Vice President of Operations

Vice President of Operations 

Department: Operations 

Reports to: CEO 

Pay Grade: 2-E C-Suite 

Pay Range: $117,000 - $135,000 

Job Summary: 

The Vice President of Operations will play a critical role in managing and optimizing the day-to-day operations of Thistle Farms’ justice enterprise operations, ensuring alignment with our mission and strategic objectives while advancing local and global impact. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Oversees the daily workflow of the Operations department, which includes the cafe, retail shop, business development, manufacturing, logistics, IT, facilities, and research & development 

• Directly manages Director of Body & Home, Director of Research & Development, Head Chef of Cafe and Shop, Director of IT & Facilities, and Business Development Team 

• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations.    

• Handles discipline and termination of employees in accordance with company policy.  

• Approves mileage and time off requests within department  

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Operational Leadership: Oversee and direct the daily operations of Thistle Farms’ justice enterprise operations, technology and facilities to achieve desired outcomes.  Ensure that physical spaces are welcoming, comfortable, and conducive to a positive customer and team member experience. 

• Strategic Planning: Develop and execute operational strategies that align with the organization's mission and long-term goals. Collaborate with the CEO, leadership team, direct reports, and board to refine and implement strategic initiatives. 

• Team Management: Lead, support, and mentor staff, fostering a collaborative training and professional growth minded team and trauma informed workplace. Implement learning and development training in each justice enterprise department to enhance individual and team capabilities.  

• Financial Management: Manage budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation to ensure the efficient use of funds and sustainability of operations.  

• Revenue Development: Define clear revenue targets and objectives aligned with the organization’s overall strategic goals. Explore and develop multiple revenue streams to reduce reliance on any single source and enhance financial stability. 

• Operational Efficiency: Identify and eliminate inefficiencies in operational processes that impact cost and revenue generation. Implement best practices, standard operating procedures, and technologies to improve efficiency. Monitor and manage operational costs to ensure that resources are used effectively and do not erode profit margins. 

• Technology: Develop and advance Thistle Farms’ technology strategy to drive efficiency, improve outcomes, or enable new capabilities and or job opportunities.  

• Innovation: Create an environment where creativity and experimentation are encouraged, and failures are seen as learning opportunities rather than setbacks. Promote creative thinking and problem-solving across all levels of the organization. Encourage teams to challenge the status quo and think outside the box. 

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including the board, advisors, community partners, donors, residents and graduates and network partners.  Represent the organization at meetings, conferences, and events.  Implement strategies and practices that improve the overall experience for clients, customers, and stakeholders. 

• Impact Measurement: Develop, measure, and report key performance indicators to monitor and evaluate the impact of Thistle Farms’ justice enterprise operations, utilizing feedback to drive improvements and demonstrate the effectiveness of our enterprise operations in alignment with our mission and core values. 

Required Skills/Qualifications: 

• Experience: Proven experience in a senior operational role, with a background in social enterprises, non-profits, recovery-focused organizations, manufacturing, or hospitality. 

• Leadership Skills: Strong leadership, management, and team-building skills, with a track record of leading diverse teams and driving operational excellence. Proficient in leading, attracting, hiring, retaining and developing high-performing teams and individuals.    

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement effective strategies that balance social impact with operational efficiency. Strong organizational and process management skills.    

• Financial Acumen: Experience in budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation. 

• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence various stakeholders. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively across the organization with a high performing management team.    

• Passion for Impact: Deep commitment to the mission of Thistle Farms and social impact, with a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this field. 

Physical Requirements:   

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.  

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.