Executive Director, Local Food Distributor
18 days ago
Philadelphia
Job DescriptionContext The Common Market is a nonprofit social enterprise working to build a more resilient and equitable food system. Through regional chapters, we connect family farmers to the people and institutions that need their food the most — schools, hospitals, universities, and community organizations. Our Mid-Atlantic Chapter, headquartered in Philadelphia, serves NY, DMV, NJ, PA, MD and DE partnering with hundreds of regional producers and institutional buyers to advance health, wealth, and sustainability across the region. As The Common Market enters its next phase of national growth, we seek a dynamic, entrepreneurial Executive Director to lead the Mid-Atlantic Chapter — overseeing operations, sales, and community partnerships while representing the organization as a trusted regional leader in values-based procurement and local food distribution. Role Description As the senior leader of The Common Market Mid-Atlantic, the Executive Director drives the region’s strategy, culture, and performance — ensuring excellence in operations, growth in sales and partnerships, and alignment with our national mission and values. This leader brings together people, systems, and vision to ensure that the Mid-Atlantic Chapter operates with both heart and discipline. They oversee a diverse team across warehouse operations, logistics, and partnerships; manage the Chapter’s P and nurture relationships with farmers, institutional customers, and community partners. A collaborative member of The Common Market’s national leadership team, the Executive Director ensures that the Mid-Atlantic Chapter contributes powerfully to the organization’s impact nationwide — demonstrating what an equitable, regional food system can achieve. Candidate Profile The ideal candidate is a mission-driven business leader who combines operational excellence with strategic insight and deep community engagement. They are equally comfortable walking the warehouse floor, meeting with a hospital system’s foodservice director, or representing The Common Market at a statewide food policy summit. They are a skilled manager and communicator who can inspire a team, build trusted relationships, and execute with discipline. They understand the complex intersections of food systems, supply chains, health, and equity — and they thrive on making them work better for all. Snapshot of the Ideal Candidate Operational Leader: Skilled in managing complex supply chains, warehouse operations, and logistics with a focus on food safety, quality, and efficiency. Business Strategist: Understands financial performance, margin and sales team management, and growth; experienced in social enterprise or mission-driven business. Relationship Builder: Builds authentic, trust-based relationships with farmers, institutional customers, and partners across sectors. Collaborative Coach: Leads through partnership and empowerment; builds confidence and accountability across diverse teams. Community Champion: Deeply committed to equity, sustainability, and strengthening regional food economies. Results-Oriented Manager: Sets clear goals, tracks performance, and ensures that strategy translates into measurable outcomes. Professional Foundation: 7–10+ years in operations, sales, or general management; experience managing P&L, leading teams of 10+ staff; background in food systems, logistics, or distribution preferred; nonprofit or social enterprise experience a plus. Who This Role Is Not For This role may not be the right fit for candidates who: • Lead the Mid-Atlantic Chapter’s team — including operations, sales, and customer service — with a focus on collaboration, accountability, and growth., • Partner with the National Operations, Sales, and Development teams to align goals, systems, and processes across the organization., • Champion a culture of safety, learning, and inclusion; ensure team members are engaged, supported, and developed., • Serve as the public face of The Common Market Mid-Atlantic, representing the organization to funders, policymakers, and community leaders. Operations and Performance, • Ensure the efficient operation of the Philadelphia warehouse and regional logistics network, maintaining compliance with all food safety, DOT, and operational standards., • Oversee fulfillment, transportation, and inventory management to ensure on-time, high-quality delivery to customers., • Build and maintain strong relationships with producers and food hubs across the Mid-Atlantic to strengthen supply chains and expand product offerings., • Drive continuous improvement in efficiency, accuracy, and safety through data and disciplined systems. Sales, Partnerships, and Philanthropy, • Develop and execute regional sales strategies to achieve revenue goals and expand institutional partnerships (schools, hospitals, universities, and distributors)., • Partner with the national Sales and Development teams to cultivate philanthropic relationships that advance the Chapter’s mission and sustain local programmatic initiatives (e.g., food access programs, farm capacity-building, community partnerships)., • Serve as a trusted and persuasive ambassador for The Common Market’s mission, connecting philanthropic and market partners to opportunities for impact in the region., • Support the Sales teams in cultivating and retaining key customers, ensuring satisfaction, retention, and long-term growth.Financial Stewardship, • Manage the Chapter’s P&L, ensuring sustainable financial performance aligned with mission impact., • Prepare and monitor annual budgets; forecast revenue and expenses; and ensure fiscal discipline and transparency., • Collaborate with the national team on funding opportunities, grants, and programmatic partnerships. Strategic and External Engagement, • Serve as a thought leader and advocate for regional food systems, representing The Common Market in coalitions and public forums., • Partner with other Chapter Executive Directors to share learnings, build consistency, and strengthen the national network., • Qualifications, • Minimum 7–10 years of progressive leadership in operations, supply chain, food distribution, or mission-driven enterprise., • Demonstrated success leading teams, managing budgets, and delivering measurable performance outcomes., • Strong relationship management skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders., • Financial acumen and comfort with P&L oversight, budgeting, and reporting., • Familiarity with Salesforce, inventory management systems, and warehouse management software a plus., • Deep commitment to food systems change, racial equity, and community wealth-building., • Location & Travel, • Based in Philadelphia, PA, with regular presence at the regional warehouse., • $130k annually, • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision), • Retirement Plan (SIMPLE IRA with 100% employer match), • Life Insurance (100% Employer Paid Life, AD&D, Short Term and Long Term Disability), • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays), • Training & Development
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