Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Position Description
Job Title: Chief Operating Officer
Department: Operations FLSA Status: Exempt Reports To: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Direct Reports: Operations Manager, Chief Impact Officer
Position Summary
Serves as the senior operational leader and second-in-command of Facing Hunger Food Bank. Responsible for overseeing daily operations, logistics, and systems that acquire, manage, and distribute food across the organization’s multi-state service area. Ensures operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and alignment with strategic goals while fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and service.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversees all day-to-day operations, including warehouse, logistics, fleet, facilities, and food distribution systems(CERES).
- Partners with the CEO to develop and execute strategic goals, ensuring operational alignment with organizational priorities.
- Monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
- Ensures effective allocation and management of organizational resources, including staffing, equipment, and facilities.
- Directs and supports operational leadership staff, providing coaching, performance management, and accountability.
- Ensures appropriate staffing levels and supports development of employee knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet organizational needs.
- Maintains working knowledge of all operational functions to ensure timely receipt, storage, and distribution of product in compliance with safety and regulatory standards.
- Oversees inventory control processes, including receiving, tracking, stock rotation, and reconciliation, in alignment with Feeding America and organizational requirements.
- Ensures compliance with all organizational policies, including the Employee Handbook, safety protocols, and operational procedures.
- Collaborates with internal departments, including Programs/Member relations and Network Development, to support agency partnerships and program compliance.
- Facilitates clear and effective communication across departments to support timely decision-making and operational coordination.
- Leads short-term and long-term operational planning in collaboration with the CEO, ensuring initiatives are executed within budget and aligned with strategic direction.
- Oversees disaster response planning and execution, including coordination with WV VOAD, partner agencies and stakeholders during emergencies.
- Represents the organization in meetings, committees, and external engagements as directed by the CEO or Board.
- Ensures compliance with Feeding America standards and all applicable state and federal regulations.
- Promotes and maintains a culture of professionalism, accountability, safety, and service.
Other duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Provides direct oversight of operational leadership staff, including Operations Manager.
- Responsible for coaching, performance management, and development of direct reports.
- Ensures accountability for team performance, safety compliance, and operational outcomes.
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, management, human services, or a related field
- Minimum of five (5) years of management experience in operations, logistics, or a related field
- Strong leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills
- Experience with logistics, inventory management, and operational systems
Preferred
- Master’s degree in a related field
- Experience in nonprofit operations or food banking
- Experience with inventory and financial systems (reporting tools, data analysis platforms)
Core Competencies
- Strategic thinking and decision-making
- Leadership and team development
- Communication and collaboration
- Accountability and results orientation
- Operational efficiency and problem-solving
- Commitment to safety and compliance
Physical Demands & Work Environment
- Work is performed in both office and warehouse environments.
- Requires regular movement between office and operational areas.
- May lift and/or move up to 45 pounds as needed.
- Exposure to warehouse conditions, including noise, temperature variations, and equipment operation.
- Requires standing, walking, bending, and other physical activity as needed.
Travel Requirements
Travel within the service area and occasional overnight travel for meetings, training, or conferences may be required.
Mission Alignment
Leads by example in supporting the mission of Facing Hunger Food Bank by promoting a culture of accountability, safety, and service. Ensures that operational systems and team performance strengthen the organization’s ability to effectively serve individuals and communities experiencing food insecurity.
Disclaimer
This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Duties may change as organizational needs evolve. This document does not constitute an employment contract.
