Operations Manager Lancer Farms

Job Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing supply chain, distribution, and market-facing operations for all three Lancer Farms at the College of Lake County including the Grayslake Campus Farm, the Greenbelt Farm at the Greenbelt Forest Preserve, and the Urban Farm Center at Lakeshore Campus. The position ensures the efficient, compliant, and strategic movement of agricultural inputs and harvested “Lancer Fresh” products in support of instructional programming, institutional purchasing, community food access, and regional food system development. In addition to supporting College needs, this role works with wholesalers, institutional buyers, local growers, and food producers to strengthen markets for locally produced food.

Essential Job Functions

• Supply Chain, Distribution, and Market Operations (40%)
  • Plan, coordinate, and manage supply chain operations including procurement, inventory management, storage, distribution/sales, and logistics.
  • Cookware and storage of agricultural products for instructional use, College consumption, wholesale distribution, and approved institutional buyers.
  • Work with wholesalers and distribution partners to sell Lancer Fresh products to institutional buyers beyond the College, in alignment with College policies.
  • Support aggregation, distribution, or coordinated logistics that include products from local growers and food producers, as appropriate.
  • Maintain supply chain and distribution performance; identify risks, inefficiencies, and opportunities for market growth.
  • Collaborate with local growers, food producers, and partners to strengthen supply chains and expand access to institutional and wholesale markets.
  • Contribute operational expertise to initiatives that advance local food systems, workforce development, and regional economic vitality.
  • Ensure all activities align with educational objectives, community engagement goals, and College policies.
• Strategic Leadership/Project Management (40%)
  • Aid in the development and management of supply chain– and distribution-related budgets.
  • Monitor inventory levels, sales activity, and expenditures; prepare reports and operational summaries.
  • Coordinate purchasing and vendor relationships in compliance with College procurement requirements.
  • Review and approve supply chain–related expenses within delegated authority.
  • Oversee the use of inventory, logistics, and reporting systems.
  • Maintain accurate records in compliance with College requirements.
  • Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, transparency, and alignment with instructional and food system goals.
  • Serve as a liaison between the Urban Farm Center and internal departments including Finance, Procurement, Facilities (specifically the Auxiliary Services department who will oversee distribution of Lancer Fresh products at the Lancer Fresh Zone (the campus bookstore)), Risk Management, and Academic Affairs.
  • Cookware and support operations and market development with wholesalers, distributors, institutional buyers, growers, and food system partners.
  • Provide data, analysis, and operational insight to support program planning, assessment, and reporting.
• Personnel Management (15%)
  • Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise assigned staff and student employees involved in supply chain and distribution activities.
  • Assign work, establish priorities, and monitor performance.
  • Provide coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations.
  • Ensure compliance with safety standards and promote an inclusive and respectful work environment.
• Other (5%)
  • Engage in professional development to stay ahead of industry trends.
  • Represent department in shared governance and industry trade groups.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of experience in supply chain management, agriculture, business, operations management, or a related field; OR Associate’s degree and five (5) years of experience in supply chain management, agriculture, business, operations management, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• Experience managing inventory systems, budgets, and operational data.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with local or regional food systems, wholesalers, or institutional food buyers.
• Knowledge of food safety standards, Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), and produce handling requirements.
• Experience supporting market access for local growers or food producers.
• Experience supervising diverse staff and student populations.
• Proficiency with inventory management systems, spreadsheets, and enterprise software.
• Commitment to sustainability, workforce development, and community engagement.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Ability to lift, push, or pull materials up to 50 pounds.
• Work is performed in farm, warehouse, cooler, and office environments.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and use of computers and mobile devices.
• Occasional work in varying weather conditions.

Salary

$70,000 - $84,400/year. Salary, benefits, and other terms and conditions of employment are highly competitive and will be commensurate with the candidate’s background and experience.

Application Deadline

July 20, 2026.

Full-Time/Part-Time

Full time

Total Hours Per Week

40

Position Type

Staff

Job Family

Professional

Posting Date

07/01/2026

Expected Start Date

08/17/2026

Compensation Grade

C43

Location

Lakeshore Campus

Department

Lancer Farms

Department EEO Statement

College of Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a policy of non-discrimination. Qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, age, sex, national origin, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, ancestry, citizenship, parental status, pregnancy or any other status protected by law.