Company Overview
Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers’ (GWISR) mission is developing people, changing lives, and building communities which ultimately reduces poverty and unemployment. Our job training, placement and advancement programs make this possible by giving people the support and skills they need to find and sustain employment. Our company is unique in that our programs are funded through the revenue generated at our 12 donated goods retail stores and 2 affiliates: Ben & Jerry’s of the Southern Rivers and PowerWorks Industries. These operations, spanning 50 counties in West Georgia and East Alabama, generate annual revenues in excess of $18 million. In 2009, GWISR placed 2,006 people into employment, generating an economic impact of $35 million. Our successful, self-funded business model is the result of long-term strategic planning and consciously executed business decisions. GWISR is expanding rapidly and is committed to attracting the talent necessary to help plan and lead future growth.

Responsibilities
As the V.P. of Operations, you will report directly to the President and CEO. You will be responsible for leading and managing a comprehensive array of services and programs across the organization’s territory spanning 250 miles. You will be expected to create the operational vision for each of the organization’s revenue generators which include the company’s retail stores, Ben & Jerry’s franchise and federal custodial and grounds maintenance contracts administered through PowerWorks Industries. In addition to setting the vision for these operations, you will be responsible for identifying and creating strategic initiatives to advance each operation, utilizing an organized approach that includes data and results oriented accountability. Qualified candidates will have experience identifying and implementing ways to increase profits, sustain growth and achieve operational goals. As a member of the senior leadership and development team, the V.P. of Operations will work closely with the CEO and a motivated and engaged board of directors.

Principal Accountabilities

Strategic Management

• Partner with the President and CEO on all operational and strategic issues as they arise; provide strategic recommendations to the President based on analysis and projections.
• Participate in the ongoing strategic planning process as an integral member of the senior leadership and development team.
• Engage all members of the senior leadership development team to align operational management with short and long-term planning and projections.
• Provide regular management reporting that will assist in guiding daily business.
• Analyze operating trends of each business line, identifying ways to streamline and grow operations.
  

Operations Management

• Create a consistent long-term plan for each revenue generator that supports the organization’s vision for continued growth and success. This may include expanding into other markets, located within the organization’s 50 county, to ensure continued mission growth.
• Oversee development of annual operating budgets for each revenue generator, while identifying strategies to meet the required objectives and hold team members accountable.
• Implement and lead a continuous quality improvement process throughout each revenue generator, focusing on systems and process improvement.
• Analyze data to ascertain how operations are performing with the ability to make calculated recommendations using data and trends when adjustments to the operating model are necessary
• Provide effective and inspiring leadership, as well as stewardship, to the organization by being actively involved in all operations. Promote regular and ongoing opportunities for all staff to give feedback regarding operations.
• Ability to identify appropriate levels of resources and talent needed to meet objectives, while developing a stream of future leaders so as to ensure the organization’s continued growth and constant success.
• Foster an environment that creates cross-functional teams spanning the entire organization to include support of administrative services team members.

Qualifications

The V.P. of Operations will be a seasoned and mature leader with at least 15-20 years of operating experience, 10 years of which must be in overseeing multiple retail entities across a wide geographic area. Experience gathering and evaluating information and making actionable recommendations to the senior leadership and development team is required for this position.

• Industry related Bachelors Degree plus 15+ years experience in a senior level position required.
• Masters Degree in related field highly desired.
• Mature and proactive with evidence of having worked as a true business partner to a chief executive or an executive vice president of a diverse, multi-location and network-based entity.
• Experience working with nonprofit entities to include board and/or leadership roles.
• Strong analytical skills and experience interpreting a strategic vision into a simplified operational model.
• Ability to create an environment of respect, dignity and entrepreneurial spirit while constantly promoting the company’s vision, culture and mission both internally and externally.
• A collaborative and flexible style with a strong service mentality; needs to be seen as a team player who is committed to lifelong learning.
• A leader with a passion for developing people, changing lives, and promoting integrity and values driven operations within a dynamic, mission-driven organization.
• An effective communicator with strong oral and written skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to the social sector with a passion for the organization’s mission.

Application Process

1. Download and complete an application.
2. E-mail completed application and resume to careers@gwisr.org. To expedite the application process, please put the Position Title and Location in the subject line of the e-mail.