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The Common Market · 5 months ago

Senior Director of National Operations

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Onsite

Senior Level, Lead/Staff, Director/Executive

$105K/yr - $105K/yr

10+ years exp

The Common Market is a nonprofit regional food distributor focused on connecting communities to sustainable food sources. They are seeking a dynamic Senior Director of National Operations to oversee operational activities across regional chapters, implement standardized systems, and ensure food safety compliance while leading both hands-on and strategic initiatives.

Farmers MarketFood and BeverageFood ProcessingNon ProfitOrganic FoodWholesale

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

Qualification

Operations ManagementFood Safety ComplianceSupply Chain ManagementPCQI CertificationAnalytical SkillsInterpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsTeam LeadershipProblem-Solving Skills

Required

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)

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)

Company

The Common Market

The Common Market is a nonprofit wholesale food distributor that is successfully building sustainable regional food systems that strengthen the health and wealth of all people.

Founded in 2008

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

11-50 employees