Director of Operations

ABOUT HOT BREAD KITCHEN

Since 2008, Hot Bread Kitchen has empowered New Yorkers who face barriers to economic opportunities through transformative careers in New York City’s food industry. We offer small business development programs, culinary skills training, and job placement, bolstered by individualized wraparound supportive services. Our small business program, HBK Incubates, supports entrepreneurs as they transform their food businesses into sustainable income sources. Culinary Fundamentals, our award-winning culinary training program provides access to high-quality jobs for those starting their careers in the food industry. Our upskilling programs enable incumbent workers to gain further skills leading to higher wages and career advancement. We work diligently alongside our network of over 200 food employer partners and more than 250 nonprofit and government partners to ensure our graduates are set up for success both at home and in their careers.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Hot Bread Kitchen is seeking a strategic, highly organized, and hands-on Director of Operations to lead the internal operations that keep our organization running smoothly and support our continued growth.

Reporting to the Chief Finance and Operations Officer and serving on the Leadership Team, the Director of Operations will lead the Operations function and oversee office operations, facilities, workplace systems, IT coordination, administrative processes, workplace safety, and emergency preparedness. This role is both strategic and practical: it requires a leader who can strengthen systems and workflows, manage day-to-day operational needs, and help the organization build the infrastructure and readiness needed for the future.

The Director of Operations will serve as a key partner across the organization, helping ensure that internal operations are efficient, reliable, compliant, and responsive to staff and program needs. This person will also lead strategic operational projects, support organizational transitions and readiness efforts, and contribute to a strong, collaborative internal culture.

This role directly supervises the Senior Manager of Operations and may oversee additional contractors and vendors as needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead internal operations

• Oversee day-to-day office and administrative operations, including facilities coordination, security, vendor management, workplace systems, and administrative processes.
• Ensure office environments and training kitchen operations are safe, functional, accessible, compliant and well maintained.
• Strengthen workflows, trackers, operating practices, and internal processes to improve coordination, accountability, and staff experience.
• Provide hands-on operational support as needed, including occasional front desk or office coverage to help ensure smooth daily operations and adherence to visitor and security procedures.

Manage facilities, IT coordination, and operational risk

• Oversee facilities operations and vendor relationships to support a safe, secure, and effective workplace.
• Oversee organization-wide IT systems and infrastructure, including hardware, software, user access, cybersecurity practices, and external IT support.
• Lead emergency preparedness planning, including response procedures, evacuation, shelter-in-place, and business continuity planning.
• Serve as a primary operational lead during emergencies or critical incidents.

Drive cross-function operational planning and readiness

• Partner with all teams to ensure operational processes support internal controls, compliance, and a positive staff experience.
• Support audits, inspections, and compliance reviews related to operations, facilities, and safety.
• Lead operational planning, readiness, and implementation for major operational changes, transitions, and growth-related initiatives.
• Build practical systems, processes, and documentation that improve continuity, clarity, and execution.

Lead and develop the Operations function

• Lead the Operations department, setting priorities and standards in alignment with organizational goals.
• Directly supervise the Senior Manager of Operations, setting priorities, managing performance, and supporting professional development.
• Build and maintain a strong, service-oriented operations function that supports staff effectively.
• Contribute proactively to Hot Bread Kitchen’s culture as a collaborative, values-aligned member of the Leadership Team.
• Elevate operational risks, capacity needs, and implementation challenges to the Executive Team and develop cross-team systems to improve coordination, clarity, and follow-through.

Supporting budgeting, planning, and execution

• Partner with the CFOO and Finance team on operations-related budgeting, resource planning, and expense monitoring.
• Oversee procurement, vendor contracts, and cost controls related to operations, facilities, IT, and emergency preparedness.
• Serve as a thought partner to the CFOO on operational priorities, risk assessments, and implementation planning.
• Support broader organizational initiatives by contributing operational expertise and execution support in partnership with the Chief of Staff and other leaders.

WHO YOU ARE

You are a strong operations leader who knows how to build structure, improve systems, and keep complex work moving. You are calm under pressure, comfortable making decisions, and able to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution. You bring strong judgment, follow-through, and a service mindset, and you know how to work across teams to solve problems and move priorities forward.

You are also an experienced manager who can develop people, build trust, and create a culture of accountability, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Required

7+ years of progressively responsible experience in operations, administration, facilities, workplace management, or a related field.

At least 3 years of people management experience, including experience supervising and developing staff.

Experience leading a department, major function, or significant cross-functional initiatives.

Strong operational, organizational, and project management skills, including the ability to anticipate needs and plan, sequence, and drive cross-functional work to completion.

Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities and solve complex problems with minimal oversight.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Commitment to Hot Bread Kitchen’s mission and values.

Preferred

Experience overseeing facilities, safety, emergency preparedness, compliance, or IT systems, either directly or through vendors.

Experience managing vendors, contracts, procurement, or multi-site operations.

Experience in a nonprofit, workforce development, hospitality, culinary, food, or other mission-driven service environment.

Familiarity with Asana or similar project management tools.

Proficiency in Google Workspace, Slack, Salesforce, and related workplace systems.

VALUES

We are driven by a feeling of commitment to support our members, teammates, and partners. Our culture of equity comes from the many cooks in our kitchen and the diversity of perspectives we each bring. We believe that respect goes a long way in making people feel welcome, accepted, and celebrated. We seek out opportunities for connection and become a stronger team by being in community and prioritizing candor over consensus. The pace of our work and velocity of change can be quick; our entrepreneurialism helps us take optimistic risks and pursue inventive solutions.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

This is a full-time position with a starting salary range of $105,000–$110,000, depending on experience.

Hot Bread Kitchen's comprehensive benefits package includes health/vision/dental insurance (eligible from day one), 401K contributions, paid office closure days (including holidays and staff appreciation days, and a one-week holiday break at the end of the year), flexible and generous vacation and sick time, paid parental leave, and a sabbatical program (after 5 years of service). Our organizational culture is inclusive, entrepreneurial, flexible, and civically minded (learn more about our culture on hotbreadkitchen.org/careers)

LOCATION

This is an in-person role based in Chelsea Market in Manhattan. The position requires on-site presence at least four days per week, with occasional evening or weekend availability as needed for project management or emergency response needs.

To Apply

• Please include a cover letter and experience-aligned resume including your pronouns.
• Apply here at Hot Bread Kitchen’s Applicant Tracking System

Due to the volume of applications, only complete applications sent via email will be considered. Applications sent via LinkedIn or other third-party sites will not be reviewed.

Hot Bread Kitchen is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against applicants based on race, religion, color, disability, medical condition, legally protected genetic information, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), age, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics. Any applicant with a mental or physical disability who requires an accommodation during the application process should contact hr@hotbreadkitchen.org to request such an accommodation.

Hot Bread Kitchen's comprehensive benefits package includes health/vision/dental insurance (eligible from day one), 401K contributions, paid office closure days (including holidays and staff appreciation days, and a one-week holiday break at the end of the year), flexible and generous vacation and sick time, paid parental leave, and a sabbatical program (after 5 years of service). Our organizational culture is inclusive, entrepreneurial, flexible, and civically minded (learn more about our culture on hotbreadkitchen.org/careers)

English proficiency