The posting
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.
Why This Role, Why Now
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.
The Role
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.
What Success Looks Like (First 12–24 Months)
- Consistent, reliable warehouse and delivery operations with strong food safety performance
- Clear ownership of revenue targets and measurable growth in institutional sales
- A high-functioning, accountable team with strong frontline leadership
- Improved alignment between supply (farmers) and demand (customers)
- Strong relationships with key anchor institutions across the region
- Meaningful contribution to national systems and strategy
Who You Are
You are a mission-driven business leader — not just an advocate, and not just an operator.
You likely bring:
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
Relationship Strength
- 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
Who This Role Is Not For
This role is intentionally demanding. It is not a fit for candidates who:
- Prefer strategy over execution This role requires daily engagement with operations — not just planning.
- Have not led operational teams Experience limited to policy, fundraising, or program management is not enough.
- Are uncomfortable owning revenue and performance You will be accountable for hitting targets and making tradeoffs.
- Expect to delegate operations entirely You must understand the details well enough to step in when needed.
- Are seeking a traditional nonprofit Executive Director role This is a commercial operation with mission at its core, not a grant-funded program.
- Prefer independence over alignment You will work closely with national leadership and peer regions.
Key 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
Qualifications
- 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
Location & Travel
- Based in Atlanta, GA, with regular presence at the warehouse
- 20–30% regional travel
Final Thought
This role is for someone who wants to run a real business that delivers real impact.
If you are looking for a role where you can:
- Lead a team
- Own outcomes
- Build something meaningful at scale
We’d welcome a conversation.
Benefits
- Compensation & Benefits
- $130,000 salary
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- SIMPLE IRA with 100% employer match
- Employer-paid life and disability insurance
- Paid time off and holidays
- Professional development opportunities
