Job Description

About Harvest Manitoba

Harvest Manitoba ("Harvest") is a charitable organization dedicated to nourishing our communities and our sense of community so that no Manitoban goes hungry. We collect and share 13 million pounds of food every year, which is sorted and packed and distributed to Manitobans through our Community Food Network of more than 380 food banks and agencies in Winnipeg, rural, northern and First Nations communities. Right now, we feed 110,000 Manitobans every month; 49% are children. Our Food Distribution Centre, which includes our Community Support Centre and Warehouse, is in our Winnipeg headquarters.

Job Title: Senior Operations Manager

Scope: Out of Scope
Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Job Type: Full-time - Permanent
Reports To: Vice-President, Operations

Position Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Operations Manager to lead and optimize our operational functions. Reporting to the VP of Operations, this role is pivotal in ensuring the seamless flow of food from donors to communities. You will oversee warehouse operations, fleet, supply chain management, procurement, and team leadership, driving efficiency, safety, and exceptional customer service.

This position requires a strategic thinker who thrives in a fast-paced environment, embraces innovation, and inspires teams to achieve excellence in accuracy, productivity, and customer experience.

Key Responsibilities

1. Warehouse & Distribution Management

Lead all warehouse operations, including inventory control, order fulfillment, shipping, receiving, and waste management. Drive performance improvements in fill rates, on-time delivery, and order accuracy. Ensure compliance with FIFO processes, food safety standards, and quality control programs. Champion the implementation of warehouse management software to enhance productivity and data accuracy. Foster collaboration with internal teams (Volunteer Services, Agencies, Development, HR) for smooth coordination. Develop and monitor KPIs for operational efficiency, reporting regularly to the Vice-President of Operations. Optimize space utilization and workflow design to maximize throughput and minimize bottlenecks. Oversee fleet management and transportation logistics, ensuring timely and cost-effective deliveries. Implement contingency plans for supply chain disruptions and seasonal demand fluctuations.
2. Procurement

Oversee the operational aspects of food acquisition, ensuring smooth coordination with donors and suppliers. Collaborate with internal teams to monitor food pricing and donation trends, helping maintain cost-effective procurement Manage day-to-day interactions with food suppliers and vendors to maintain steady supply. Ensure adherence to food safety and quality standards, managing recalls and regulatory compliance under Health Canada guidelines
3. People Management

Recruit, train, and mentor team members and volunteers, creating a culture of engagement and accountability; manage team scheduling, timesheets, and related administrative tasks. Conduct performance evaluations and implement development plans to build high-performing teams. Foster a positive and inclusive workplace culture aligned with Harvest Manitoba's CREW values. Lead change management initiatives to support organizational growth and innovation. Assist in developing succession plans and building talent pipelines for critical operational roles. Oversee the Dispatch Manager and Warehouse Supervisor, who reports directly to this position.
4. Workplace Health & Safety

Promote a safe and healthy work environment within Operations by enforcing organizational health and safety policies and modeling a strong safety-first culture. Implement and reinforce safety protocols established by the Manager of Facilities & Safety, ensuring Operations staff receive required training and follow safe operating practices. Conduct regular safety inspections and risk assessments, particularly for forklifts, warehouse equipment, and fleet vehicles and address issues promptly within the Operations portfolio. Collaborate closely with the Manager of Facilities & Safety, escalating risks appropriately and supporting safety initiatives.
5. Strategic & Financial Oversight

Collaborate with the VP of Operations to develop annual budgets and cost-control strategies. Monitor operational expenses and identify opportunities for cost savings without compromising quality. Provide data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and continuous improvement initiatives.
6. Technology & Process Innovation

Drive adoption of digital tools and automation to streamline operations. Identify and implement best practices in supply chain and warehouse management. Lead projects to modernize infrastructure and systems, ensuring scalability for future growth.
7. Other Duties as Assigned

Education and Experience

Post-secondary education in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience). Minimum 5 years of progressive leadership experience in supply chain or operations management. Experience managing in a unionized workplace is considered an asset. Demonstrated expertise in problem-solving, analytical thinking, and strategic leadership. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across teams. Proficiency in inventory management systems and Microsoft 365 applications. Proven success in purchasing and procurement, including achieving sustainable supplier cost reductions. Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation capabilities. Knowledge of safe food handling standards (HACCP) and possession of a valid Food Handler's Certificate. Experience in motivating, organizing, and leading diverse teams and volunteers. A highly collaborative, team-oriented approach, committed to advancing Harvest Manitoba's CREW values.

About You

You believe in the dignity and potential of every person and approach your work with empathy and respect. You have an interest in, or experience with, issues related to food insecurity (An asset in connecting with our mission). You bring energy, initiative, and a problem-solving mindset to your work. You are committed to creating an inclusive, safe, and efficient environment that empowers others to do their best work. Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., sit, stand and bend as needed for the job. Enjoy using new technology and exploring innovative solutions. You thrive in a collaborative team environment and enjoy working with others to create shared success. You are willing to undergo and provide a clear Criminal Record and Child Abuse Check as a condition of employment. You have Valid MB Class 5 driver's license and drivers abstract.

Why you should join us

Opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause and make a tangible impact in the community. A collaborative and mission-driven work environment. Professional growth and development opportunities. Competitive salary and benefits package. Benefits Package Dental Package Prescription Coverage Massage, Physiotherapy Coverage Employee Assistance Program (EAP) RRSP Company Match Plan On-Site Parking
Harvest Manitoba is committed to providing a barrier-free recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation at any point in the application or interview process, please let us know so we can work with you to meet your needs

Evening and weekend shifts will be required as business levels dictate.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

Casual dress Dental care Disability insurance Employee assistance program Extended health care Life insurance Mileage reimbursement On-site parking Paid time off RRSP match Vision care Wellness program
Application question(s):

How many years of experience do you have leading and managing in a unionized workplace? Do you have valid MB Class 5 driver's license and drivers abstract?
Experience:

Inventory management: 5 years (preferred) Logistics Management: 5 years (preferred) Supply chain: 5 years (preferred) Procurement management: 4 years (preferred) Leadership: 4 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person