Chief Operating Officer

Foodbank Of Southeastern Virginia And The Eastern Shore - Norfolk, VA

Full-time - Senior

Norfolk, VA

Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities

About the position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) at the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore plays a pivotal role in advancing the mission of the organization, which has been dedicated to fighting hunger since 1981. The COO is responsible for overseeing food sourcing, storage, and distribution activities across the Foodbank's service area, which includes eleven cities and counties where food insecurity is prevalent. This position requires a leader who can provide vision and expertise, ensuring that the Foodbank effectively collects, stores, and distributes nutritious food to those in need. The COO will lead the planning and implementation of food sourcing strategies across various channels, including government partnerships, food and farming industry donations, and purchasing. Additionally, the COO will manage warehousing and distribution operations across three branches, four food hubs, and 200 partner and program sites. In this role, the COO will develop and implement standard operating policies and procedures related to food safety, workplace safety, and transportation. They will also manage the organization's fleet, facilities, and warehouse equipment, ensuring compliance with all applicable state and federal laws, Feeding America guidelines, and AIB standards. As a key member of the Executive Team, the COO will serve as a trusted advisor to the President & CEO and the Board of Directors, providing insights and guidance on operational and project management matters. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a passion for the Foodbank's mission, embodying the highest ethical standards and a commitment to serving the community with empathy and respect. The COO will also be responsible for maintaining day-to-day operations of the food distribution business, ensuring that all functional activities comply with local, state, and federal regulations. They will evaluate departmental operations regularly, promote effective communication across the organization, and provide direction and coaching to direct reports. The COO will play a crucial role in translating strategic goals into actionable plans, fostering a culture of accountability and success within the organization.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Promote effective communication between executive leadership and departments, aiming to eliminate communication barriers, ensure timely responsiveness, and facilitate prompt decision making.
• Provide business advice and guidance to Foodbank staff, covering operational policies, procedures, and new initiatives, while cultivating a success-oriented and accountable environment.
• Serve as the Chief responsible for the safety of our entire staff and ensure that the safety of our employees and neighbors is our top priority, including physical/health safety, food safety, and environmental safety.
• Participate 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.
• Lead 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.
• Work with the leadership team to oversee the planning and execution of disaster response operations and management of partner relationships during emergencies.
• Manage and orchestrate the flow of food throughout the 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 neighbors.
• Ensure 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, including weighing, counting, receiving, resolving unaccounted-for products, product rotation, and sufficient food availability and supply in line with the Foodbank SOPs.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and adaptation of annual food sourcing plans consistent with the organization's strategic goals and a dynamic sourcing environment.
• Ensure 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.
• Ensure accurate and effective utilization of the Foodbank's inventory management system by all staff in the department.
• Maintain a high standard of customer service for internal and external stakeholders, including food distribution and program partners, in all areas of food sourcing and distribution.
• Identify and realize efficiencies in warehouse operations and transportation, balancing efficiency with volunteer and community engagement as necessary to support and achieve broader organizational goals.
• Ensure compliance with all federal and state transportation regulations.
• Oversee the maintenance of the Foodbank's fleet and warehouse equipment in accordance with manufacturer recommendations and best practices, including federal and state regulations.
• Ensure that each distribution center operates under safe conditions and complies with OSHA and all other safety regulations.
• Regularly oversee the training of staff members in workplace safety.
• Develop, update, and ensure adherence to food safety policies and procedures aligned with standards from the American Institute of Baking (AIB), Feeding America, and the USDA.
• Prepare for and successfully pass annual AIB food safety audit across all three warehouses.

Requirements

• 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 way.
• 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-site 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.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in nonprofit sector leadership.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations and standards.
• Proven track record of successful project management in a complex environment.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage
• Dental insurance coverage
• Vision insurance coverage
• 401k retirement savings plan
• Paid holidays
• Flexible scheduling options
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee discount programs
• Paid volunteer time
• Life insurance coverage