Operations Specialist at Food For Education

About the Role:

We are seeking to hire a dynamic operations specialist who will work in collaboration with the COO to design and execute operational strategies. The role will also establish clear KPIs and success metrics for all areas of centralized kitchen operations that align with the organization's strategic objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Operational Efficiency

• In collaboration with the Chief Operating Officer (COO), design and execute comprehensive operational strategies aligned with F4E’s goal of feeding 1 million children by 2025.
• Together with the Finance Team, continuously analyze unit economics, monitor performance metrics, and adapt expansion plans to ensure cost efficiency and sustainability.
• Lead day-to-day operations across our central kitchens in planning across key areas: expansion, supply chain, kitchen production, quality assurance, food safety, logistics, and school feeding.
• Act as a key business partner to the COO, providing updates and insights into the overall expansion roadmap.

Team Leadership & Cross-Department Collaboration

• Champion a unified sense of purpose within the Operations team aligned with organizational goals.
• Work closely with the COO to align operational priorities with organizational strategy, especially around expansion planning.
• Facilitate and at times lead collaboration with departments such as Finance, Expansion, Tap2Eat Operations, Data and Analytics, and Tech, through consistent communication and collaboration.

 Innovation & Continuous Improvement

• Introduce and integrate innovative ideas from diverse industries through structured pilots and experimentation to enhance F4E’s operational effectiveness.
• Monitor and manage operational financial performance, focusing on resource management and asset optimization.
• Continuously improve operational workflows, addressing inefficiencies and optimizing cost per meal in partnership with the finance team, Operations Associates, and Kitchen Managers.

Performance Management & Monitoring

• Establish clear KPIs and success metrics for all areas of centralized kitchen operations that align with organization's strategic objectives
• Build and execute performance monitoring systems, enabling data-driven improvements and operational excellence.
• Identify inefficiencies and lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize systems and processes.
• Ensure structured hiring, staffing, and training of kitchen teams to guarantee smooth operations pre-launch and post-launch.

Risk Management & Resilience Planning

• Conduct comprehensive operational risk assessments across central kitchens.
• Develop and implement robust mitigation and contingency plans to ensure business continuity and organizational resilience.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in operations or supply chain roles, preferably in the food production, FMCG, or social impact sectors.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive strategic initiatives from concept to execution.
• Solution-oriented, able to think on their feet, and quickly pivot.
• Independent-minded, entrepreneurial, and can thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to handle multiple projects at the same time.
• Willingness and ability to handle any job assigned under your scope of work.
• Strong analytical, planning, and financial acumen.
• Experience working in fast-paced, mission-driven environments.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker and a self-starter, with a strong bias for execution
• Systems/processes-oriented and detail-focused
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
• Very comfortable with data-driven decision-making and performance tracking
• Passionate about food systems, social impact, and scalable solutions