), including the ability to address issues in a nonpartisan and nonpolarizing ways.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from all backgrounds.
• Knowledge of poverty and hunger issues and support of the organization’s mission.
• Flexibility to travel to off-sit meetings and to work hours outside standard day.
• Effective attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to promote a diverse and inclusive workplace through a keen ability to interact effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences and personalities.
• Experience in a complex organization relative to size and scope of the Foodbank from an operational and financial standpoint.
• Experience presenting to and providing critical information to executive teams and Boards of Directors.

How to Apply :

Complete the application at Career Opportunities or email a resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject : Chief Operating Officer.

The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.

If reasonable accommodation is needed to complete the application process, please contact the employer directly at [email protected].

The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Foodbank encourages applications from qualified persons of every race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and disability.