Operations and Sales Director

Job Description

Saba Food Hub is hiring a full-time Operations and Sales Director, with experience in fresh produce, who will be a chief leader reporting directly to a Board of Directors. Saba Food Hub is the supply-chain arm of Saba Grocers Initiative, based in Oakland, CA. We connect California farmers to institutions and corner stores through a community-owned values-driven food supply chain.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic and seasoned leader in the food and agricultural industry with deep expertise in operations, sales, people management, logistics, marketing, food safety, good food procurement and vendor relations.

Responsibilities

Operations, Strategic Planning & Supply Chain

• Develop and implement strategies to optimize operations, including budget forecasting, cost control, revenue projections, sales strategy, and a long-term growth plan to bring the company to profitability within 3 years.

• Support the collection, analysis, and reporting of data on food hub operational efficiencies, local impact and revenue growth

• Utilize data insights to inform decision-making, improve service delivery to farmers and buyers, and guide future market growth

Sales, Vendor Partnerships and Customer Service

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including prospecting, lead generation and networking with new buyers and local producers

• Build and maintain sustainable and direct relationships with new buyers and local producers, serving as a trusted advisor and resource for their business needs

• Develop and execute strategic sales plans to acquire new customers and achieve revenue targets

• Align warehouse and logistics operations with customer expectations to strengthen relationships and build loyalty.

• Review and determine strategic opportunities for growth and expansion, serving as director for new facility openings or operational transitions.

• Ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment, shipping, and delivery performance.

• Maintain open communication with internal teams and external partners to support a consistent, positive customer experience.

Supervision and People Management

• Lead the Saba Food Hub team by demonstrating the ability to stabilize and grow business profitability with strong strategic decision making and foresight, commitment to values based purchasing, and excellent customer service.   

• Hire, mentor, grow, supervise and retain staff that align with the organization’s mission and culture.

• Strategically determine food hub staffing structure, and operational design to improve service effectiveness, efficiency and growth.

Food Safety and Logistics

• Maintaining the cold chain: Ensuring that perishable goods are kept at the correct temperature throughout the transport process to prevent spoilage and ensure food safety.

•  Compliance with regulations: Adhering to health and food safety regulations, including temperature control, packaging and traceability documentations.

• Increase warehouse utilization rate and maximize available resources. 

• Streamline warehousing operations by identifying process bottlenecks and implementing continuous improvement initiatives.

• Optimize transportation routes, and inventory flow.

• Implement cost-saving measures that reduce overall logistics expenses while maintaining service quality, and organizational mission.

• Strategically adapt operations to meet growing business needs, including seasonal fluctuations and market shifts.

• Leverage technology to scale efficiently and meet evolving customer demands.

• Strategically build flexible operational models that support both short-term demands and long-term growth.

• Proactively identify potential risks in supply chain operations, including delays, disruptions, and compliance challenges.

• Develop contingency plans and enforce process controls to ensure business continuity and resilience.

• Create, document, and enforce processes and procedures that maintain high operational standards and food safety standards.

Competencies

• 5+ years of hands-on logistics and supply chain experience in the food or agricultural industry

• Seasoned operations knowledge with strong analytical skills

• 5+ years of direct sales experience with clear growth in position responsibilities and client management 

• 2+ years of direct financial responsibilities including use of P&L and balance statement experience.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams, vendors and clients.

• Ability to set strategy, achieve goals and problem solve

• Ability to develop and use market research to expand business with innovative products and services

• Strong organization skills and attention to detail are necessary, as well as a proven track record of meeting project KPIs and revenue goals. 

• Flexible, efficient, independent, and motivated self-starter that requires little direction, with a proven ability in managing multiple priorities

• A commitment and passion for being an active participant in our values based initiative and mission.

• Proficient in Google Suite, ERP systems, E-commerce, and database management 

• A Bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain management, business administration, or a related field is required. 

• MBA or masters degree in a related field is highly preferred.  

• Industry Certifications: Certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), Certified Logistics Professional (CLP), or Project Management Professional (PMP) Certifications are highly preferred. 

Salary Range:

$125,000- $131,000 based on experience

Compensation and benefits

• This position currently reports to Saba’s Board of Directors

• Time: 100% FTE + benefits

• Location: Oakland, CA

• Compensation: $125,000-$131,000 based on experience

• Benefits: Healthcare, Dental and Vision Coverage for Full Time Employees provided based on % of timed employment. 26 days of PTO annually, 11 days company holiday, 401K match plan (4% company contribution, 1% employee contribution required). All eligible employees will receive bi-weekly general technology and workspace stipend. Saba Grocers also allows eligible employees to take paid sabbatical leave.

• Hours of operations: Saba’s office is open 8-5pm. This is a full time in-person position, with flexibility of remote work based on business needs.

To apply, please send your resume to jlyons@jlyonsrecruit.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Saba Grocers is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation. We are an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including members of underrepresented groups.