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), ensuring the efficient receipt, storage, value-adding servicing, 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, the ability to work in a high-paced shipping and receiving warehouse environment with the ability to promote and carry out 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.Description

Organizational Overview: Food Forward Inc. 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 wholesale produce distributors. This recovered produce is provided free of charge to hunger relief organizations serving communities, including food banks, agencies serving unhoused people, domestic violence shelters, transitional youth homes, veteran services, family resource centers, LGBTQ+ teen/adult/senior services, and more.  On an average day, Food Forward distributes enough fruits and vegetables to meet the daily recommended servings for more than 270,000 people. See our core values below. 

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership and Management:
  • Partner with senior leadership to develop strategic direction for the program
  • Create annual goals and budget for the warehouse team
  • Supervise and lead a team of warehouse operations
  • Train, mentor, and motivate team members to meet operational goals and maintain high-performance standards
  • Oversee staffing, performance reviews, and employee scheduling to ensure shifts are adequately staffed
• Compliance and Safety:
  • Ensure compliance with workplace safety regulations and company policies.
  • Conduct regular safety audits and maintain safety records
  • Implement safety training programs for program staff to minimize workplace accidents and injuries
  • Enforce health and safety protocols, including proper handling of perishable goods and adherence to sanitation standards
  • 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:
  • Work closely with procurement and logistics teams to ensure timely replenishment and distribution of produce
  • Oversee and manage the daily operations of receiving, storing, and distributing produce
  • Manage and monitor warehouse activities to ensure KPIs related to efficiency, accuracy, and safety are met
  • Coordinate the loading and unloading of shipments, ensuring proper handling and documentation
  • Prepare and present operational reports, including productivity statistics, inventory levels, and logistics costs
  • Utilize warehouse management systems (WMS) and other technology solutions to optimize operations.
  • Ensure data integrity in all systems, including scanning equipment and ERP software.
  • Stay updated on new technologies and methods for improving warehouse efficiency.
  • Identify areas for improvement and implement solutions for better operational flow efficiency
  • Ensure the accuracy of inventory levels through regular audits and cycle counts
  • Manage and optimize warehouse layout to maximize efficiency and storage capacity
  • Implement and maintain inventory control procedures to reduce stock discrepancies and improve accuracy
  • Ensure all shipping and receiving documentation is completed accurately and on time
  • Manage warehouse equipment and ensure maintenance schedules are followed

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS: 

• 5+ years experience in warehouse management
• 3+ years 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 

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.

BENEFITS

• Medical, Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance coverage, Retirement with 3% employer matching, Generous Sick Days, paid time off, and Holiday allocation
• Cell phone and WIFI allowance