Food Rescue Manager

Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County•Watsonville, CA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Food Rescue Manager (FRM) is responsible for the strategic leadership, growth, compliance, and performance management of Second Harvest Food Bank's food recovery and grocery rescue program: the Retail Recovery Alliance. Acting as the organization's subject matter expert on edible food recovery, the FRM develops and implements strategies to maximize food sourcing opportunities, strengthen community partnerships, ensure regulatory compliance, and advance organizational goals related to hunger relief and food waste reduction. This role operates with a high degree of autonomy, leading cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders across multiple organizations without direct supervisory responsibility. The Food Recovery Program Manager (FRM) provides the strategic leadership, oversight, and continuous advancement of Second Harvest Food Bank's food recovery and grocery rescue initiatives through the Retail Recovery Alliance. Serving as the organization's subject matter expert in edible food recovery, the FRM is responsible for expanding food sourcing opportunities, cultivating and strengthening strategic partnerships, ensuring compliance with all applicable food safety and regulatory requirements, and driving program performance to maximize community impact and reduce food waste. This position operates with a high degree of professional judgment and autonomy, independently leading complex initiatives, identifying opportunities for program growth, and coordinating efforts across multiple internal departments and external partners. While empowered to make day-to-day operational and programmatic decisions, the FRM maintains regular communication and strategic alignment with the Chief Operating Officer, providing timely updates on program performance, emerging opportunities, challenges, and issues requiring executive awareness or direction. Through this balance of independent leadership and organizational coordination, the FRM ensures that the Retail Recovery Alliance advances Second Harvest's strategic priorities while operating efficiently, compliantly, and collaboratively. This is a grant-funded position. Employment is expected to continue through the current grant funding period, which is anticipated to end on 5/30/29. Continuation of the position beyond that date is dependent upon the renewal of grant funding and organizational needs.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in relevant field such as business administration, supply chain management, logistics or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum 3–5 years of progressively responsible experience in food banking, nonprofit management, supply chain, sustainability, food systems, community partnerships, or related fields.
Demonstrated experience leading programs, initiatives, or major projects without direct supervisory responsibility.
Experience developing strategic partnerships and influencing decision-making across multiple stakeholder groups.
Experience with program metrics, budget oversight, compliance management, and strategic planning.
Strong strategic planning and program management skills.
Demonstrated leadership and influence skills without formal authority.
Advanced relationship management and stakeholder engagement capabilities.
Strong analytical, reporting, and data interpretation skills.
Excellent presentation, facilitation, and public speaking abilities.
Ability to manage complex projects and competing priorities.
Strong business acumen and problem-solving abilities.
Expertise in regulatory compliance, food recovery, or related operational programs.
Advanced proficiency with CRM systems, reporting tools, Microsoft Office Suite, and data analysis platforms.
Must have access to a motor vehicle, as well as valid auto insurance coverage.
Must have a valid California Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record, as documented by a current MVR (will be obtained by the Food Bank’s insurance carrier).
It is the responsibility of all SHFB personnel to participate in our Food Safety/Food Defense programs.
Demonstrate ethical business practices, in conformance with all state and federal laws and regulations.
Commitment to serving vulnerable populations and ending hunger in Santa Cruz County
Demonstrate full adherence to the Code of Conduct and all policies/procedures related to compliance.
Adherence to all applicable federal and state laws and regulations including, but not limited to, those governing confidentiality, privacy, program, billing, and documentation standards.
Able to hear conversations on the phone and in-person.
The person in this position frequently communicates with retail partners, community partners, etc.; must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.
Be able to read, write, and interpret written reports, documents and manuals.
Able to safely lift or carry items weighing up to 40 pounds.
Bi-manual dexterity and able to use a computer keyboard.
Frequent standing and sitting throughout the day.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SB 1383 implementation, edible food recovery programs, or Feeding America network operations highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic planning, development, and continuous improvement of the Food Recovery Program.
Develop annual program goals, performance metrics, and growth strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
Evaluate food recovery trends, emerging opportunities, and regulatory developments to inform program direction.
Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, equity, food recovery volume, and Partner Agency engagement.
Lead cross-functional initiatives involving Operations, Agency Relations, Development, Communications, and Leadership teams.
Serve as the internal subject matter expert on food recovery, donor engagement, and edible food recovery regulations.
Lead cultivation, acquisition, and stewardship strategies for grocery retailers, wholesalers, manufacturers, farms, and other food donors.
Develop executive-level relationships with corporate partners, local jurisdictions, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders.
Negotiate partnership agreements and collaborate with stakeholders to address operational challenges and expansion opportunities.
Represent the Food Bank in regional, state, and national food recovery initiatives, meetings, conferences, and working groups.
Develop donor recognition and engagement strategies to strengthen long-term participation and increase contributions.
Lead training and technical assistance initiatives for agency partners and food donors, including the creation and upkeep of instructional videos, manuals, standard operating procedures, and other practical guides.
Support community education efforts related to food recovery, hunger relief, and waste reduction.
Build organizational capacity by identifying best practices and emerging innovations in food recovery.
Foster collaboration among partner agencies, food donors, local governments, and community organizations.
Provide overall oversight of program compliance with SB 1383, Feeding America requirements, RAC Grant, food safety standards, and applicable regulations.
Develop and maintain program policies, procedures, training materials, and operational standards.
Monitor agency and donor compliance, addressing performance issues and corrective action plans as needed.
Serve as the primary liaison for audits, compliance reviews, and jurisdictional reporting requirements.
Monitor and assess program risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to food recovery, donor participation, agency engagement, and program growth.
Analyze trends and performance data to guide decision-making and resource allocation.
Actively track and maintain pickup schedules across the county, ensuring a clear and current understanding of which Partner Agencies are picking up donations from each retail donor location.
Monitor pickup consistency, identify missed or recurring gaps, and coordinate with Partner Agencies and retailers to support reliable food recovery operations.
Develop executive dashboards and reports for leadership, grant funders, and external stakeholders.
Utilize data insights to identify opportunities for increased food sourcing and operational efficiency.
Support grant applications, impact reporting, and strategic planning through data analysis and storytelling.

Benefits

Competitive salaries and benefits
Rewarding work environment
Accrue three weeks of vacation time in their first year of service
Paid 10 company holidays
12 sick days, per year
Choice of 7 medical plans across Silver, Gold, and Platinum coverage levels
Food Bank contributes an amount equal to 90% of the employee premium and 80% of the dependent premium for the Kaiser Gold base plan
100% employer-paid benefits for employee Vision, Dental, Life, Long-Term Disability, Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Employee Assistance Program
Employer subsidized vision and dental insurance for dependents.
AFLAC supplemental plans
Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
Supplemental coverage on Life and AD&D plans.
Pet Insurance
403(b) Retirement Plan with generous employer contribution.
Tuition reimbursement program