Chief Operations Officer

Job Summary

This role leads the Regional Food Bank of Oklahomas integrated operating system for food flow, service, assets, people and performance. The Chief Operating Officer is accountable for moving food from source through inventory, production, distribution and partner service efficiently, safely and reliably while developing leaders, managing resources and continuously improving the system. This includes executive accountability for the food supply portfolio, including purchased, donated, recovered and government commodity products, as well as warehouse operations, inventory, transportation, logistics, facilities, fleet readiness, production and disaster response coordination. The COO translates organizational strategy into operational priorities, establishes transparent measures and operating cadences and works cross-functionally with executive peers so decisions are aligned, visible and grounded in service to neighbors, partners and communities. This role calls for a collaborative, service-minded leader who brings calm judgment, practical focus and respect for team members while keeping the neighbor at the center of decision-making.

Success Measures (First 12–18 Months)

A disciplined operating management system is established, including KPI dashboards, operating reviews, action plans and regular follow-up on commitments.
Food availability, inventory health, throughput and order fulfillment improve through clearer planning, process discipline and cross-functional coordination.
Warehouse, production, transportation, fleet and facility performance are measured through productivity, utilization, service level, safety and cost indicators.
The food supply portfolio is actively managed across purchased, donated, recovered and government commodity sources to support reliable service and responsible stewardship.
Budget performance, capacity planning, waste reduction and asset reliability show measurable improvement or clear action plans with executive visibility.
Operational leaders demonstrate stronger role clarity, accountability, coaching, discipline and follow-through on priorities.
Decision rights, escalation paths and cross-functional handoffs are clarified and used consistently across Operations and the executive team.
Has built strong collaborative relationships amongst their own team and across the organization.

Decision Rights

Decides operational priorities, work plans, process standards, performance expectations and corrective actions for assigned Operations functions.
Decides inventory, distribution, production, transportation, fleet, facility and logistics approaches within approved budgets, policies and risk parameters.
Jointly decides food supply priorities, partner service commitments, major resource tradeoffs and cross-functional operating changes with the CEO, CFO and appropriate executive leaders.
Recommends annual budgets, staffing plans, capital needs and significant resource shifts using operational, financial and service data.
Requires CEO approval for material changes to organizational structure, strategic direction, major capital commitments, policy exceptions or decisions with significant legal, funding or reputation risk.
Owns disaster response coordination when assigned Incident Commander responsibilities apply and escalates issues that affect safety, continuity or community response.

A Day in the Life

The essential functions described below represent the primary responsibilities of this role and may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Operational Strategy and Oversight:

Build and run an integrated operating system that connects food flow, service, assets, people and performance across assigned operational functions.
Translate organizational strategy into operational priorities, goals, work plans and operating cadences so execution is focused and visible.
Own KPI development, operating reviews, action plans, productivity measures, throughput tracking and capacity planning so leaders manage performance consistently.
Oversee warehouse operations, inventory, distribution, transportation, logistics, facilities, fleet readiness and production so food moves safely, efficiently and reliably.
Clarify cross-functional handoffs with food sourcing, partner service, customer service, volunteer-related operations, protein production, safety and program leaders so accountabilities are unmistakable.
Monitor operational performance, risks, service outcomes and resource use so decisions are timely, transparent and grounded in data.
Develop and maintain preventive maintenance and replacement plans all organizational equipment and assets to limit downtime.

Food Inventory, Production and Distribution:

Provide executive accountability for the food supply portfolio, including purchased, donated, recovered and government commodity products, so availability aligns with community need and operational capacity.
Ensure precise ordering, receipt, storage and reporting of USDA commodities to maintain accurate records and comply with program requirements.
Coordinate food purchasing, donated product flow, recovery opportunities and commodity planning with appropriate leaders so supply decisions support service commitments.
Plan kit production, rework, repacking and product allocation so available inventory matches partner demand, program needs and service priorities.
Oversee inventory control so WMS and ERP records match physical inventory, product condition, allocation decisions and food availability.
Ensure warehouse and production practices improve safety, quality, throughput, waste reduction and reliable order fulfillment.

Transportation, Logistics and Fleet Readiness:

Oversee transportation and logistics operations to ensure driver and warehouse teams have clear direction.
Maintain a safe work environment and ensure compliance with DOT, AIB and CFR regulations to mitigate operational risks.
Coordinate scheduling and routing to effectively address the needs of partner agencies while ensuring reliable service and optimal resource management.
Monitor fleet utilization, driver readiness, routing efficiency and transportation service levels so delivery resources are used effectively.
Disaster Readiness and Response Coordination:

Serve as Incident Commander during major disasters and follow ICS protocol to maintain organized response authority.
Set disaster response direction through annual training and proactive planning so teams are ready to act.
Oversee inventory, product ordering and special kitting for disaster response so critical supplies are available.
Coordinate added logistics and staffing for disaster response so urgent operational needs are addressed.
Use after-action reviews and operating data to improve readiness, resource planning and future response.
Cross-Functional Coordination, Compliance and External Support:

Clarify operating handoffs with food sourcing, partner service, customer service, volunteer-related operations, production, safety and program leaders so responsibilities are understood before execution begins.
Direct cross-functional initiatives that improve service quality, access and consistent support.
Contribute operational information for grants, outcomes tracking, storytelling and fundraising needs.
Partner with finance and program leaders on aligned, well-managed budgets and resource plans.
Ensure compliance with federal, state, contractual, safety, food handling and transportation requirements.
Escalate legal, policy, funding and reputation risks to the appropriate authority.
Represent operational needs in internal planning and external partner discussions.
Align Operations resources, logistics, inventory, transportation and service processes with Community Impact priorities so programs can reliably meet neighbor and partner needs.

Staff Development and Workforce Planning:

Increase mission delivery through clear expectations, role clarity and skill development within Operations.
Maintain current job descriptions that reflect actual work, accountability and required competencies.
Translate organizational values into daily behaviors, outcomes and performance expectations.
Provide tools, guidance and feedback that enable employees to deliver consistent results.
Identify growth potential and build capability through coaching and learning opportunities.
Align goals across Operations teams to improve consistency, accountability and focus.
Support workforce planning, succession planning and staffing recommendations for assigned operational functions.
Ensure employees deliver respectful, inclusive and high-quality service to partners and neighbors.

Senior Leadership and Organizational Stewardship:

Oversee 40 to 60 staff members, including directors, managers and staff.

Set departmental direction and priorities that advance the mission, sustainability, and consistent decision-making.
Lead and hold directors and managers accountable for performance expectations, leadership standards and execution.
Translate mission and strategy into measurable metrics, KPIs, goals, resource plans and change priorities.
Monitor financial, operational and programmatic outcomes that affect effectiveness, risk and reputation.
Collaborate with executive leaders and external partners to align priorities and resolve complex issues.
Support governance, ethics and executive-level employee relations matters with the appropriate functional leaders.
Use data insights to inform organizational strategy, planning, reporting and board-level recommendations.
Establish and oversee operational budgets aligned with strategic goals and mission sustainability.

Other Duties as Assigned

Other duties, consistent with the scope and essential functions of the role, may be assigned as organizational needs evolve.

What You Need to Succeed

Competencies:

Adaptability. Acknowledges new information and adjusts. Overcomes obstacles to achieve results.
Collaboration & Teamwork. Builds partnerships with others to reach common goals. Able to share credit with coworkers, display enthusiasm and promote a friendly group working environment. Works closely with other departments as necessary, supports group decisions and solicits opinions from coworkers.
Ethical Practice. The ability to uphold and apply ethical values, standards and guidelines in professional conduct. Maintain confidentiality and protect delicate information in accordance with legal and ethical requirements.
Negotiation. Engage in discussions and interactions to reach mutually beneficial agreements, resolve conflicts and achieve desired outcomes. It involves a combination of communication, social skills, strategic thinking and problem-solving.
Operations Management. Planning, developing, organizing and managing systematic processes to achieve and maintain the highest levels of performance, including efficiency, effectiveness, efficacy and overall quality.
Regulatory Compliance. Applies regulations, standards and procedures consistently to reduce risk, maintain compliance and address issues promptly.

Leadership Competencies:

Accountability. Knows the link between position and overall goals. Accepts responsibility for outcomes of work.
Change Management. Employs strategies and techniques to help people and organizations in embracing and adjusting to change. Navigate transitions in response to changes in processes, systems, structures, or strategies.
Coaching. Guide and develop others to reach their full potential. It involves employing specific skills and techniques to encourage learning, goal attainment and personal growth in team members.
Continuous Improvement. Identifies alternatives to tasks or processes and suggests improvement. Studies best practices that can be applied to improve work tasks and processes. Seeks feedback from colleagues, supervisors and customers.
Cultural Aptitude. Interact effectively with people and groups from diverse cultural backgrounds. Respecting and adjusting to different cultural norms, beliefs, values and practices.
Data-Informed Decision Making. Uses operational, financial and service data to identify needs, evaluate options and support recommendations.
Financial Acumen. A sound grasp of financial management methods specific to nonprofit entities. This includes budgets, financial reports, grant management and donor stewardship. Enable effective financial conclusions. Ensures the organization's financial health and sustainability.
Human Capital. Develops the ability of others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing ongoing feedback and by providing opportunities to learn through formal and informal methods. Builds and manages workforce based on organizational goals, budget considerations and staffing needs. Ensures employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised and rewarded; takes action to address performance problems. Manages a multi-sector workforce and a variety of work situations.
Navigating Ambiguity. Anticipate impact to projects when strategic direction shifts. Works to achieve outcomes when the complete picture or scope is unknown. Takes calculated risks when limited information is available.
Professional Integrity. Demonstrates care to surroundings and in conversations. Demonstrates standards for professional and ethical conduct. Applies rules and regulations in a consistent, non-biased way.
Qualitative/Quantitative Data. Dissects data to make comparisons and draw conclusions. Interprets pertinent data from a variety of sources. Identifies cause and effect relationships and trends to solve complex problems.
Quantitative Proficiency. The skill and capability to work with numbers, perform calculations, dissect numerical information and make informed conclusions based on quantitative data.
Reciprocal Relations. Relates to people in an open, friendly and professional way. Fosters open, clear communications among all levels. Is aware of others behavior.
Results Oriented. Identifies/meets with parties to develop goals and desired outcomes. Develops/utilizes measures to assess goal and outcome achievement. Engages staff in achieving goals by identifying strengths of members. Assigns tasks based on strengths.
Risk Management. Identify, assess, prioritize, and mitigate risks in a systematic and strategic manner. Anticipate potential challenges, make informed conclusions to minimize negative impacts and maximize opportunities.
Strategic Agility. Formulates objectives and priorities and implements plans consistent with the long-term interest of the organization in a global environment. Capitalizes on opportunities and manages risks.
Required Qualifications

How you have spent your time:

Demonstrated completion of a bachelors degree in business administration, operations, supply chain, logistics, nonprofit management or a related field, or equivalent combination of education, training and relevant professional experience.
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience managing complex operations at meaningful scale, such as supply chain, manufacturing, distribution, food banking, logistics, facilities, production or adjacent operating environments.
Experience leading managers or supervisors with responsibility for budgets, staffing, performance expectations and operational outcomes.
Experience developing budgets, operating plans, process standards and resource recommendations using operational data.
Experience overseeing compliance requirements related to safety, transportation, food handling, inventory or regulated operations.
Experience coordinating across functional areas to support service delivery, risk management and operational continuity.
Experience communicating operational information, recommendations and risks to senior leaders or governing bodies.

Other Requirements:

Proficiency in common office applications (e.g. email, messaging, word processor, spreadsheet) and job-specific systems (e.g., financial, inventory, customer relationship management).
Valid drivers license with a driving record that meets organizational standards.
Ability to learn and adapt to new technologies.
Ability to complete a background check, motor vehicle record review, drug screening and physical assessment as required for the role.
Ability to participate in a rotating on-call schedule, occasional unscheduled issue response and role-related travel as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

How you have spent your time:

Experience or exposure to nonprofit food banking, human services or community-based operations.
Familiarity with food safety, commodity programs, disaster response or transportation compliance frameworks.
Experience supporting board-level reporting, policy advisory functions or executive decision-making.
Experience using operational data to support process improvement, service planning or resource recommendations.
Exposure to grant-funded programs, reimbursement models or external partner coordination.

Physical Demands

Maintain a stationary position for extended periods while performing work in an office, field location or vehicle setting. Operate vehicles safely by monitoring surroundings, reading signage and maintaining awareness of road conditions. Coordinate movements to manage vehicle controls and respond promptly to changes in traffic or environment. Perform tasks that involve coordination of multiple limbs and fine motor activities such as handling, grasping and maintaining steadiness for moving objects. Move objects weighing up to 20 pounds occasionally and up to 10 pounds frequently, using appropriate moving techniques or mechanical aids as needed. Transition between stationery and other positions as needed during the workday. Access work areas and vehicles in a manner that aids job tasks, which may involve adjusting body position in limited spaces. Respond promptly to environmental cues and maintain focus during complex tasks. Auditory attention to recognize signals, alarms and spoken instructions that serve as key safety and maintenance indicators. Exchange information clearly in person or via devices in dynamic environments, including those with background noise. Maintain concentration and alertness for extended periods to ensure safety and task accuracy. Follow safety protocols, including wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when required by Environmental, Health and Safety policies.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to outdoor conditions, including temperature changes and humidity (e.g., summer heat, winter cold, rain, sleet, snow). Possible exposure to dust, chemicals, gases, fumes, smoke, noise, and vibrations. Work typically performed in a combination of environments: office, field locations and while traveling in a car or fleet vehicle. Work may occur in industrial environments (indoor or outdoor) with potential hazards and noise. May require flexibility to meet organizational and operational priorities, which may include participating in a rotating on-call schedule, addressing occasional unscheduled issues and adjusting work hours during peak or critical periods. May require regular travel (up to 10%) for meetings, training or assignments for up to two weeks per month, typically allowing return home nightly. The timing and duration of such work varies based on business needs and is incidental to the primary exempt duties of the role.

A Few Things We Value

We look for employees who demonstrate our core values with courage:

Heart
Approaching our mission with compassion, grit and commitment.

Empowerment
Advocating for equitable opportunities that elevate others.

Stewardship
Utilizing the resources entrusted to us responsibly and efficiently.

Collaboration
Prioritizing teamwork as we listen, support and compromise to achieve our mission.

EEO & Accommodation Statement

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere. The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state laws, it is the policy of the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma to provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application process and employment. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

Qualifications

What You Need to Succeed

Competencies:

- Adaptability. Acknowledges new information and adjusts. Overcomes obstacles to achieve results.

- Ethical Practice. The ability to uphold and apply ethical values, standards and guidelines in professional conduct. Maintain confidentiality and protect delicate information in accordance with legal and ethical requirements.

- Partnership. Identifies, organizes and sustains partnerships with external collaborators. Fosters an environment that emphasizes group participation. Resolves conflicts, confrontations and disagreements.

- Project Management. Plan, organize, execute, and oversee projects from start to finish, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget and according to specified goals and quality standards.

Leadership Competencies:

- Accountability. Knows the link between position and overall goals. Accepts responsibility for outcomes of work.

- Change Management. Employs strategies and techniques to help people and organizations in embracing and adjusting to change. Navigate transitions in response to changes in processes, systems, structures, or strategies.

- Coaching. Guide and develop others to reach their full potential. It involves employing specific skills and techniques to encourage learning, goal attainment and personal growth in team members.

- Continuous Improvement. Identifies alternatives to tasks or processes and suggests improvement. Studies best practices that can be applied to improve work tasks and processes. Seeks feedback from colleagues, supervisors and customers.

- Cultural Aptitude. Interact effectively with people and groups from diverse cultural backgrounds. Respecting and adjusting to different cultural norms, beliefs, values and practices.

- Financial Acumen. A sound grasp of financial management methods specific to nonprofit entities. This includes budgets, financial reports, grant management and donor stewardship. Enable effective financial conclusions. Ensures the organization's financial health and sustainability.

- Human Capital. Develops the ability of others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing ongoing feedback and by providing opportunities to learn through formal and informal methods. Builds and manages workforce based on organizational goals, budget considerations and staffing needs.  Ensures employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised and rewarded; takes action to address performance problems. Manages a multi-sector workforce and a variety of work situations.

- Navigating Ambiguity. Anticipate impact to projects when strategic direction shifts. Works to achieve outcomes when the complete picture or scope is unknown. Takes calculated risks when limited information is available.

- Professional Integrity. Demonstrates care to surroundings and in conversations. Demonstrates standards for professional and ethical conduct. Applies rules and regulations in a consistent, non-biased way.

- Qualitative/Quantitative Data.   Dissects data to make comparisons and draw conclusions. Interprets pertinent data from a variety of sources. Identifies cause and effect relationships and trends to solve complex problems.

- Quantitative Proficiency. The skill and capability to work with numbers, perform calculations, dissect numerical information and make informed conclusions based on quantitative data.

- Reciprocal Relations. Relates to people in an open, friendly and professional way. Fosters open, clear communications among all levels. Is aware of others behavior.

- Results Oriented. Identifies/meets with parties to develop goals and desired outcomes. Develops/utilizes measures to assess goal and outcome achievement. Engages staff in achieving goals by identifying strengths of members. Assigns tasks based on strengths.

- Risk Management. Identify, assess, prioritize, and mitigate risks in a systematic and strategic manner. Anticipate potential challenges, make informed conclusions to minimize negative impacts and maximize opportunities.

- Strategic Agility. Formulates objectives and priorities and implements plans consistent with the long-term interest of the organization in a global environment. Capitalizes on opportunities and manages risks.

Required Qualifications

How you have spent your time:

- Obtaining a master’s degree or working for at least 6 years in a relevant field.

- Working in a leadership role for at least 10 years.

- Developing budgets and strategic planning. Contract negotiation, approval and administration.

- Managing a diverse workforce.

Other Requirements:

- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.

- Passion to end hunger.

Preferred Qualifications

How you have spent your time:

- Leading in a non-profit.

- Building business partnerships.

- Working with external collaborators at the State level. Influencing systems/policy around food insecurity.

- Assessing data for systems/program fulfilment.

- Fundraising in a non-profit arena.

Physical Demands

The company will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities. Utilize multi-limb coordination and flexibility combined with control precision to perform fine motor skills including: finger manipulation, grasping, feeling, arm-hand steadiness, in order to push, pull or lift objects. Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. Utilizes multi-limb coordination to balance on even or uneven surfaces, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, stand, and walk, reach over shoulders or below the knees. Auditory attention and hearing sensitivity is required, as candidates must possess the ability to distinguish various sounds that serve as key maintenance indicators. Must employ the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required by the company’s Environmental, Health and Safety policies.

Work Environment

Minimal exposure to extreme weather changes and humidity/moisture relative to atmospheric condition variations. Includes some exposure to extreme summer and winter temperatures as well as rain, sleet, and snow. Possible exposure to dust, chemicals, gases, fumes, smoke, excessive noise and/or vibrations. Work occasionally performed in an industrial environment with various hazards and noise exposure. Travel will be required for assignments, meetings and training. The job also requires availability for rotating on-call schedule, occasional unscheduled callouts and extended workdays and/or workweeks. Overtime, Weekend and/or holiday hours may be required.

A Few Things We Value

We look for employees who demonstrate our core values with courage:

Heart

Approaching our mission with compassion, grit and commitment.

Empowerment

Advocating for equitable opportunities that elevate others.

Stewardship

Utilizing the resources entrusted to us responsibly and efficiently.

Collaboration

Prioritizing teamwork as we listen, support and compromise to achieve our mission.

EEO Statement

Diversity creates a healthier atmosphere: Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.