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

About the role

Join World Central Kitchen (WCK) as a Distribution Operations Contractor in an immediate, short-term independent contractor role. Deploy to active emergency responses in Gary, Indiana and surrounding areas to manage critical logistics that deliver hot meals, water, and supplies to communities in need. This role is hands-on, fast-paced, and mission-driven, typically lasting a few weeks depending on the response duration.

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

Contract rates are based on experience and location, paid only during activation. This role reports to the 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 operational strategy as conditions and needs change in the field.
• Lead and coordinate local teams, partners, and volunteers, ensuring clear roles and task completion.
• 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 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 in high-pressure environments.
• Strong organizational and reporting skills; ability to build systems, adapt quickly, 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.

This role requires the ability to work in high-stress, ambiguous environments. Strong communication, hands-on problem-solving, and adaptability to changing conditions are essential.

Benefits

• Be part of a global movement that feeds hope one plate at a time.
• Work on diverse activations around the world, including hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and humanitarian crises.
• Join a tight-knit, mission-driven team where your skills directly impact communities in need.
• Learn, grow, and serve communities with dignity and respect.

Note: WCK is an ambitious, fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization. The role may require long and nontraditional hours, including weekends and holidays, to meet urgent needs during disasters.