Manager of Operations

About us:

Galilee Culinary Institute by the Jewish National Fund is a one-of-a-kind culinary institution that combines culinary education, tourism, marketing, public relations, business and operations management, partnership and fundraising as well as restaurant operations expertise, and entrepreneurship. Based in the heart of Israel’s Galilee, in Kibbutz Gonen a mountainous region and micro-climate where fertile lands, mountains, and rivers create an unparalleled location for a thriving agricultural region, GCI is a total-immersion culinary institution with a goal of population growth and narrative change for the area.

Position Summary:

The Manager of Operations is the senior manager responsible for maintenance of equipment (including maintenance contracts and warranties), overseeing operations, logistics, facilities, product sales, web site maintenance, student recruitment and housing, special community program development, donor relations, marketing and PR, set high level service standards, maintenance, procurement, safety, and day-to-day activities.

The Manager of Operations functions across all business operations and facilities, is the front facing image of GCI, works closely with the CEO of the organization and interfaces with external parties including donors, board of directors, Jewish national fund USA affiliates and other professionals in Israel.

The Manager of Operations is a position that requires technical skills, strong communication (English and Hebrew), management experience, and high-level interpersonal skills that must be applied across multiple, integrated facilities and business units.

Key Responsibilities:

• Work with the CEO to develop and implement a business plan to reflect the Institute’s mission, brand, and goals including all aspects of the GCI: tourism, business development, fundraising, community engagement, education, catering, events etc.
• Be responsible for all maintenance of equipment including setting up systems for tracking and monitoring contracts and warranties.
• Build and maintain workplans that demonstrate the implementation of the strategic planning and long-term goals of the organization.
• Evaluate and establish partnerships and community outreach in the region and across Israel in areas including culinary, hotels, hospitality, research, high education and more to allow students visit, work and hold classes.
• Ongoing building and maintaining of partnerships and affiliate relations within Israel including governmental offices.
• Be the liaison with the local operator for all relevant services (cleaning, gardening etc).
• Be the liaison with all government offices and authorities required for health license, business license, Kosher certificate etc (including regulators, and law enforcement).
• Coordinate and manage all external resources, contractors and suppliers including procurement.
• Responsible for all security and public safety procedures for students, staff, customers, and visitors.
• Works closely with all other business units and departments to support marketing, partnerships, business development and financial objectives.
• Community activist who meets with the local community and helps the GCI become a part of a greater whole.
• Works closely with relevant stakeholders to support fundraising and on-going innovation.
• Works closely with relevant stakeholders to support ongoing innovation.
• Any other tasks required and instructed by their supervisor.

Qualifications:

• At least 4 years of experience as an operations manager
• Experience in culinary/educational/retail environments - preferred
• A bachelor’s degree or Practical engineer (תואר הנדסאי ) - preferred
• Experience working with authorities and government offices
• 2+ years of management experience of a small team
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Service oriented
• A "doer” - a person who makes things happen quickly without compromising on quality
• Fluent English and Hebrew