Operations Manager

LAKES AREA FOOD SHELF Position Title: Operations Manager – Pequot Lakes Reports To: Executive Director Employment Status: Part-Time / Non-Exempt (or Exempt based on compensation model) Primary Location: Pequot Lakes Facility Position Summary The Operations Manager – Pequot Lakes manages day-to-day operations, food procurement, inventory management, food rescue operations, and the volunteer program at the Pequot Lakes facility. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, this role ensures seamless supply chain operations, manages local food procurement and food rescue partners, maintains facility operations, and fosters a welcoming, dignified environment for shoppers, volunteers, and community partners. Because Lakes Area Food Shelf operates as a unified multi-site organization, the Pequot Lakes Operations Manager works in close, continuous partnership with the Baxter Operations Manager to balance food inventory, coordinate site logistics, and share resources across both locations. Inter-Site Collaboration & Shared Resource Management The Operations Manager at Pequot Lakes and the Operations Manager at Baxter are expected to maintain a highly collaborative, supportive partnership. Both managers must actively work together to share organizational resources, monitor demand trends, and dynamically balance food inventory between both facilities. When supply surpluses or shortages occur at either site, managers will proactively coordinate product transfers to ensure equitable distribution, maximize food freshness, minimize waste, and guarantee that shoppers at both Pequot Lakes and Baxter have consistent access to fresh, nutritious food and essential personal care items. Additionally, both Operations Managers will cross-train in all core operational functions—including local food rescue logistics, driver coordination, and donor partner workflows—to seamlessly cover for each other during planned or unplanned absences. Key Responsibilities & Core Accountabilities1. Food Procurement & Inventory Management (Pequot Lakes) Site Food Purchasing: Manage food, hygiene, and personal care procurement specifically for the Pequot Lakes facility. Build and maintain strong vendor and distributor relationships (e.g., Second Harvest) to maximize food budget efficiency and purchasing power. Inventory Control & Forecasting: Monitor inventory levels at Pequot Lakes to ensure adequate stock, prevent shortages, and maintain strict inventory rotation (FIFO - First In, First Out). Supply Chain Alignment: Coordinate closely with the Baxter Operations Manager to balance inventory, forecast demand, and transfer product between food shelves as needed. 2. Local Food Rescue & Partner Relations (Pequot Lakes) Site Food Rescue Logistics: Manage and schedule day-to-day food rescue pick-ups and deliveries supporting the Pequot Lakes facility, serving as the primary liaison to local donor partners and retail groceries in the Pequot Lakes service area. Driver & Volunteer Coordination: Recruit, schedule, and oversee staff or volunteer drivers for safe, timely food rescue pickups and local intake. Cross-Site Food Rescue Coverage: Cross-train with the Baxter Operations Manager on Baxter food rescue routes, partner contacts, and logistics to provide seamless operational coverage when the Baxter Manager is absent. 3. Pequot Lakes Site Operations, Volunteer Leadership & Personnel Management Volunteer Leadership: Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise daily volunteers at the Pequot Lakes facility. Cultivate a culture of dignity, respect, and hospitality for both shoppers and volunteer teams. Daily Facility Operations: Oversee food shelf open hours, shopper registration, shelf stocking, warehouse receiving, and food distribution in compliance with health and safety standards (ServSafe). Future Employee Supervision & Performance Management: While the site currently operates exclusively with volunteer teams, in the event that paid staff are added to t…

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