The Chief Operations Officer (COO) provides strategic leadership and executive oversight of all operational and programmatic activities of the Mid-South Food Bank in alignment with established policies, goals, and organizational objectives. The COO ensures that all food bank operations comply with Feeding America and AIB standards of practice and applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
Employee Engagement & Culture
• Foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive culture where all team members can thrive.
• Attract, develop, and retain top talent across diverse backgrounds.
• Build high-performing teams aligned with the organization’s mission and values.
Strategic Leadership
• Develop and execute a comprehensive operational strategy that advances organizational goals and maximizes efficiency and effectiveness.
• Lead long-term planning initiatives that strengthen infrastructure, scalability, and service delivery.
Compliance & Risk Management
• Establish and maintain programs and procedures to ensure full compliance with federal and state laws, food safety standards, warehousing and transportation regulations, and Feeding America requirements.
• Implement robust documentation and audit processes to ensure accountability.
Operational & Financial Controls
• Design and oversee appropriate financial and physical control systems to safeguard organizational assets and inventory.
• Ensure operational integrity through disciplined oversight and performance monitoring.
Organizational Design & Staffing
• Develop and maintain an effective logistics and operations organizational structure.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and succession planning to support current and future needs.
Leadership & Ethics
• Demonstrate exceptional people leadership by modeling accountability, collaboration, and professionalism.
• Build trust across all levels of the organization and lead by example.
• Uphold the highest ethical standards and act in the best interest of all stakeholders.
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Key Challenges
Internal
• Workforce Balance: Effectively manage and integrate employees, contractors, and volunteers within a diverse culture.
• Resource Constraints: Deliver operational excellence within financial, staffing, and facility limitations.
• Executive Collaboration: Work collaboratively with the leadership team to drive performance and achieve strategic objectives.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement opportunities to streamline, combine, enhance, or eliminate processes.
• Change Management: Lead the successful implementation of new systems, processes, and facilities.
External
• Talent Competition: Attract and retain high-caliber operational talent in a competitive labor market.
• Team Leadership: Cultivates collaboration, morale, and shared ownership of results.
Knowledge and Experience
• Four-year college degree in related field preferred
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership experience with demonstrated expertise in strategic planning and operational management.
• Experience in logistics, supply chain, warehousing, transportation, or large-scale distribution preferred.
• Knowledge of safe food handling requirements and food safety regulations preferred.
• Strong analytical, data interpretation, and critical thinking skills with a demonstrated ability to drive measurable results.
• Ability to manage operational details while maintaining a broad strategic perspective aligned with organizational mission and goals.
Hiring Range: $130,000 – $145,000 annually, plus a competitive benefits package
Mid-South Food Bank serves 31 counties. 18 in North Mississippi. 12 in West Tennessee and 1 in Arkansas.
Mid-South Food Bank fosters a collaborative, equity-centered culture focused on service, accountability, innovation, and operational excellence.