Senior Director of National Operations

Summary

Join The Common Market as the dynamic and mission-driven Senior Director of National Operations, overseeing operational activities across regional Chapters. Implement standardized systems, ensure food safety compliance, and lead infrastructure planning. This role blends hands-on leadership with high-level strategic oversight, offering a pathway to promotion within 12 months. Provide direct support to Chapter Operations Managers, lead implementation of SOPs and training, and monitor operational KPIs. Evaluate facility and equipment capacity, design preventive maintenance systems, and serve as the executive sponsor of the organization’s food safety program. The position requires a Master’s degree, 10+ years of experience in operations management within the food distribution sector, and PCQI certification.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in operations management, with significant experience in the food distribution sector
• Demonstrated ability to lead and manage large, diverse teams across multiple locations
• Strong knowledge of supply chain management principles, food safety regulations, and best practices
• PCQI (or equivalent) food safety certification
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with a track record of utilizing data to drive decision-making
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels
• Proven ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with external partners
• Willingness to travel as required to oversee operations in various regions (40% Travel Expectation)

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support and oversight to Chapter Operations Managers
• Lead implementation of standardized SOPs, training systems, and food safety protocols
• Monitor and report on operational KPIs and ensure accountability for continuous improvement
• Ensure Chapters are prepared for internal and third-party SQF food safety audits
• Travel regularly to Chapters to support operations, training, and readiness
• Maintain Emergency Contact Lists, vendor lists, and monitor cooler and truck telematics systems
• Provide hands-on training for Operations Managers, warehouse leads, and sanitation teams
• Support Executive Directors in performance management, hiring, and corrective actions
• Oversee seasonal production planning and ensure that supplier documentation is complete and updated in Salesforce
• Evaluate and ensure facility, fleet, and equipment capacity across Chapters meets current and future needs
• Design and maintain systems for preventive maintenance and capital investment planning
• Serve as the executive sponsor of the organization’s food safety program, including PCQI and SQF oversight
• Lead the organization’s workplace safety program, including root cause investigations and insurance coordination
• Assess staffing models and ensure that each Chapter is structured and resourced to meet operational goals
• Ensure SOPs, training, and KPIs reflect evolving best practices and operational realities
• Coordinate with farm-side consultants to align operations with production planning and supplier support

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (SIMPLE IRA with 100% employer match)
• Life Insurance (100% Employer Paid Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)