Position Overview

The Client Operations Manager leads the daily execution and team management of the Pantry Services business unit. This role is responsible for managing daily client communication, supervising site-level teams and daily operations of sites, maintaining service standards, and executing on client and company deliverables. 

The Client Operations Manager reports directly to the Director of Pantry Services and serves as the primary owner of day-to-day operations at assigned sites. This position is field based with daily onsite presence across client sites. 

About Just Fare

Just Fare is building a just world where food is a force for social change. We make good food — for people who enjoy eating, and for those who want a more equitable and just food system. Based in Oakland, CA, we offer a variety of services for workplaces; such as, Office Catering, Snack & Drink programs, event catering, commercial kitchen design and operate a community kitchen. We ground everything we do in service of creating a more responsible and ethical world.

1% of our revenue supports donated meals made by our charitable arm, Just Fare Community Kitchen. So far, we have delivered over 494,250 meals to communities fighting food insecurity in the Bay Area.

Tastes good. Does good.

Responsibilities

Daily Operations & Account Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact for day-to-day client communication across assigned sites for all contract food programming 
• Manage client requests, product adjustments, and operational changes within approved department guides.  
• Community manager for food programming and hospitality, host activations and community events. 
• Respond to service issues and resolve escalations in a timely and professional manner. 
• Ensure smooth execution of all client deliverables and programming across multiple sites working directly with site teams, vendor partners, and clients. Be an expert in all roles and responsibilities across assigned sites
• Coordinate and execute site launches and program transitions with guidance and direction from department leadership and central operations. 
• Maintain high levels of client satisfaction and retention
• Escalate strategic or financial-impact decisions to the Director
• Coordinate client activations and engagement events including staffing support, sourcing and vendor coordination, and hosting. 

Team Leadership

• Directly manage site teams to achieve performance metrics 
• Oversee scheduling, labor allocation, and coverage across all sites
• Conduct regular 1:1s and performance reviews with team
• Ensure performance management processes are followed consistently
• Recruit, onboard, train, and develop frontline staff
• Lead by example and maintain clear expectations for service standards, professionalism, and hospitality with all team members
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and operational discipline

Inventory, Ordering & Merchandising Oversight

• Oversee ordering and receiving processes across all client sites
• Ensure inventory systems are followed consistently, including proper storage, rotation, and cycle counts
• Monitor shrinkage and inventory discrepancies and take corrective action
• Enforce merchandising standards specific to each client site
• Ensure smallwares and equipment are maintained, organized, and functioning
• Coordinate transportation logistics and inventory transfers between warehouse and client sites
• Partner with the Director to identify cost control opportunities

Operational Discipline & Systems Execution

• Implement and enforce standard operating procedures across all sites
• Ensure daily, weekly, and monthly operational checklists are completed
• Monitor time and temperature standards and food safety compliance
• Oversee opening and closing procedures across sites
• Ensure cleanliness, organization, and sanitation standards are upheld
• Participate in developing and refining operational systems alongside the Director
• Provide feedback on operational inefficiencies and recommend improvements

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Culinary leadership to ensure smooth integration of in-house products into Pantry Services  programs and Catering operations 
• Support Sales during program launches and transitions
• Communicate proactively with the Director regarding performance trends, risks, and staffing needs

Qualifications & Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years experience in multi-site hospitality, retail food, or catering operations. 
• Minimum 5+ years managing frontline staff and supervisors
• Experience managing client relationships and deliverables 
• Proven record of providing and leading high touch service in food operations. 
• Ability to travel periodically to sites in multiple US States and Canada 
• Strong people leadership skills with demonstrated ability to hold disperse site teams accountable
• Experience managing scheduling, labor allocation, and service standards
• Strong understanding of inventory systems and operational controls
• Ability to manage multiple sites and priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Comfortable making decisions within defined guardrails
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Slack, and operational tools
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel between client sites as needed
• Experience working in a scaling or startup food business preferred

Schedule & Expectations

Typical schedules are generally Monday through Friday with hours dependent on the service. However our Snack and Drink primary hours of operation are from 5am - 5pm. You are responsible for managing your schedule directly with your manager.

Shift details: Shift details: Exact schedule may fluctuate, S&D operations can be at any time (24/7).

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive wages in an equitable tiered pay structure for all positions.
• Cell Phone Stipend
• Health, dental, and vision insurance - After 90 Days
• Self Managed Vacation, Paid Time Off (PTO) - After 90 Days
• All employees 401K (retirement account) -After 90 days
• Commuter (pre-tax) - After 30 Days
• Meals provided daily onsite at Oakland Commissary Kitchen and most client locations.
• Opportunity to develop your skills, work with amazing people & be a part of a force for social change!