Carolina Farm Trust Director of Operations Cornelius, NC · Full time Company website

Apply for Director of Operations

Carolina Farm Trust is on a mission to build a regional food system—from production to consumption—that supports thriving communities and resilient ecosystems. Our work centers around four core pillars: - Urban Farm Network - Farm Apprentice Program - Food as Health Initiative - Regional Distribution Platform Through a comprehensive and collaborative approach, we work hand-in-hand with farmers, growers, markets, and community partners to position our region as a leader in local food production and consumption. Our Vision: A regional food system that fosters social, environmental, and economic resilience.

Job Title: Director of Operations

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt (FLSA)

Reports To: CEO/Executive Director

About Us

Carolina Farm Trust’s mission is to build a decentralized food system from production to consumption. Our pillars are building an Urban Farm Network, Farm Apprentice Program, Food as Life Program, and a Distribution Platform.  Our approach is comprehensive and collaborative. We work alongside our partners, farmers and growers, farms, markets, and consumers as we strive to make our region a global leader in local food production and consumption.

Our Vision: A region in which food systems promote social, environmental, and economic resilience.

Position Summary

The Director of Operations is a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, responsible for the strategic and day-to-day management of the organization’s operational infrastructure. This includes direct oversight of procurement, food storage and safety, culinary operations, and local farm initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operations management within a mission-driven environment and bring a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Management

• Provide vision, leadership, and strategic direction for all operational departments.
• Serve as a critical voice in organizational planning and decision-making as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that align with the organization's mission and goals.

 

Procurement

• Oversee sourcing and purchasing of food, supplies, and equipment with a focus on sustainability, cost-efficiency, and local partnerships.
• Establish vendor relationships and negotiate contracts to maximize value and quality.

 

Food Storage & Safety

• Ensure proper storage, inventory control, and rotation of all food and perishable goods.
• Maintain compliance with food safety regulations (local, state, and federal) and industry best practices.
• Supervise warehouse and distribution logistics to support community food access programs.

 

Culinary Operations

• Lead the culinary team to deliver high-quality, nutritious meals and culinary training programs.
• Support menu planning, recipe development, and nutrition standards aligned with program needs.
• Ensure kitchen facilities meet all health and safety codes.

 

Local Farm Operations

• Oversee the planning and execution of sustainable farming initiatives, including crop planning, soil management, and harvest scheduling.
• Foster community engagement and educational opportunities through farm programs.
• Ensure alignment of farm output with culinary and food distribution needs.

 

People & Performance

• Directly supervise department leads across assigned operational areas.
• Promote a culture of accountability, equity, and continuous improvement.
• Support professional development and cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications

 

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Agriculture, Supply Chain Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, preferably in a non-profit, food systems, or agricultural environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and regulatory compliance.
• Proven experience in procurement, logistics, and warehouse operations.
• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

 

Preferred:

• Master’s degree or relevant certifications (e.g., ServSafe, PMP).
• Experience in culinary or farm-to-table operations.
• Familiarity with non-profit financial management and budgeting.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, PTO, and professional development opportunities.
• Meaningful work that impacts the Charlotte and North Carolina communities.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Carolina Farm Trust is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, gender identity or national origin or because they are an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, Armed Forces service medal veteran (referred to collectively as “protected veterans”). Carolina Farm Trust also provides applicants with equal employment opportunities without regard to pregnancy, childbirth, medical needs arising from pregnancy or childbirth, and related medical conditions including, but not limited to, lactation.