Director of Operations

About this position

Kentucky Harvest | Louisville, KY

Help Lead the Fight Against Hunger

Kentucky Harvest is seeking a mission-driven, highly organized Director of Operations to lead our food rescue and distribution operations across Louisville and Southern Indiana.

This leadership role oversees the day-to-day movement of rescued food from donors to community partners, ensuring food is recovered safely, efficiently, and reliably. The Director of Operations leads a small but dedicated team while coordinating food donors, nonprofit partners, volunteers, vehicles, technology, and logistics to maximize community impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Grow and strengthen relationships with food donors, including grocery stores, manufacturers, restaurants, farms, and distributors.
• Lead daily food rescue operations, pickups, deliveries, routing, and logistics.
• Supervise and develop operations staff, drivers, and volunteers.
• Manage fleet operations, vehicle maintenance, safety practices, and DOT compliance.
• Ensure food safety, operational efficiency, and exceptional partner service.
• Use data and technology to monitor performance and improve processes.
• Build and maintain operating procedures that support growth and consistency.
• Collaborate with leadership on strategic planning, budgeting, reporting, and organizational growth.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of leadership experience in operations, logistics, supply chain, nonprofit operations, food systems, transportation, or a related field.
• Experience supervising staff and coordinating teams.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with routing, fleet management, operational reporting, and process improvement.
• Comfortable using Microsoft 365 and technology platforms to track and manage operations.
• Nonprofit experience is preferred but not required.

What Success Looks Like

• Increased food donations and strong donor relationships.
• Safe, efficient, and reliable food rescue operations.
• Engaged and accountable staff and volunteers.
• High partner satisfaction among donors and recipient agencies.
• Accurate reporting, documented processes, and operational excellence.

Why Kentucky Harvest?

Every day, Kentucky Harvest rescues surplus food that might otherwise go to waste and delivers it to nonprofit organizations serving people facing food insecurity. As Director of Operations, you will play a critical role in expanding our impact and helping feed thousands of neighbors throughout our community.

To apply, submit your resume and cover letter.

OUR MISSION: reduce local food insecurity by connecting our partners, volunteers, and nonprofits to keep good food out of landfills and nourish our community.

OUR VISION: No wasted food – no hungry neighbors.

Location and commute

Louisville, KY 40201.

Plan your route with Google Maps. Travel times and transportation options vary; confirm the work location with the employer before commuting.

How to apply

Review the vacancy and complete the application on the employer or recruitment partner’s website. Requisition ID: WJ-3266419697.