Food Forward’s WRP (Wholesale Recovery Program) Warehouse Manager is responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of the Pit Stop (Food Forward’s warehouse) with a safety-first mindset, ensuring the efficient receipt, storage and distribution of fresh, nutritious fruits and vegetables to Southern California and beyond. This position reports to the managing director of WRP and will form part of the senior management team. This role requires strong leadership and mentoring skills; the ability to work in a fast-paced shipping-and-receiving warehouse environment; the ability to promote and uphold a culture of safety; strong organizational skills; the ability to optimize space utilization; and knowledge of inventory management and food safety protocols. The WRP Warehouse Manager will be able to work cross-functionally and within the department to ensure all objectives are met.
About Food Forward Inc.
Food Forward fights hunger and prevents food waste by rescuing fresh surplus produce, connecting this abundance with people experiencing food insecurity, and inspiring others to do the same. Fruits and vegetables are collected from backyard fruit trees, farmers markets, growers, and wholesalers and then provided free of charge to people experiencing food insecurity through more than 250 hunger relief partner organizations that serve communities across the region. CORE VALUES: – COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Working together, we inspire and are inspired by the people in the communities we serve. – EQUITY AND INCLUSION We cultivate a diverse workforce that nurtures equity and inclusion. – FOOD JUSTICE We share the abundance of fresh produce and prevent food waste because everyone deserves access to fresh and nutritious food. – INTEGRITY We are honest, accountable, and authentic in our words and actions. – JOYFULNESS We embrace a creative, spirited, and fulfilling environment
Description
Hours: Full-time, 4 am start time, Exempt
Location: City of Bell
CORE RESPONSIBILITIES
Leadership and Management:
- Lead and manage warehouse team members to meet operational goals
- Coach, mentor, and guide team through proactive communication, conflict resolution and targeted skills training to build a unified and high-performing warehouse operation
- Oversee staffing, performance reviews, and employee scheduling to ensure shifts are adequately staffed
- Assist and partner with senior leadership to develop strategic direction for the program
- Co-Create annual goals and budget for the Wholesale Recovery Program
- Institute a system of constant process improvements to ensure we are creating the most value for our partners and their communities
Compliance and Safety:
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with all safety regulations and protocols related to warehouse operations, equipment usage, and employee training
- Conduct regular safety audits and maintain safety records
- Implement safety training programs for WRP staff to minimize workplace accidents and Injuries
- Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations, including food safety certifications (e.g., HACCP)
- Maintain records of inspections and quality control measures
Warehouse Operations:
- Oversee and manage the daily operations of the Pit Stop, i.e., facility management, receipt, storage, and distribution of produce
- Work closely with procurement, logistics, and Agency Relations teams to ensure timely replenishment and distribution of produce
- Prepare and present operational reports, including productivity statistics, inventory levels, expense reporting and other ad hoc reports
- Responsible for timely and accurate Inventory management, ensuring data integrity and smooth transitions between analog and digital processes
- Stay updated on new technologies and methods for improving warehouse efficiency
- Identify areas for improvement and implement solutions for better operational flow efficiency
- Manage and optimize warehouse layout to maximize efficiency and storage capacity
- Ensure all shipping and receiving documentation is completed accurately and on time
- Responsible for warehouse equipment management
- Assist warehouse team in loading, unloading, building pallets, as needed and for training
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- 5+ years of experience in warehouse management
- 3+ years of experience in transportation logistics
- Proven effective data and project management skills
- Effectively managed diverse teams over multiple physical locations
- Highly proficient in Microsoft and Google suites
- Willingness to work weekends
- Bilingual - Spanish & English
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Ability to work in both warm and cold environments as needed
- Capability to lift and move boxes of produce and equipment weighing up to 55 lbs.
- Ability to alternate between sitting and standing at will.
- Physical agility to push or pull, grasp, reach above, at, or below shoulder level, and kneel,
- crouch, or stoop as required to perform job duties.
- Ability to operate forklift, rider-jack, electric pallet jack and other heavy-duty machinery as
- Needed
BENEFITS
Medical, Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance coverage, Retirement with up to 4% employer matching,
Generous Sick Days, paid time off, and Holiday allocation
Cell phone and WIFI allowance
HOW TO APPLY
Send a cover letter and resume in PDF to https://foodforward.org/careers/#job-listings. The subject line should read WRP Warehouse Manager, and your name. In the body of the cover letter, include 1) Where did you discover this listing, and 2) If you were a variety of produce, what would you be and why?
Food Forward is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and strongly encourages applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from protected-class backgrounds. We value the individuals we hire and look forward to creating a positive work environment for all identities.
Salary
$80,000 - $100,000 per year
