Distribution Operations Contractor, Immediate and Short-Term (Indiana Response)

When disaster strikes, food is more than a meal; it is relief, comfort, and connection. At World Central Kitchen (WCK), we believe in the power of food to heal and restore. Our teams respond to emergencies with the urgency of a first responder and the heart of a chef. Our Distribution Response Corps manages the critical logistics that get hot meals from kitchens to communities, fast, safely, and with dignity.

This is a short-term independent contractor role, deploying immediately (as early as tomorrow) for the duration of the active response — typically a few weeks. We are looking for experienced logistics and operations professionals ready to deploy into active emergency responses and keep our distribution network running on the ground.

About the role

• Preferred Location(s): Based in Indiana. Deployment at various WCK Response Sites within the United States, closest proximity to your primary city or posted location: Gary, Indiana; Hammond, Indiana; Merrillville, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois
• Duration: Immediate deployment. Contract term positions vary depending on need and length of activation with the opportunity for renewal.
• Rates: Contract rates are based on experience and location; paid only when on rotation or activation.
• Reports To: Response Distribution Manager

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage field and fleet operations, coordinating logistics, teams, and partners to ensure meals, water, and other items reach communities efficiently and on time
• Plan and adapt the operational strategy as conditions and needs change in the field
• Lead and coordinate local teams, partners, and volunteers. Make sure everyone knows their role and tasks get done
• Set up and run temporary distribution sites in challenging field environments. Solve problems quickly as they come up
• Track inventory, delivery numbers, and site performance. Use this data to make decisions and improve operations
• Ensure food safety and handling standards are followed during transport and distribution
• Document and report on field operations to support leadership making decisions

Requirements

• Background in project management, field operations, or program leadership — ideally in logistics, fleet coordination, or emergency response
• Experience leading teams and managing large, complex operations under pressure
• Highly organized and agile, able to set up systems, move fast, and keep operations running smoothly under pressure
• Strong organizational and reporting skills. Able to build systems, adapt fast, and solve problems in real time
• Tech fluency with Google Workspace, Slack, and Airtable
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure, and resource-limited environments
• Bilingual fluency (English) is highly preferred
• Must be local and already based in Indiana

Qualifications

• Background in logistics, supply chain, fleet operations, or field coordination
• Experience managing high-volume delivery or distribution operations
• Strong organizational and documentation skills

Working Conditions

• This role requires the ability to work in high-stress, ambiguous environments
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing conditions are essential
• Strong communication, the ability to coach and guide local teams and partners, hands-on problem-solving, and bringing structure to fast-moving operations are all essential

Benefits

• Be a part of a global movement that feeds hope one plate at a time
• Work on diverse activations around the world: hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and humanitarian crises
• Join a tight-knit, mission-driven team where your distribution talent becomes a tool for impact
• Learn, grow, and serve communities with dignity and respect

WCK is an ambitious, fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization. Working at WCK often requires long and nontraditional hours. Everyone's role is to directly or indirectly feed people with urgency when disasters strike — even on weekends and holidays.