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.

Preferred locations: Gary, Indiana; Hammond, Indiana; Merrillville, Indiana; Chicago, Illinois. Candidates must be local and already based in Indiana.

About the role

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. This role requires the ability to work in high-stress, ambiguous environments with strong communication, hands-on problem-solving, and the ability to bring structure to fast-moving operations. Flexibility and adaptability to changing conditions are essential.

Responsibilities

• Plan and adapt the operational strategy as conditions and needs change in the field
• Lead and coordinate local teams, partners, and volunteers, ensuring everyone knows their role and tasks get done
• Set up and run temporary distribution sites in challenging field environments, solving problems quickly as they arise
• Track inventory, delivery numbers, and site performance, using 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 decision-making

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, with the ability 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

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.