REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS 

Reporting to and in partnership with the Executive Director, the Director of Operations provides leadership and management across departments. The Director of Operations is responsible for the successful execution of standardized policies and procedures throughout the organization, as well as program and intra-agency logistics. The Director of Operations is a key member of the senior leadership team, helping to shape the vision, strategy, and impact of the organization on the lives of the staff and the older adults served. 

Direct reports include the Operations Manager, Food Service Manager, and Transportation/Fleet Manager. 

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES 

Operational Leadership: 

• Logistics Management: Oversee daily operations, including meal production, transportation, and delivery logistics, ensuring timely and efficient service to all clients. 

• Meal Production Oversight: Ensure that the kitchen and meal production processes comply with safety, health, and nutritional standards in collaboration with dietitians and nutritionists. 

• Technology Integration: Lead the implementation of logistics and scheduling software to optimize meal preparation, transportation, and delivery processes, ensuring that operational systems effectively support service delivery. 

• Fleet Management: Oversee management of the organization's vehicle fleet, ensuring timely maintenance, adherence to safety regulations, and operational efficiency in meal distribution routes. 

Collaboration with Program Director/Nutrition Program Managers: 

• Supporting Client-Centered Work: Collaborate with the Program Director (or, if the position is unfilled, the Nutrition Program Managers) to ensure that all operational activities support the broader client-centered approach of the organization. Adapt operational systems to better serve client needs as identified by the Program Director or, in their absence, the Nutrition Program Managers. 

• Operational Support for Programs: Work closely with the Program Director and/or Nutrition Program Managers to provide logistical support for program development and expansion, ensuring that operational capabilities align with the organization's mission to serve seniors effectively. 

Leadership and Team Management: 

• Cross-Department Collaboration: Lead initiatives that implement organization-wide policies and procedures, working closely with the Program Director, Finance Director, and other senior leadership team members.  

• Supervision: Manage, mentor, and support staff, including kitchen teams, drivers, volunteers, and logistics personnel. Ensure team alignment with operational goals and provide ongoing training and development opportunities. 

• Performance Management: Conduct regular performance reviews for staff, set operational benchmarks, and identify opportunities for improvement, focusing on efficiency, cost savings, and service quality. 

Strategic Operations: 

• Long-Term Operational Strategy: Develop and implement long-term operational strategies to support the growth and sustainability of the Meals on Wheels program, particularly as the organization scales. Identify opportunities for geographic expansion or service model innovations that will allow SOS Meals on Wheels to scale its services while maintaining operational excellence. 

• Efficiency and Innovation: Identify areas for process improvement, cost reduction, and operational efficiency, ensuring that resources are utilized effectively without compromising the quality of service. 

• Business Continuity: Develop and maintain business continuity and disaster response plans to ensure uninterrupted meal delivery and staff support in emergencies or other contingencies. 

Compliance and Reporting: 

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that all operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations, including food safety standards, transportation regulations, and senior nutrition program guidelines as required by the Older Americans Act. 

• Reporting: Provide regular updates to the Executive Director and Board of Directors on operational performance, key metrics, and areas for improvement. 

Budgeting and Resource Management: 

• Budget Oversight: Partner with the Executive Director and Finance Director to monitor the operational budget, track expenses, and ensure that resources are allocated efficiently in line with program goals. 

• Cost-Saving Initiatives: Identify and implement cost-saving measures in procurement, transportation, and meal production without compromising service quality. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

• 5+ years in operational leadership, with experience in high-volume food service operations, transportation, and/or logistics management desired. 

• Strong collaboration skills with the ability to work across departments, particularly with the Program Director, to ensure that operational activities support client-centered service delivery. 

• Nonprofit management and/or senior service operations experience a plus. 

• Prioritize relationship-building, getting ‘buy-in’ from stakeholders, demonstrating professional integrity, and showing commitment to SOS Meals on Wheels’ mission and values. 

• Experience working within Salesforce.com or Salesforce.org desired. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Access, Word, Excel) and experience with logistics, scheduling software, and fleet management systems preferred. 

• Ability to manage and support diverse teams across multiple job functions and backgrounds, fostering a collaborative and mission-driven culture. 

• Ability to be an individual contributor as well as a team player. 

• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills, with a track record of driving efficiency and operational improvements. 

EQUITY STATEMENT 

SOS Meals on Wheels is committed to equity. SOS Meals on Wheels does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender transition, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or pregnancy in its programs, activities, or employment recruiting and hiring process.