Response Technology Operations Director

In order to be considered for this role, after clicking "Apply Now" above and being redirected, you must fully complete the application process on the follow-up screen. DescriptionWorld Central Kitchen uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. WCK has served more than 400 million meals around the world, pioneering a model that is fast, locally driven, and dignified. WCK operates with an "embrace chaos mindset", we show up when others can't or won't, and we adapt in real-time to meet the needs of the communities we serve. We're looking for leaders who thrive in this environment: resourceful, resilient, and driven by the fierce urgency of the mission. The Director, Response Technology Operations leads WCK's Response Technology and Data teams, ensuring frontline responders have access to the technology tools, data, and infrastructure they need to conduct safe, efficient, and informed relief operations. This role balances reactive support during activations with proactive development of systems and processes that improve how WCK responds to crises. Reporting to the VP, Response Technology, the Director serves as the operational leader for the function — managing day-to-day team operations, triaging and prioritizing work, and ensuring the team delivers reliable, responsive support to field teams around the world. This is a hands-on leadership role that requires both strategic thinking and willingness to roll up sleeves during high-intensity response periods. Key Responsibilities:Team Leadership & OperationsLead and develop a team of managers and engineers across Response Technology and Response Data functionsManage day-to-day operations, ensuring the team is responsive to field needs and aligned on prioritiesWork with the VP to triage incoming requests, balance competing priorities, and allocate team capacityBuild a cohesive team culture that embodies WCK's values — adaptability, collaboration, and urgencyOwn hiring, performance management, and professional development for direct reportsFrontline Support & Activation ReadinessEnsure field teams have reliable access to technology tools, data systems, infrastructure and training during responsesServe as the escalation point for technology issues during active responses, coordinating rapid resolutionMaintain operational readiness — on-call coverage, activation protocols, and surge capacity planningTravel to activations as needed to provide direct support and gather firsthand feedback on field needsCoordinate with Response Operations, Response Security, and Community Response during activationsResponse Support PlatformSupport the PM, Response Support Platform in operationalizing implementation across Response Technology OperationsPartner with the Director of Knowledge Management to ensure RT processes and workflows are documented in the KMSEstablish feedback loops to capture lessons learned from activations and integrate them into platform improvementsModel, draft, and propose playbooks, policies, and SOPs that will be embedded in the Response Support PlatformEnsure the team is prepared to adopt and leverage new platform capabilities as they come onlineProject Management & DeliveryOversee scoping of technology and data needs within Response Operations, translating operational requirements into actionable projectsManage delivery of technology initiatives — whether working with internal teams, external vendors, or Enterprise TechnologyTrack project timelines, dependencies, and risks; escalate blockers and ensure commitments are metContinuously identify opportunities to leverage technology for efficiency gains — both for frontline teams and for the RT support modelTechnology Assets & InfrastructureOversee deployable technology asset inventory, ensuring accurate records are maintainedEnsure equipment is properly maintained, tested, and kept deployment-readyOversee procurement of technology assets as necessary, coordinating with relevant stakeholdersProactively identify opportunities to improve response technology tools, systems, and infrastructureCross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Enterprise Technology on engineering governance, architecture decisions, and technical standardsCollaborate with Response Operations leadership to understand evolving operational needsCoordinate with Response Security on technology requirements for security monitoring and team safetyBuild relationships across WCK to ensure Response Technology is seen as a trusted, responsive partnerQuality & PerformanceEstablish and track metrics for team performance — response times, issue resolution, field satisfactionEnsure data quality and system reliability across response technology platformsBalance technical debt management with new development based on organizational prioritiesOwn incident management for critical system failures, ensuring rapid resolution and root cause analysisRequirements8+ years of experience in technology operations, data management, or technical program management4+ years of experience managing teams, including managing managersStrong project management skills — experience scoping requirements, managing delivery, and coordinating across internal teams and vendorsDemonstrated ability to lead in fast-paced, high-pressure environments with shifting prioritiesStrong technical acumen across both hardware and data — ability to understand systems architecture, data flows, integration patterns, and field technology infrastructureExperience supporting field operations or distributed teams in operational contextsExcellent communication skills — able to translate between technical and non-technical stakeholdersTrack record of building effective processes and documentationProactive mindset — always looking for ways to leverage technology to create efficienciesWillingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends during response activationsAbility to travel to response locations globally, including potentially challenging environmentsPreferredExperience in humanitarian, disaster response, logistics, or crisis management organizationsFamiliarity with data platforms (Airtable, Salesforce, or similar) and integration technologiesExperience managing technology asset inventories and field equipment deploymentsExperience with knowledge management systems and process documentationBackground in organizations that operate 24/7 or have on-call support modelsExperience operationalizing new platforms or systems in complex organizational environmentsPMP, Agile, or other project management certificationFluency in English. Proficiency in Spanish and/or ArabicApplication & Cover LetterThis application requires a cover letter that explains your interest in this position and in working for WCK. Applications without a letter will not be considered. References and Background ChecksTo help ensure the safety of our communities and our teams, our selection process will include reference and background checks, subject to any legal or regulatory requirements. Equal OpportunityWCK is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusion and diversity and to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment at this time. E-VerifyFor US based employment, WCK participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U. S. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9. Please view the E-Verify posters with important information. Para empleados en los EEUU, WCK participa en E-Verify y proporcionará al gobierno federal la información de su Formulario I-9 para confirmar que usted está autorizado para trabajar en los EE. UU.. Los empleadores sólo pueden utilizar E-Verify una vez que usted haya aceptado una oferta de trabajo y completado el Formulario I-9. Haz clic para ver los carteles de E-Verify con información importante. No recruiters or agencies, please. BenefitsWCK Employee Benefits OverviewZERO Premiums: WCK covers 100% of insurance premiums for employees and their dependents, including medical, dental, vision, and group life coverage. Benefits begin on your date of hire. Voluntary Benefits: Options include:Additional Life InsurancePet InsuranceSupplemental AD&DFlexible Spending Accounts (Dependent Care and Health Care)403(b) Retirement Plan: WCK offers a 50% match up to 8% of employee salary deferrals, beginning within 30 days of hire. Life & Disability Insurance: 100% employer-sponsored group life and disability insurance provided within 30 days. Paid Time Off (PTO): Responsible PTO, including vacation, sick, and personal leave, plus paid holidays. Growth Opportunities: Learning and development support to grow your career. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Free and confidential support for life’s challenges. Annual Salary Reviews and additional benefits outlined in the Personnel Manual. Salary Range: $130,000 - $160,000 USD Per YearWe are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.