Executive Director

The Role

The Southeast region is at an inflection point. Demand from schools, hospitals, and institutions is growing. Our supply base is strong but needs deeper alignment and planning. We are shifting from grant-supported programs to a more durable wholesale model. We are investing in stronger systems, clearer accountability, and operational excellence.

This is not a role where you inherit a finished machine. This is a role for someone who wants to build, lead, and improve a regional business that delivers both revenue and impact — and be part of shaping what The Common Market becomes nationally.

You are the senior leader accountable for the full performance of the Southeast Chapter — leading operations, revenue, and team execution across a complex regional business. You are accountable for performance, people, and impact:

• Running a multi-million dollar regional operation
• Leading a cross-functional team (operations, sales, customer service)
• Owning revenue and financial outcomes
• Ensuring safe, efficient, high-quality food distribution
• Building strong relationships with farmers and institutional customers

On any given day, you might:

• Walk the warehouse floor to troubleshoot a fulfillment issue
• Meet with a hospital system to expand a contract
• Review KPIs with your team and drive accountability
• Parenthetical with national leadership on strategy and systems
• Represent The Common Market in the regional food system

Who You Are

You are a mission-driven business leader — not just an advocate, and not just an operator. You likely bring:

• Operational and Business Leadership
• Experience running complex operations (distribution, logistics, manufacturing, or similar)
• Comfort owning a P&L, revenue targets, and cost structure
• Ability to translate strategy into execution and results
• Team Leadership
• Experience leading frontline and mid-level managers
• Ability to build accountability without losing trust
• A hands-on leadership style — you stay close to the work
• Relationship Strength
• Skilled at building trust with a wide range of stakeholders: Farmers and suppliers, Institutional customers (schools, hospitals, universities), Community and funding partners
• Systems Thinking
• You understand how supply chains, people, and systems interact
• You use data to drive decisions, not just intuition
• Mission Alignment
• You care deeply about regional food systems, equity, and economic opportunity
• You are motivated by building something that works — not just talking about it

What Success Looks Like (First 12–24 Months)

• Consistent, reliable warehouse and delivery operations with strong food safety performance
• Clear ownership of revenue targets and measurable growth in institutional sales
• A high-functioning, accountable team with strong frontline leadership
• Improved alignment between supply (farmers) and demand (customers)
• Strong relationships with key anchor institutions across the region
• Meaningful contribution to national systems and strategy

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of leadership in operations, supply chain, food distribution, or similar environments
• Experience managing a P&L and delivering measurable performance outcomes
• Track record of leading teams of 10+ staff, including frontline operations
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience with CRM/ERP systems (e.g., Salesforce, inventory systems) a plus
• Deep alignment with The Common Market’s mission and values

Location & Travel

• Based in Atlanta, GA, with regular presence at the warehouse
• 20–30% regional travel

Compensation & Benefits

• $130,000 salary
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• SIMPLE IRA with 100% employer match
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities