Director of Operations + Enterprise Project Management

Director of Operations + Enterprise Project Management

ABOUT HOT BREAD KITCHEN

Since 2008, Hot Bread Kitchen has empowered New Yorkers who face barriers to economic opportunities through transformative careers in New York City’s food industry. We offer small business development programs, culinary skills training, and job placement, bolstered by individualized wraparound supportive services. Our small business program, HBK Incubates, supports entrepreneurs as they transform their food businesses into sustainable income sources. Culinary Fundamentals, our award‑winning culinary training program provides access to high‑quality jobs for those starting their careers in the food industry.

Our upskilling programs enable incumbent workers to gain further skills leading to higher wages and career advancement. We work diligently alongside our network of over 200 food employer partners and more than 250 nonprofit and government partners to ensure our graduates are set up for success both at home and in their careers.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Director of Operations is a member of Hot Bread Kitchen's Leadership Team, reporting to the Chief Finance and Operations Officer (CFOO). This role is responsible for ensuring the organization’s day‑to‑day operations, facilities, IT infrastructure, and emergency preparedness function smoothly, safely, securely, and in compliance with organizational, regulatory, and funder requirements. Additionally, the role will support the operational component of various real‑estate and worksite strategy initiatives underway now and in the future.

This role focuses on operational execution, process improvement, and risk mitigation, while contributing to strategic planning and decision‑making in partnership with the CFOO.

The Director of Operations directly supervises the Senior Manager of Operations, providing clear direction, coaching, and accountability. The role balances hands‑on problem‑solving with forward‑looking project management to ensure projects are completed and staff have safe environments, reliable systems, and clear protocols to support their work. While facilities knowledge is helpful, our priority is to hire an experienced senior project manager who is comfortable managing risk, building and improving systems, and supporting people during both routine operations and critical incidents.

In‑person presence will be required a minimum of 4 days a week, and occasionally in the evenings or on weekends to support completion of projects and handle emergencies.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Oversee day‑to‑day operations across facilities, office operations, security, vendor management, and administrative systems.

Ensure facilities operations comply with safety, accessibility, and regulatory requirements.

Maintain and enforce consistent use of Operations trackers and calendars to ensure compliance, and support budget alignment and timely follow‑through.

Build on and strengthen existing operational systems and tracking tools to drive continuous improvement.

Lead emergency management planning and execution, including development, documentation, and regular review of emergency response, evacuation, shelter‑in‑place, and business continuity plans.

Serve as a primary operational lead during emergencies or critical incidents, coordinating internal communication, facilities response, and vendor support.

Oversee organization‑wide IT systems and infrastructure, including hardware, software, user access, cybersecurity practices, and IT vendor relationships.

Support Operations Team with front desk coverage a minimum of 1 day a week to ensure visitor and security procedures are followed.

Partner with all teams to ensure operational processes support internal controls, compliance, and staff experience.

Support planning and preparation for audits, inspections, and compliance reviews related to operations and emergency readiness.

Serve as a point of escalation for operational or safety issues requiring cross‑department coordination.>

Directly supervise the Senior Manager of Operations, setting priorities, managing performance,…