Food Programs Manager

About North Kent Connect Join a Team Making a Lasting Impact in Northern Kent County North Kent Connect (NKC) is a Christian organization committed to improving the lives of all people in northern Kent County by providing access to basic needs and promoting economic independence. As an organization running the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS®), we operate with vision, accountability, and healthy communication at every level. Our team is aligned, empowered, and passionate about our mission: every person has value. At NKC, our core values are at the heart of everything we do: People First We treat everyone with respect and kindness, offering fantastic service and genuine care. Dynamic We are passionate, proactive, and resourceful, always finding creative ways to move our vision forward. Aligned We are united toward a common goal, working collaboratively with a spirit of camaraderie and fun. Our niche is simple yet powerful: we go beyond basic needs. We connect people to resources that help them move forward and thrive. As the only organization of its kind in northern Kent County, we offer a unique blend of expertise, services, and community partnerships. When you visit NKC, you’ll be met with professionalism, follow-through, and a team that lives out its values every day. We're passionate about what we do, clear on where we’re going, and we have a lot of fun along the way. Job Purpose North Kent Connect (NKC) is looking for a Food Programs Manager to lead our food programming efforts. From our Healthy Market Pantry and Fresh Connect Mobile Market to food rescue, senior food programs, and community partnerships, this role ensures that nutritious food gets where it needs to go, when it needs to get there. The right candidate can manage inventory, coordinate food sourcing and distribution, improve processes, and lead a team while keeping our mission at the heart of every decision. At NKC, we believe access to healthy food is foundational to building stronger, more stable families. Our Food Programs Manager plays a critical role in making that possible. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who loves food, enjoys bringing people and processes together, and thrives on figuring out how to make things work better. Our food programs have grown and evolved to meet the changing needs of our community, and we need someone who can see the big picture while keeping all the moving pieces running smoothly. Duties and responsibilities Oversee the daily operations and continued development of NKC's food programs, including the Healthy Market Pantry, Fresh Connect Mobile Market, Meals on Wheels delivery, Senior Pantry, Senior Commodities, Seasonal Programming, and Food Rescue. Coordinate food purchasing, donations, food rescue, and other sourcing efforts to maintain a reliable supply of fresh, nutritious, and culturally relevant food. Lead, coach, and support three food programming staff, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Develop and maintain policies, procedures, and workflows that ensure programs operate efficiently, safely, and consistently. Oversee food inventory across programs, ensuring accurate tracking, proper storage, food safety, and efficient distribution. Direct the logistics of food pickups, deliveries, transportation, and distribution schedules. Work closely with Facilities staff to maximize storage capacity, maintain inventory accuracy, and support the movement of food throughout NKC. Build systems that reduce waste, improve efficiency, and make the best use of available resources. Develop and maintain strong relationships with food donors, retailers, farmers, food banks, and community organizations. Collaborate with community partners to expand food sourcing and distribution opportunities. Track and evaluate program data, including food inventory, pounds distributed, individuals served, and other key performance measures. Ensure accurate reporting and compliance with program requirements, including Feeding America, Kent County Community Action, Meals on Wheels, and Kent County Food Rescue Pilot. Monitor food purchasing, invoices, grant expenditures, and program budgets in collaboration with the Director of Finance. Qualifications Passion for NKC's mission and a commitment to ensuring individuals and families have access to fresh, healthy food. Associate or bachelor’s degree in business, operations, food systems, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered. 35 years of experience in operations, logistics, food distribution, program management, including staff supervision and process improvement. Strong organizational and problemsolving skills, with the ability to manage multiple programs, priorities, and moving pieces. Experience managing inventory, coordinating logistics, and developing systems and processes that improve efficiency and accountability. Demonstrated ability to lead, coach, and support a team while fostering a collaborative and positive work environment. Strong relationshipbuilding and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff, volunteers, community partners, vendors, and donors. Experience managing budgets, tracking expenses, analyzing data, and using performance measures to guide decisions. Comfortable using technology, spreadsheets, and database systems to manage operations, track inventory, and report program outcomes. Ability to adapt to changing needs, anticipate challenges, and take initiative to identify and implement solutions. Knowledge of food safety, handling, storage, and distribution practices, or willingness to obtain necessary certifications. Valid driver's license and ability to meet NKC's vehicle operation requirements. Must be able to stoop, crawl, bend at the knees and waist, squat, push, pull, lift above the head, and lift 50 pounds. Proficient with Microsoft Office products & Outlook email system Ability to form and establish positive partnerships in the community Selfstarter and possess a high degree of initiative. Must work well in a team environment Benefits Three weeks paid time off, Five paid holidays, plus the week between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day. Medical, Dental, Vision and Life insurance. 401K retirement with employer match. Training and professional development opportunities.