Food Pantry Program Manager

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Boston•Boston, MA

About The Position

The Catholic Charities Food Pantry Network serves the food insecure at four locations throughout Greater Boston and provides additional services to external partner organizations. The Food Pantry Program Manager is an operations focused leader responsible for managing the operational, logistical, and administrative functions that support Catholic Charities food security programs and management of the Yawkey Food Pantry. This role ensures that food sourcing, storage, distribution, partnerships, compliance, and reporting processes all run efficiently and at-scale. The Program Manager works closely with the Director of Food Security to move strategy into action, drive continuous improvement, guarantee high‑quality service delivery across programs, translating to compassionate food security resources to the clients.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Nutrition, Public Health, Social Work, or related field.Master’s degree preferred.
Minimum of 8–10 yearsof experience in operations,logistics, food systems,food security, agriculture, nutrition, or humanitarian/development programmingor large‑scale program management.Strong understanding of food supply chains,food systems,storage and transportoperations, compliance, and safety standards.
Demonstrated experience supervising staff and managing cross‑functional teams.
Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, and process‑improvement skills.
Experience working with donors, government institutions, andexternalpartners.
Knowledge of food safety regulations and inventory management systemsrequired.
The ability to bend,reachandlift 65 poundswithout the use of an assistivedevice.
Ability to manage high‑volume, fast‑moving operations in a complex, multicultural environment.
Strong communication,relational,strategicthinkingandproblem-solving skills.
Works well independently and as part of a team. Supports other pantries as needed,including participating in the physical demands of the role, and flexibly accommodating pantry or volunteer group needs as required.
Commitment to equity, community needs, and service quality.
Experience with Salesforce, Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel and Outlook. Willingness and ability to learn internal software systemsfor scheduling and inventory.
A valid license with 5+ years of driving experience,good drivingrecordand willingness to drive 16' and 26' trucks and pantry vans. Must be comfortable driving on highways and interstates.

Nice To Haves

Proficiencyinadditionallanguagesis preferred.
ServSafecertification is preferred orwillingnessto be trained in food safety for food handlers.

Responsibilities

Oversee day‑to‑day operations of food security programs, including procurement, inventory, transportation, distribution, and partner coordination.
Lead development and enforcement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for food handling,transportation and storageoperations, volunteer management, and community distribution sites.
Ensure all activities meet food safety standards, quality guidelines, and regulatory compliance requirements.
Manage end‑to‑end food supply chain workflows: sourcing, vendor relations, deliveries, storage, routing, and last‑mile distribution.
Optimizelogisticsto improve efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure reliable access to nutritious food for clients.
Oversee transportation planning, includingdriver,scheduling,andmaintenance.
Displays sensitivity to the needs of individuals and families experiencing financial hardships, mental illness, trauma, and those from varied cultural backgrounds.
Support program coordinators in the implementation of food distribution programs, nutrition initiatives,education,and community partnerships.
Monitor operational data (volumes, turnaround time, inventory levels, serviceutilization) and make actionable adjustments.
Lead audits and continuous improvement projects to strengthen operational excellence.
SuperviseDriver and Food Pantry Assistant,overseelogistics,storage and transportoperations, program delivery, and community engagement functions.
Provide coaching, mentorship, and performance management to ensure high‑functioning operational teams.
Support recruitment, onboarding, and training of staff and volunteers.
Manage operational budgets, including staffing, transportation, storage, and procurement.
Maintain compliance with federal/state/local/partnerfood program requirements (e.g., food safety regulations, donor requirements).
Support grant reporting by providingaccurateoperational metrics and narratives.
Maintain strong relationships with food banks, vendors, community organizations, donors, and government partners.(e.g., food sourcing, shared distribution, joint outreach).
Represent the organization in operational working groups,localfood policy council,and emergency response coordination as needed.
Maintain contingency plans for supply chain disruptions, weather events,etc.
Serve as acting Director of Food Security in their absence on operational mattersand serve as operational lead during emergencies, ensuring rapid and flexible food distribution responses
Provide operational input for strategic planning, department‑wide resource allocation, and organizational decision‑making.
Work environment includes office setting with the use of basic office equipment, food pantry environment,standing for extended periods of time during distribution times and restocking,working in the community and work in various field office locations.
Safelyoperatepalletjacks, forklift, and loading lift.
Maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
Attendance at meetings andtrainings.
Local travel as needed.