Senior Director of National Operations

Location: Remote with regular travel to regional Chapters (Philadelphia, Chicago, Houston, Atlanta)
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Supervises: Chapter Operations Managers (dotted line support to Executive Directors)

About The Common Market:

The Common Market is a nonprofit regional food distributor on a mission to connect communities to good food grown by sustainable family farms. We partner with institutions, farmers, and stakeholders to strengthen local food systems and promote health, equity, and regional economic growth.

Position Summary:

We are seeking a dynamic and mission-driven Senior Director of National Operations who is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves on the ground and leading national strategy from the top. This individual will oversee all operational activities across our regional Chapters and be responsible for implementing standardized systems, food safety compliance, infrastructure planning, facility and equipment maintenance, and cross-functional staff training. This role blends direct, hands-on leadership with high-level strategic oversight, making it ideal for a seasoned operations professional who thrives in both execution and system-building.

This position has a clear pathway to promotion: the right candidate will have the opportunity to grow into a Vice President of Operations role within 12 months, with a commensurate increase in compensation and scope of responsibility, based on demonstrated leadership, systems-building, and team performance.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• 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

Strategic Oversight

• 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

Qualifications:

• 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).

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the mission of The Common Market as we work to strengthen local food systems and promote food security nationwide.

• Salary: $105k annual
• Make an impact by connecting institutions with healthy, local food while supporting family farms.
• Collaborate with a passionate, mission-driven team working to build a better food system.
• Opportunity for growth in a dynamic and expanding organization.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• 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)