Executive Director, Local Food Distributor

The Common Market•Atlanta, GA

24d•Onsite

About The Position

Build a Regional Food System That Actually Works The Common Market is not a typical nonprofit. We are a mission-driven food distributor — a social enterprise that moves millions of dollars of regionally sourced food from family farms to schools, hospitals, and other institutions. Our work sits at the intersection of supply chain, public health, and regional economic development. Across four regions, we’ve built a $250M+ platform connecting over 100 farmers to 500+ institutions. Now, we’re entering our next phase: strengthening our core wholesale business, expanding into new markets, and building the operational systems to scale. We are seeking an Executive Director for our Southeast Chapter — a leader who can run and grow a complex, mission-driven business in one of our most important regions. The Southeast region is at an inflection point. Demand from schools, hospitals, and institutions is growing. Our supply base is strong but needs deeper alignment and planning. We are shifting from grant-supported programs to a more durable wholesale model. We are investing in stronger systems, clearer accountability, and operational excellence. This is not a role where you inherit a finished machine. This is a role for someone who wants to build, lead, and improve a regional business that delivers both revenue and impact — and be part of shaping what The Common Market becomes nationally. As Executive Director, you are the senior leader accountable for the full performance of the Southeast Chapter — leading operations, revenue, and team execution across a complex regional business. You are accountable for performance, people, and impact: Running a multi-million dollar regional operation, Leading a cross-functional team (operations, sales, customer service), Owning revenue and financial outcomes, Ensuring safe, efficient, high-quality food distribution, Building strong relationships with farmers and institutional customers. On any given day, you might: Walk the warehouse floor to troubleshoot a fulfillment issue, Meet with a hospital system to expand a contract, Review KPIs with your team and drive accountability, Partner with national leadership on strategy and systems, Represent The Common Market in the regional food system. You are both operator and leader — equally focused on execution and direction.

Requirements

7–10+ years of leadership in operations, supply chain, food distribution, or similar environments
Experience managing a P&L and delivering measurable performance outcomes
Track record of leading teams of 10+ staff, including frontline operations
Strong communication and relationship-building skills
Experience with CRM/ERP systems (e.g., Salesforce, inventory systems) a plus
Deep alignment with The Common Market’s mission and values
Operational and Business Leadership Experience running complex operations (distribution, logistics, manufacturing, or similar)
Comfort owning a P&L, revenue targets, and cost structure
Ability to translate strategy into execution and results
Team Leadership Experience leading frontline and mid-level managers
Ability to build accountability without losing trust
A hands-on leadership style — you stay close to the work
Skilled at building trust with a wide range of stakeholders: Farmers and suppliers, Institutional customers (schools, hospitals, universities), Community and funding partners
Systems Thinking: You understand how supply chains, people, and systems interact.
You use data to drive decisions, not just intuition
Mission Alignment: You care deeply about regional food systems, equity, and economic opportunity.
You are motivated by building something that works — not just talking about it.

Nice To Haves

Experience with CRM/ERP systems (e.g., Salesforce, inventory systems) a plus

Responsibilities

Lead the Business: Own the Southeast Chapter’s performance across operations, sales, and financial outcomes.
Set clear goals and ensure consistent execution.
Run High-Quality Operations: Oversee warehouse, logistics, and delivery systems.
Ensure strong food safety, compliance, and operational discipline.
Drive continuous improvement in accuracy, efficiency, and safety.
Grow Revenue and Partnerships: Expand institutional sales (schools, hospitals, universities).
Support and coach the sales team to meet targets.
Build long-term customer relationships.
Strengthen the Supply Network: Deepen relationships with regional farmers and producers.
Improve alignment between production and demand.
Lead and Develop the Team: Build a culture of accountability, learning, and respect.
Support frontline managers and develop emerging leaders.
Represent the Organization: Serve as a visible leader in the Southeast food system.
Engage funders, policymakers, and partners.