Chief Operating Officer

THE OPPORTUNITY

• Does the idea of solving food waste and food insecurity in Cincinnati excite you?
• Are you ready to leverage your talent to create positive change in our community?
• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing, deadline driven culture?

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Last Mile Food Rescue (Last Mile) is a Greater Cincinnati food rescue organization on a mission to save good food and get it to those who need it most. They empower local change-makers to make a critical difference in the lives of our neighbors fighting food insecurity. By using the power of volunteers fueled by technology, Last Mile connects food donors with 120 agencies who serve the region’s food insecure, fighting food waste and helping to end the hunger that’s closest to home.

Since opening their doors in November 2020, Last Mile has seen incredible growth—4.4 million pounds of food was rescued in 2024, and they are well on their way to rescuing over 5.5 million pounds this year! Last Mile uses an app that helps to mobilize volunteers to their food transport network within Greater Cincinnati. Volunteers love the simplicity of the app and accessibility of volunteering close to home, on their own schedule. Food donors and nonprofit agencies see Last Mile as a critical partner in their long-term sustainability.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

Reporting to the CEO, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) will play a pivotal role in overseeing the organization’s daily operations, ensuring that strategic initiatives are executed efficiently, and aligning operational processes with the company’s mission. As the driving force behind the organization’s internal management, the COO ensures the seamless functioning of departments and optimizes performance to achieve long-term objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

Organizational Leadership

• Collaborate with the CEO to align operational strategies with organizational goals.
• Operationalize Last Mile’s 5-year strategic plan.
• Implement and oversee strategic initiatives to drive operational excellence.
• Lead the development and implementation of operational policies, systems, and procedures. Design and optimize processes across all departments to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
• Evaluate and recommend new service offerings and product lines for fit with Last Mile’s strategic plan, ability to successfully operationalize, and for alignment with the needs of partners and the community.Set up and scale approved offerings.
• Participate and lead (potentially) the development, tracking, and reporting of Last Mile’s budget, forecast, and financial data. Work with and present information to the executive team.

Day to Day Operational Management

• Design optimal solutions to fleet, route, distribution, and logistical chokepoints and restrictions.
• Allocate resources effectively to support operational objectives and strategic initiatives.
• Oversee the management of the organization’s assets, infrastructure, and technology.
• Ensure operational budgets are managed efficiently and align with overall financial goals.
• Manage and mitigate operational risks while ensuring adherence to compliance and safety standards.

Team and Department Coordination

• Coordinate cross-departmental collaboration to ensure alignment with company objectives.
• Act as a bridge between departments, ensuring clear communication and seamless execution of company initiatives.
• Build and lead high-performing operational teams, fostering an environment of accountability and innovation.
• Train, develop, and mentor staff.

Performance Monitoring

• Track and report key performance metrics across departments and resolve gaps to meeting goals.
• Implement monitoring and evaluation systems to assess the effectiveness of operational strategies.
• Continuously analyze operational benchmarks and recommend improvements.

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work closely with the CEO, board and other executives to ensure organizational alignment.
• Engage with external stakeholders to enhance operational support and foster partnerships.
• Represent the organization in meetings or events that require operational leadership.

IDEAL CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree.
• At least 10 years’ experience in logistics or distribution.
• Experience managing a team.
• Experience building and managing relationships internally across departments, with vendors and partners, and with clients and customers.
• Technology savvy/curious.

KEY PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Connect with the mission of Last Mile to end food waste and insecurity in Cincinnati.
• Able to work with all levels of the organization—staff, volunteers, the executive team, and Board of Directors.
• Have a team-based approach to work and low ego.

OUR COMMITMENT TO CANDIDATES

Gilman Partners is committed to strengthening leadership teams and elevating talent in our communities—and that means all qualified applicants will receive consideration. You do not have to meet every qualification in this job description to apply. If you’re drawn to the position and believe your experience makes you a good fit, we encourage you to apply.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS

While Last Mile executives are typically in the office, we are open to hybrid or other work models that fit with candidates’ work/life needs.