Organization: C.R.O.P.S. (Communities Revolutionizing Open Public Spaces)
Focus Area: Food Security
Location: Atlantic City, NJ
Reports To: Director of Operations
Specifics:
Full-time
Exempt
Salary range: $55,000-60,000, based on experience
Benefits: 401K, PTO + Sick Time, Paid Holidays, Health Benefit Reimbursement, Organization Sponsored Certifications
Hybrid/in-person schedule, with seasonal changes
Evening/weekend scheduling as assigned
Travel expectations (local South Jersey)
Start date range - March 2026
Applications:
- Email to admin@cropsnj.org
- Resume
- 2 professional references with email addresses and phone numbers
- Within the body of the email, please share an overview of your work including (1) an instance of when you took the initiative to build or maintain a system to make your workplace or program more efficient and (2) an instance of a challenging management experience and share the outcome
Position Summary
This role is ideal for someone who thrives on creating order, building systems, and keeping mission-driven work running smoothly behind the scenes so the community can be served with excellence. We are looking for someone who can lead and stabilize operations, not just “help out.” The Operations Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth, efficient, and compliant day-to-day operations of our food security programs and organization. This position oversees staff management, physical spaces, vehicles, procurement, permits, and operational systems that support food distribution & production within C.R.O.P.S.’s programs and related services. The Operations Manager translates organizational goals into reliable operational practices, enabling staff and volunteers to serve the community effectively and safely.
Key Responsibilities
Operations & Facilities
- Oversee daily operations across all program sites, ensuring readiness for food production, storage, education, and distribution
- Oversee daily operational needs of the organization’s property, such as equipment
- Supervise Coordinators’ site readiness for audits, inspections, and partner visits
- Ensure facilities are safe, functional, clean, and compliant with local, state, and federal regulations
- Coordinate maintenance, repairs, and vendor services for physical spaces and equipment
- With supervisor approval, develop and implement operational procedures to improve efficiency and consistency
- Review & manage partnership agreements connected to the organization’s programming, sites, etc. with partner organizations, businesses, etc.
Fleet & Logistics
- Manage organizational vehicles, including scheduling, maintenance, insurance, registrations, inspection, and compliance
- Including vehicles’ Mileage Logs & Toll Reporting Logs
- Oversee logistics related to food pickup, storage, transportation, and distribution
- Ensure safe driving practices and proper vehicle use by approved staff
- Maintain driver approval process and training for staff operating organizational vehicles
Staff Management & Support
- Supervise Program Coordinators, Program Facilitators, and Interns (number of direct reports varies depending on season)
- Conduct regular check-ins with direct reports and support performance improvement when needed
- Ensure staff are trained in safety, equipment use, and site protocols.
- Support hiring, onboarding, scheduling, and training of operations personnel
- Support offboarding of personnel
- Manage staff timesheets and submits them to the Executive Director on time, every time
- Foster a collaborative, mission-aligned team culture focused on accountability and respect
- Coordinate with program staff to ensure operational alignment with service delivery goals
Procurement, Bills & Inventory
- With supervisor approval, manage purchasing, vendor coordination, and inventory control in alignment with budgets, grant requirements, and safety standards
- Ensure cost-effective purchasing while maintaining quality and safety standards in alignment with grant and other funding
- Manage inventory systems for organizational property
- Build and manage relationships with vendors, suppliers, and partners
- Manage bill payment as directed by supervisor
- Manage invoices, estimates, receipts, etc. purchase/payment documentation, by collaborating with Coordinators, outside vendors, and supervisors
Compliance, Permits & Risk Management
- Obtain and maintain required permits, licenses, and inspections (e.g., food handling, health, safety, farmers markets, land use etc.) in collaboration with the Coordinator overseeing the program it applies to
- Ensure proper food handling procedures are followed at all times, including safe storage temperatures, sanitation, and transport standards - must complete ServSafe Manager certification with in first 3 months
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, workplace safety standards, and nonprofit best practices
- Develop and implement risk management and emergency procedures
- Maintain documentation and records related to compliance and operations
Planning & Continuous Improvement
- Track operational metrics and identify opportunities for improvement
- Support budgeting and expense monitoring related to operations
- Contribute to strategic planning by assessing operational capacity and needs
- Create systems and documentation that support organizational growth and sustainability
Authority & Collaboration
- Can make purchases with supervisor approval & in accordance with the Financial Policy
- Works closely with Director of Operations, as well as Bookkeeper and Executive Director as needed
- Responsible for recommending operational improvements and implementing approved procedures
Systems & Documentation
- Maintain operational checklists for each site (opening/closing, cleanliness, safety)
- Maintain inventory tracking system for food and supplies
- Maintain vendor list and purchasing procedures
- Maintain fleet logs and driver approvals
- Maintain permit and compliance documentation
- Create and update SOPs for recurring operational tasks
Success Looks Like (First 90 Days – 12 Months)
- Program sites are clean, safe, organized, and inspection-ready at all times
- Vehicles are fully compliant (insurance, inspections, maintenance logs, scheduling)
- Inventory and purchasing are tracked clearly with documentation that supports grant compliance
- Staff schedules, timesheets, and training are consistent and submitted on time
- Food distribution & production, and education, logistics run smoothly with minimal disruption or last-minute scrambling
- Operational procedures are documented and repeatable across locations
- Risk and emergency procedures exist and staff know how to follow them
This role is for you if:
- You love building systems and making things run smoothly
- You’re calm under pressure and solution-oriented
- You’re not afraid to lead people, make decisions, and hold standards
- You care about food justice and want your work to directly impact families and individuals
- You can balance planning with hands-on support when needed
Professionalism and Boundaries
- Maintain respectful boundaries, confidentiality, and professionalism when working with coworkers, participants and partners
Qualifications
Required:
- 3–5 years of experience in operations management, preferably in a nonprofit, food
- system, or logistics-related environment
- Experience supervising staff and managing day-to-day operations
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of facilities management, procurement, compliance processes, and financial
- documentation
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and reporting requirements. Strong time management skills and meeting deadlines are requirements.
- Proficiency with basic technology tools (Google business suite, email, spreadsheets, inventory or scheduling systems)
- Must be able to pass a background check
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record
- Strong communication and documentation skills
Preferred:
- Experience in food security, food distribution, gardening / agriculture, public health, or social services
- Familiarity with food safety regulations and permitting
- Experience managing vehicles or logistics operations
- Bilingual skills relevant to the community served
- OSHA/safety training familiarity
Personal Attributes
- Mission-driven with a commitment to food justice and community impact
- Calm, adaptable, and solutions-oriented
- Strong communicator who builds trust across teams
- Detail-oriented while able to see the big picture
- Proactive and takes ownership without waiting to be asked
Physical & Work Requirements
- Ability to work on-site and move between program locations
- Occasional lifting (40 lbs) and hands-on operational support
- Some early mornings, evenings, or weekends may be required
- Must be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions (seasonal)