Director of Operations

Farm Table Delivery

Farm Table Delivery, the leading food hub in Western Iowa, is seeking an execution-oriented Director of Operations to serve as the organization’s Integrator. This pivotal leadership role ensures operational excellence, drives strategic execution, and fosters alignment across all functions to achieve Farm Table’s mission of connecting local producers to regional markets.

As the Director of Operations, you are a self-starter and high communicator who is passionate about local foods, small businesses, customer service, and achieving goals. You will create, build, and oversee operational processes, take ownership of profit and loss, and provide leadership, management, and accountability for direct reports. You will be responsible for optimizing systems, aligning teams, and ensuring the organization meets aggressive goals for growth and sustainability. This role works closely with the Executive Director to drive mission success.

Who is Farm Table Delivery?

Farm Table Delivery is the leading food hub in Western Iowa and manages the aggregation, distribution, and marketing of source-identified food products from local and regional Producers. It operates with a blend of just-in-time and on-site inventory management. Its mission is to bring small and emerging producers to market and serve the rural Midwest with healthier food choices. FTD primarily serves wholesale, retail, and institutional demand while secondarily supporting its D2C. FTD has a small team of eight that are a blend of one-quarter-time to full-time people and coordinates with a network of other food hubs and partners, throughout Iowa and Nebraska, to efficiently maximize its reach.

What You’ll Do

Leadership, Management, and Accountability (LMA):

• Serve as the Integrator, ensuring all organizational functions align with the FTD's vision and mission.
• Lead cross-functional staff in warehouse, sales, procurement, delivery, and fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Develop and implement clear processes for staff management, performance evaluations, and growth.
• Communicate the vision and key goals clearly, ensuring team alignment and focus.

Process Ownership and Optimization:

• Design, implement, and refine operational systems to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure scalability.
• Own and optimize core processes, including logistics, inventory management, and order fulfillment.
• Establish and maintain high standards for food safety, quality assurance, and operational compliance.

Financial Stewardship:

• Manage financial performance, ensuring alignment with revenue and cost targets.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to develop and monitor budgets, forecasts, and financial plans.
• Ensure accurate and timely invoicing, accounts payable/receivable, and grant reporting.
• Ensure the eCommerce platform, Local Food Marketplace (LFM) software is accurate to uphold the single source of truth philosophy for inventory and data management.

Strategic Execution:

• Collaborate with the Executive Director to prioritize and execute strategic initiatives.
• Drive initiatives to expand delivery capabilities and geographic reach while maintaining operational excellence.
• Act as the primary liaison for producers and partners, strengthening relationships and fostering new opportunities.

Operational Excellence:

• Forecast and plan with producers for availability of specialty crops, value-added products, herd harvesting schedules, and CPG distribution.
• Oversee logistics for weekly deliveries to key service areas, including Sioux City, Southwest Iowa, Omaha, Des Moines, and other markets as FTD expands.
• Plan and manage building and equipment maintenance and upgrades.
• Other duties as assigned, of course.

Who You Are & Keys to Success (the must-haves)

Vision Integrator:

• Proven experience in leadership roles with an emphasis on integrating vision into actionable plans.
• Adept at managing teams and aligning resources to achieve organizational goals.

Operational Expertise:

• 5 years of experience in operations, logistics, or supply chain management, preferably in food systems or agriculture.
• Working knowledge of marketing, sales, and customer service best practices.
• Proven track record of leading teams and managing complex operational systems.

Financial Acumen:

• An understanding of P&L management and financial reporting.
• Experience driving cost savings and revenue growth.

Collaborative Leader:

• Effective communicator and team builder with the ability to lead and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Passionate about equitable, sustainable local food systems.

Expert customer service:

• Our Customers and Producers deserve the highest level of service.
• Communicates professionally, positively, and effectively via phone, in person, video calls, email, text, and social media with strong attention to detail and tone in each channel.

Tech-Savvy:

• Must have proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office products.
• Must be willing to become highly proficient in Farm Table designated software including but not limited to Local Food Marketplace, HubSpot, and Slack.

Education:

• Knowledge of warehouse management and inventory management processes and procedures.
• Working knowledge of P&L statements, balance sheet, budgeting, cash management, and general accounting practices.
• Able to pass food safety education courses, learn and advise on HACCP, FSMA, and FDA labeling requirements.

What Else You Should Know

Hours: This is a full-time, exempt position with a semi-flexible schedule. It is expected that the Director will work an average of 40 hours per week with seasonal variation. Weekend and evening hours (on-call) are required in addition to other events as needed.

Physical demands and conditions: This position will have a variety of physical demands. There will be prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Frequent phone and video calls. Lifting of product varying from 20-70 pounds. Operating pallet jacks, forklifts, and lift gates. Act as a backup to the primary driver, as needed. In-person events as needed.

Location: It is anticipated that this person is based out of Western Iowa or Eastern Nebraska and can be on-site, at least two days each week and up to five days, at the warehouse currently located in Minden, Iowa, and attend area networking and educational events as needed.

Age minimum: Must be 21 years or older.

Transportation: You must have reliable transportation. Mileage to approved events is reimbursed, mileage to the warehouse is not reimbursed.

Equipment and Connectivity: Farm Table will provide a laptop. When working remotely the Director is expected to have a reliable internet connection and basic office supplies (printer, scissors, stapler, pens, etc).

How to Apply

We encourage all individuals passionate about local food access in the Midwest to apply, even if you feel like you don’t meet every qualification. If you are interested, please upload and submit your Resume, Cover Letter, and 3 references in really. Electronic applications are required.

Compensation

• Salary of $60,000, increasing commensurate with the growth of the mission impact.
• 3% IRA match.
• Paid time off, semi-flexible scheduling, and a supportive work environment.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• Personal development stipend.
• Access to local foods at an employee rate.
• Mileage reimbursement.

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Minden, IA 51553

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Minden, IA 51553

Salary : $60,000