# Executive Director, Local Food Distributor > The Common Market · Atlanta, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-04-14 **Salary:** USD 130,000–130,000 **Workplace:** on_site ## Description **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 ## Apply [Apply at The Common Market](https://apply.workable.com/the-common-market/j/AF40EC1CA8/apply) --- Powered by [Workable](https://www.workable.com)