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The Common Market

Vice President of Operations

The Common Market, Atlanta, Georgia, United States, 30383

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About The Common Market The Common Market is a nonprofit local food distributor working to build a more resilient and equitable food system. We connect small and mid-scale family farms to schools, hospitals, and other institutions while upholding rigorous standards for food safety,operationalexcellence, and values-driven procurement.

We operate multiple warehouse and truckingoperationsacross regions and are entering a phase that requires strong

experiencedoperationalleadership.

Position Summary TheVice PresidentofOperationsis the senior leader responsible forend-to-end execution of warehouse, trucking, food safety, andoperationalperformance across multiple sites.

This is ahands-on executive role. TheVPofOperationswill spend significant time in warehouses and on the road, working directly withOperationsManagers, drivers, warehouse associates, and sanitation teams—while also serving as a core member of the executive leadership team responsible for strategy, systems, and performance.

This role is ideal for a seasonedoperationsleader who haspersonally owned food safety, fleet, and multi-site executionand is comfortable moving between the warehouse floor and the senior leadership team.

What You’ll Be Responsible For Multi-SiteOperationsLeadership

Leadoperationsacross multiple warehouses, including trucking, warehouse, sanitation, and facilities

Manage and developOperationsManagers and ensure consistent execution of SOPs across sites

Spend regular time working out of regional warehouses when not traveling

Food Safety & Compliance (Direct Ownership)

Own the organization’sfood safety program across all sites, including SQF, FSMA, and PCQI requirements

Lead audit readiness, corrective actions, and continuous improvement across warehouses

Manage and support site-level SQF Practitioners and ensure backup coverage

Oversee supplier food safety documentation and compliance systems

Fleet & Facilities

Lead oversight of a fleet of 20+ trucks, including PM, compliance, safety, and utilization

Ensure effective use of telematics, temperature monitoring, and maintenance systems

Oversee facilities, refrigeration, docks, and material-handling equipment across sites

Hourly Workforce Leadership

Provide direct leadership, coaching, and accountability for hourly warehouse and driver teams (through managers)

Ensure strong safety culture, performance management, and clear expectations

Partner with HR on hiring, training, performance evaluations, and corrective actions

Strategy, KPIs & Financial Management

Develop and executeoperationsstrategy aligned with organizational goals

Build and maintainoperationalKPIs for warehouse, trucking, and food and workplace safety

Use Excel and data fromoperationalplatforms to generate reports and dashboards

Leadoperationalplanning, budgeting inputs, and performance reviews

Who This Role Is For This role is for someone who:

Hasmanagedoperationsacross multiple warehousesand knows how to enforce consistency without being everywhere

Haspersonally owned a food safety programfor a food distributor or food manufacturer

Has led a fleet of at least 10 trucksand understands the realities of drivers, maintenance, and compliance

Is comfortable workingdirectly with hourly staffand also contributing at the executive level

Is energized by ahands-on, resource-constrained environmentwhere leaders build systems, not inherit them

Lives in (or is willing to relocate to)Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, or Philadelphiaand expects to work out of a warehouse regularly

Who This Role Is Not For This role isnota good fit if you:

Prefer a fully remote or office-only executive role

Have overseenoperationsonly through consultants or indirect reports

Have limited exposure to food safety audits, SQF, or multi-site compliance

Are uncomfortable managing drivers, warehouse teams, or safety issues directly

Expect large corporate infrastructure, extensive support teams, or abundant resources

Qualifications

10+ years of progressiveoperationsleadership in food distribution, food manufacturing, logistics, or supply chain

Demonstrated experience managingmulti-site warehouseoperations

Direct ownership offood safety programs(SQF, FSMA, PCQI)

Experience leading a fleet of 10+ trucks

Strong Excel skills and ability to build and interpretoperationalreports and KPIs

Proven ability to lead hourly teams and develop managers

Willingness to travel approximately40% of the time

Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degrees welcome but not required.

Why This Role Matters This is a pivotal moment for The Common Market. TheVPofOperationswill play a central role in strengthening our infrastructure, supporting our teams, and ensuring we can scale our impact while maintaining safety, quality, and mission alignment.

Salary: $130k annual

Make an impact by connecting institutions with healthy, local food while supporting family farms.

Collaborate with a passionate, mission-driven team working to build a better food system.

Opportunity for growth in a dynamic and expanding organization.

Comprehensive benefits package.

Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)

Retirement Plan (SIMPLE IRA with 100% employer match)

Life Insurance (100% Employer Paid Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability)

Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)

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