OPPORTUNITIES

JOB OPPORTUNITIES

Operations Director

GENERAL OVERVIEW

LUSH Valley Food Action Society is a Comox Valley based non-profit organization. We envision a region where healthy, local food is at the heart of community wellbeing. Through a number of programs and initiatives, LUSH Valley supports the Comox Valley community to gain food-systems tools, engage in just and resilient local food systems and receive equitable access to nourishing food.

When you work with LUSH Valley, you work with an energetic and passionate team making positive change in the Comox Valley.

LUSH Valley offers:

• A diverse and inclusive work environment
• Opportunities for growth and learning
• A monthly wellness benefit
• Fresh food perks

POSITION SUMMARY

The Operations Director will work independently and with the Executive Director and Social Enterprise Manager to ensure day-to-day operations of the organization run smoothly and within financial means. The Operations Director will make informed decisions and implement efficient solutions based on financial oversight, aligned opportunities and operational capacity to ensure that LUSH Valley thrives.

The Operations Director reports directly to the Executive Director and works as part of a three-person leadership team.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

OPERATIONS [35%]

In collaboration with the Program Team:

• Oversee warehouse operations
• Support LUSH Valley staff and programs, specifically the Good Food Box, Farm Gleaning, Healthy Student Meal and all programs related to warehouse operations
• With support of the Social Enterprise Manager, ensure the integration of warehouse programing, kitchen and catering operations
• Identify and create systems to improve operational efficiency and increase productivity in the warehouse and kitchen
• Work with staff to track operational data, create goals and implement work plans
• Work with the Grants and Impact Manager and program staff to evaluate and report on operations and improve programming
• Work with staff to implement new programs or partnerships 
• With the leadership team, hire, onboard and supervise employees as needed 
• Carry out check-ins and performance reviews with staff
• Ensure compliance with relevant employment regulations and federal and provincial employment policies
• Support the implementation of new employment policies 
• Fulfill operational tasks as needed when staff are sick/on vacation
• Be available to respond to operational issues in case of emergency

FINANCIALS & CONTRACT DEVELOPMENT [20%]

In consultation with the Leadership Team:

• Manage price structures for LUSH Valley’s fee-for-service offerings based on industry standards and to ensure financial viability
• Organize and manage program budgets
• Build relationships with and promote LUSH Valley services to prospective partners
• Negotiate contracts and Memorandums of Understanding with organizations/clients
• Negotiate contracts with businesses, partners, government and individuals
• Work with the Bookkeeper to ensure invoicing is up to date and budget is closely monitored
• Adjust operations and deliverables in response to financial fluctuations
• Work with the Bookkeeper to provide financial actuals to funders and partners as needed

SITE MANAGEMENT & DEVELOPMENT [25%]

In consultation with the Social Enterprise Manager and with input from the Executive Director:

• Prepare and submit permit applications for development
• Implement plans for building maintenance and development
• Liaise with building and trades contractors to ensure project completion within budget
• Organize certification bodies to assess and approve completed work
• Research and order commercial kitchen and processing equipment 
• Negotiate and manage rental agreements
• Ensure ongoing maintenance and upkeep of building in a timely manner
• Communicate with upstairs strata for noise-related or other common property issues
• Manage and maintain LUSH Valley assets as needed
• Create and implement safety plans and policies
• Ensure first aid and safety gear is up to standards and staff have needed training
• Provide invoicing and reports to funders related to building development

LEADERSHIP & ORGANIZATIONAL [20%]

In partnership with the Leadership Team: 

• Work in alignment with LUSH Valley’s vision, mission and values
• Participate in and help lead organizational planning sessions and staff meetings
• Develop essential planning strategies and execute strategic decisions
• Review standard policies and procedures and implement policies as needed
• Fulfill Executive Director’s tasks when they are sick/on vacation
• Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the organization 
• Improve processes and operational systems to support the organization’s goals
• Collaborate with businesses to develop and maintain mutually-beneficial relationships
• Support information flow and management
• Support the business sponsorship program
• Ensure compliance to maintain charitable society status
• Support the Executive Director with Board reports and attend/report to the LUSH Valley Board of Directors as needed

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong financial literacy, particularly within the context of a non-profit society
• Strong ability to develop budgets and manage spending across multiple projects
• Ability to develop and utilize multiple organizational systems
• Ability to adapt to dynamic, complex and changing responsibilities
• Excellent English language written and verbal communication skills
• Comfort with public speaking
• Skill in maintaining funder relationships and contract negotiations
• Experience communicating with diverse individuals
• Logistical knowledge of running a food organization
• Experience managing teams
• Ability to maintain a positive attitude, pivot and work comfortably in a rapidly-changing environment with many partners
• Competency in developing short, medium and long-term goals and determining indicators for measuring program evaluation and efficacy
• Experience with building development, business and sales is an asset
• Experience working with volunteers or community is an asset

KNOWLEDGE & EDUCATION

• 3-5 years of experience in food-related businesses and/or non-profit organizations
• 2 years of experience working in HR or HR-related positions
• Bachelor’s Degree in Food Systems, Organizational Development, Health Sciences, Social Development, Human Resources, Environmental Studies, Business Management, Business Administration or related field. Equivalent experience of relevant nature will also be considered
• Strong understanding of food security, food justice and cultural contexts within BC

TO APPLY

Please send your resume and cover letter and references to maurita@lushvalley.org and support@lushvalley.org.

LUSH Valley is grateful to receive all applications, but will only contact shortlisted candidates.

LUSH Valley believes in diversity, employment equity and social justice. We encourage applications from all community members, and would be especially interested in receiving them from Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disability, LGBTQIA2S+ people and members of marginalized communities.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Click here to register through our online volunteer database and let us know what you may be interested in helping with. We regularly send out emails to our volunteers when new opportunities arise.

Volunteer opportunities are available in the following areas:

• Food Share: Our Hot Meal and Good Food Box Programs utilize volunteers to help as delivery drivers, chef’s assistants, call centre support and warehouse support.

• Board of Directors: If interested, please email us.

• Fruit Tree & Farm Gleaning: These two programs will become more active as the growing season progresses, with the majority of the harvesting activity typically being from mid-July through early October.

• Healthy Foods Programs: Kitchen assistant volunteer positions will be needed in the fall when Young Cooks programs resume.

• Share the Harvest Community Garden: Opportunities are available in our Seniors Gardening Group as well as our Share the Harvest Community Garden and Vanier Educational Garden.