FarmFED Cooperative is seeking an Operations Manager to lead our processing operations in Mt. Pulaski, Illinois. Our facility is a short drive from Springfield and Lincoln, in the heart of Central Illinois.  

 

About the Role: This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of local food processing in Central Illinois. The Operations Manager will serve as the primary liaison between FarmFED's Board of Directors and daily operations, overseeing our processing facility and commercial kitchen (including managing external kitchen users). Key responsibilities include hiring and supervising processing staff, implementing HACCP protocols and food safety standards, coordinating with local farmers and aggregators, managing equipment and infrastructure needs, and supporting development efforts (with board support). 

 

Key Qualifications:

* Bachelor's or graduate degree in Food Science, Agricultural Engineering OR

* Minimum 4 years management experience in food processing OR

* Completion of culinary arts program with 2+ years processing/product development experience

* Current food manager license required

* Ability to effectively manage staff with diverse backgrounds

* Commitment to local food systems and sustainable agriculture

 

Duties:

Processing – 40%-time commitment

• Hire, train & supervise processing staff.

• Point person for farm aggregators & individual farmers to plan and distribute FFC products.

• Implement and monitor HACCP protocols, food safety standards, and sanitation procedures.

• Develop flow diagrams for each product.

• Maintain critical monitoring logs for refrigeration, freezer equipment, and temperature controls.

• Identify equipment and calculate space needs for product development and expansion.

• Serve as primary liaison between the board of directors and daily operations.

Commercial Kitchen Management – 20%-time commitment

• Manage and scheduled kitchen access for outside users.

• Verify and obtain documentation of proper food safety credentials, shared kitchen insurance, and relevant licenses.

• Enforce adherence to FFC policies & procedures.

Equipment & Infrastructure Management – 10%-time commitment

• Advise the board on equipment procurement and maintenance.

• Conduct annual maintenance, calibration, and repair coordination for all processing equipment.

• Manage inventory control for equipment, small wares, chemicals, and consumable supplies.

• Oversee procurement of packaging materials, cleaning supplies, and operational necessities.

• Ensure first aid equipment, emergency preparedness, and disaster response protocols are current.

• Coordinate pest control services and facility maintenance.

Administration – 10%-time commitment

• Maintain administrative records for personnel, purchasing, and sales of FarmFED products.

• Work with the Board to develop policies and procedures as needs arise.

• Other duties as needed, consistent with this job description.

Development – 20%-time commitment

• Work with Board Chair, fundraising committee, and development consultants to support:

  • Outreach to current shareholders

  • Social media campaign to encourage new shareholder investments

  • Campaign to publicize FarmFED for non-shareholder donations and outreach to philanthropies supporting local food system development

  • Active relationships with funding organizations such as Land of Lincoln Community Foundation, Memorial Health Foundation, ENEL, EDPB, and Danner Trust

  • Short-, mid-, and long-term goals for increasing revenue to ensure staffing needs are met.

  • Coordinate and support the monitoring of grant opportunities and the writing of grant proposals in conjunction with the FarmFED-designated Grant Writer.

  • Information flow between shareholders, potential funders, and FarmFED leadership, including personal meetings with potential investors/donors, donor appreciation communications/events, and representation at industry events

 Outreach and Communications – As needed

• Promote FarmFED at community events and industry gatherings to support local food initiatives.

• Conduct interviews & promotional activities to advance FarmFED’s mission and visibility.

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Compensation: $60,000 - $65,000 based on experience, plus health and vacation benefits (to be negotiated)

 

Application Process:

* To apply, send updated resume and cover letter describing your qualifications and experiences as they relate to the job description to farmfedjobs@gmail.com.

* Application Deadline: December 19, 2025

* Interviews will be scheduled through end of December and early January, per candidate availability.

* Start Date: Early January