Community food programs, Kitchen management

Position: Food Programs & Operations Manager
Organization: The Shuswap Food Action Society (SFAS)
Location: Salmon Arm, BC

• Type: Full-time (35–40 hours/week), year-round with reduced hours during school breaks and summer months, and some evening/weekend work
• Compensation: $30–$34/hour
• Vacation: 2 weeks (or 4%) annually
• Start Date: Ideally, May 10, 2026 (Flexible)
• Interviews: Week of May 4, 2026

About Shuswap Food Action Society

Shuswap Food Action Society is a community-based non-profit committed to building community around local food. Through our School Meal Program, we deliver nourishing, local-food-based meals to schools and community organizations across the Shuswap and School District 83.

Our work supports child nutrition, local farmers, and a resilient regional food system by prioritizing fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from local producers wherever possible. Last year, we delivered 94,000 meals to our community - this year, we are on track to deliver over 105,000 meals.

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative Food Programs & Operations Manager to lead the coordination and delivery of our School Meal Program and related community food initiatives.

This role provides leadership across kitchen operations, logistics, and program delivery, while working closely with Kitchen Shift Leads, staff, and volunteers to ensure smooth day-to-day operations.

The Manager focuses on planning, systems, partnerships, and program quality, while supporting a distributed team to carry out food production and distribution. This position is central to ensuring reliable, high-quality meal delivery while strengthening SFAS’s long-term capacity and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Program Oversight & Coordination

• Oversee the delivery of the School Meal Program across participating schools and community partners
• Coordinate programs including Souper Meals, hot lunch, and other food initiatives
• Maintain program schedules, production planning, and distribution coordination
• Track program data, participation, and impact metrics
• Prepare reports and updates for leadership and the Board, and support program evaluation and continuous improvement

Kitchen Operations & Team Leadership

• Provide oversight of kitchen operations in collaboration with Kitchen Shift Leads
• Delegate and support day-to-day food production, prep, and kitchen workflow
• Ensure meals are prepared on time and meet high standards for quality, nutrition, and consistency and support menu planning and recipe development aligned with budget, seasonality, and dietary needs
• Maintain accurate allergen and ingredient information
• Ensure food safety and sanitation standards are consistently met (Food Safe Level 1 required; Level 2 an asset)

Logistics, Procurement & Systems

• Oversee ordering, inventory planning, and supply coordination, and coordinate distribution logistics, including delivery systems and schedules
• Maintain relationships with local farmers and suppliers, including seasonal planning
• Oversee transportation systems (e.g., van use, cambros, routes) and support staff training
• Develop and improve operational systems to increase efficiency and reliability

Staff & Volunteer Coordination

• Supervise and support Kitchen Shift Leads, staff, and volunteers
• Develop staffing plans and schedules in collaboration with Shift Leads
• Support onboarding and training, including required documentation (waivers, policies)
• Provide leadership, coaching, and day-to-day support to team members and foster a positive, collaborative, and well-organized work environment

Administration & Financial Coordination

• Support budgeting, expense tracking, and financial planning for food programs and prepare projections and support cost monitoring
• Coordinate invoicing and financial documentation, and prepare and submit payroll information for approval
• Maintain organized internal systems and documentation

Community Engagement & Program Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with schools, teachers, and community partners
• Represent SFAS in meetings, presentations, and community engagement opportunities
• Support grant applications and reporting related to food programs
• Contribute to program growth, innovation, and long-term planning
• Support the transition and development of new kitchen infrastructure, including school-based kitchen facilities

Qualifications & Skills

• 3–5 years of experience in kitchen management, food programs, or community-based operations; Red Seal Certification is an asset
• Strong organizational, leadership, and logistics coordination skills
• Experience supervising staff and/or volunteers
• Experience with budgeting, ordering, and operational planning
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, community-based environment
• Experience working with local food systems or nonprofits is an asset
• FoodSafe certification (or willingness to obtain; Level 2 an asset)
• Basic computer skills (email, spreadsheets, online systems)
• Valid driver’s license and ability to support transportation/logistics needs

Work Environment & Expectations

• Combination of kitchen, administrative, and off-site responsibilities
• Collaborative, team-based environment with shared leadership across roles
• Fast-paced, hands-on work supporting community food programs
• Occasional flexibility required for time-sensitive or seasonal needs
• Physically active role, including lifting, driving, and on-site coordination

Eligibility

• Clean Criminal Record Check for working with vulnerable populations
• Legally eligible to work in Canada

How to Apply

Email your resume and cover letter or questions to: Chélie-Renée Elsom at ed@shuswapfood.ca with the subject line: Food Programs & Operations Manager Application + your name

Please mention you saw this at FoodWork.ca.