Distribution Operations Contractor, Immediate and Short-Term (Indiana Response)

Join the Distribution Operations Contractor - Immediate and Short-Term Position
Be First to Feed - Deploying Now for Gary, Indiana 

When disaster strikes, food is more than a meal; it is relief, comfort, and connection. At World Central Kitchen (WCK), we believe in the power of food to heal and restore. Our teams respond to emergencies with the urgency of a first responder and the heart of a chef.

Our Distribution Response Corps manages the critical logistics that get hot meals from kitchens to communities, fast, safely, and with dignity.

This is a short-term independent contractor role, deploying immediately (as early as tomorrow) for the duration of the active response — typically a few weeks. We are looking for experienced logistics and operations professionals ready to deploy into active emergency responses and keep our distribution network running on the ground.

Preferred Location(s): Based in Indiana. Deployment at various WCK Response Sites within the borders of United States, closest proximity to your primary city or posted location:

• Gary, Indiana
• Hammond, Indiana
• Merrillville, Indiana
• Chicago, Illinois

Duration: We are looking for candidates available for immediate deployment. Contract term positions vary depending on need and length of activation with the opportunity for renewal, offering a unique chance to support WCK's responses.

Rates: Contract rates are based on experience and location; contract rates are included only when on rotation or activation.

Reports To: Response Distribution Manager

What You Will Do

• Lead and manage field and fleet operations, coordinating logistics, teams, and partners to ensure meals, water, and other items reach communities efficiently and on time.
• Plan and adapt the operational strategy as conditions and needs change in the field.
• Lead and coordinate local teams, partners, and volunteers. Make sure everyone knows their role and tasks get done.
• Set up and run temporary distribution sites in challenging field environments. Solve problems quickly as they come up.
• Track inventory, delivery numbers, and site performance. Use this data to make decisions and improve operations.
• Ensure food safety and handling standards are followed during transport and distribution.
• Document and report on field operations to support leadership making decisions.

What We Are Looking For

• Background in project management, field operations, or program leadership – ideally in logistics, fleet coordination or emergency response.
• Experience leading teams and managing large, complex operations under pressure.
• Highly organized and agile, able to set up systems, move fast, and keep operations running smoothly under pressure.
• Strong organizational and reporting skills. Able to build systems, adapt fast, and solve problems in real time.
• Tech fluency with Google Workspace, Slack, and Airtable.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure, and resource-limited environments.
• Bilingual fluency (English) is highly preferred.
• Must be local and already based in Indiana.

Additional Information:

This role requires the ability to work in high-stress, ambiguous environments. Strong communication, the ability to coach and guide local teams and partners, hands-on problem-solving, and bringing structure to fast-moving operations are all essential. Flexibility and adaptability to changing conditions are a must

Inclusion in this Talent Network is not a guarantee of deployment. Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview process prior to any activation.

What We Are Looking For

• Background in logistics, supply chain, fleet operations, or field coordination.
• Experience managing high-volume delivery or distribution operations.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills.
• Tech fluency with Google Workspace, Slack, and Airtable.
• Ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure, resource-limited environments.
• Must be local and already based in Indiana.

Inclusion in this Talent Network is not a guarantee of deployment. Selected candidates will be contacted for an interview process prior to any activation.

Additional Information:

Working Conditions: This role requires the ability to work in high-stress, ambiguous environments. Flexibility and adaptability to changing conditions are essential.

Why Join the Distribution Team?

• Be a part of a global movement that feeds hope one plate at a time.
• Work on diverse activations around the world: hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and humanitarian crises.
• Join a tight knit, mission-driven team where your distribution talent becomes a tool for impact.
• Learn, grow, and serve communities with dignity and respect.

WCK is an ambitious, fast-paced, entrepreneurial organization. Working at WCK often requires long and nontraditional hours. Everyone's role is to directly or indirectly feed people with urgency when disasters strike – even on weekends and holidays.