The Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead the operational delivery, optimization, and continued growth of our Food4Schools program. This role is responsible for overseeing the systems, processes, and people that ensure thousands of students have reliable access to nutritious meals each week. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Operations Manager will provide leadership across procurement, food production, inventory management, warehousing, transportation, and logistics. We are seeking a collaborative and proactive leader with strong systems-thinking skills who can build high-performing teams, drive continuous improvement, and strengthen the operational foundations that support the long-term sustainability and growth of this essential community program.
Key Responsibilities
Program Operations & Delivery Oversight
- Provide leadership across the full operational chain, from procurement through food preparation, staging, and delivery.
- Oversee daily operational activities to ensure consistent service delivery across schools and program sites.
- Develop, implement, and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support quality, safety, and consistency.
- Monitor operational performance, identify challenges, and implement solutions.
- Develop scalable systems, workflows, and performance measures to support program growth.
- Establish operational metrics and reporting tools to guide decision-making and monitor program effectiveness.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives that enhance efficiency, quality, service delivery, and operational sustainability.
Food Program & Kitchen Operations Support
- Work collaboratively with the Kitchen Lead to support effective daily kitchen operations.
- Lead procurement planning based on program needs, menus, and production requirements.
- Oversee systems that support efficient food preparation, portioning, packaging, and distribution.
- Ensure operational practices support nutrition, quality, sustainability, and waste reduction goals.
Food Safety & Compliance
- Ensure food handling, storage, preparation, and transportation practices meet applicable food safety standards.
- Maintain and monitor food safety documentation, procedures, and checklists.
- Support food safety training and safe work practices for staff and volunteers.
- Conduct regular operational reviews to ensure compliance with health and safety requirements.
- Liaise with regulatory bodies and inspectors as required.
Procurement, Inventory & Supply Chain Management
- Monitor operational expenditures and support budget management by identifying cost-saving opportunities and ensuring resources are used effectively.
- Manage procurement processes for food, supplies, and operational materials.
- Develop and maintain supplier relationships that support quality, affordability, and sustainability.
- Oversee inventory management systems, including ordering, receiving, storage, and tracking.
- Forecast operational needs based on program schedules, student demand, and seasonal trends.
- Identify opportunities to improve purchasing efficiency and reduce waste.
Staff & Volunteer Leadership
- Lead and inspire staff and volunteers, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and shared commitment to the Foundation's mission.
- Provide feedback, training, and performance management to support employee growth, development, and success.
- Build team capacity and operational resilience through workforce planning, clear role definition, and cross-training opportunities.
- Participate in the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and retention of staff and volunteers.
- Manage staffing schedules and operational coverage to ensure program needs are met.
- Foster a respectful, inclusive, and safety-focused work environment.
- Address operational and personnel concerns in collaboration with the Executive Director.
Transportation, Fleet & Equipment Management
- Oversee scheduling and use of program vehicles.
- Ensure vehicle logs, maintenance schedules, and safe operating procedures are maintained.
- Oversee maintenance and repairs for vehicles and operational equipment.
- Support the effective management of key assets, including refrigeration, freezer, and kitchen equipment.
Coordination & Reporting
- Prepare and present operational updates, performance metrics, and recommendations to the Executive Director.
- Collaborate with internal teams and community partners to align operations with program goals.
- Support planning for program expansion, special initiatives, and peak operational periods.
- Communicate clearly and effectively with kitchen, delivery, school, and volunteer teams.
Success in This Role
The successful candidate will:
- Ensure reliable delivery of nutritious food to schools every day.
- Build and maintain efficient operational systems that support quality, food safety, and program growth.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and high-performing team culture.
- Use data and operational metrics to support informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
- Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen long-term sustainability.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will bring:
- Post-secondary education in operations management, food systems, hospitality, logistics, supply chain management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum five years of progressive experience in operations management, food service, logistics, warehouse management, supply chain management, or a related operational leadership role.
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing staff and/or volunteer teams.
- Experience with procurement, inventory management, and supply chain processes.
- Experience supporting food preparation systems, commercial kitchens, or institutional food programs is strongly preferred.
- Strong understanding of food safety standards and compliance requirements.
- Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
- Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and improve operational systems and processes.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to identify trends, solve complex operational challenges, and make data-informed decisions.
- Proven ability to lead organizational change and support teams through growth and evolving operational requirements.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and operational tracking systems.
- Valid BC Class 5 Driver’s Licence.
- Ability to perform the physical requirements of the role, including lifting, carrying, loading, and unloading food, supplies, equipment, and materials up to 50 lbs, while following appropriate workplace safety practices.
Preferred Qualifications
The ideal candidate will also have:
- FoodSafe Level 1 or Level 2 Certification, or willingness to obtain.
- Experience working within a nonprofit, school district, institutional, or community food program.
- Knowledge of BC food safety requirements and best practices.
- Experience developing SOPs, workflows, and operational systems.
- Experience managing budgets, supplier relationships, and cost-effective purchasing.
- Experience using inventory management or logistics software.
- Experience working with volunteers and community partners.
How to Apply
Please submit a cover letter and résumé outlining your qualifications and experience to [email protected]
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Nanaimo-Ladysmith Schools Foundation is committed to creating an inclusive workplace and welcomes applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds.
Pay: $30.00-$35.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
