Director of Warehouse & Distribution

Description

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Director of Warehouse & Distribution is responsible for overseeing and leading the overall operational administration and management of all HFB warehouse, inventory, and distribution activities to meet safety and operation standards established by the Executive Team of the Houston Food Bank and the Feeding America network. This position is responsible for overseeing and properly handling the warehouse to meet safety and sanitation standards established by regulatory agencies, HFB, and the Feeding America network. The Director of Warehouse & Distribution is responsible for implementing strategies designed to move HFB’s mission forward as indicated in the Strategic Goals, including the effective planning and execution of warehousing, inventory, and distribution activities, the development of the departmental budget, and developing reporting staff members. This position will evaluate current systems and procedures and implement changes as necessary. The Director of Warehouse & Distribution must maintain a high level of customer service related to partners, neighbors, donors, and volunteers.

Adhere to PACT values. (Purpose: Using our strengths passionately to contribute to our mission. Accountability: Choosing to rise above one’s circumstances and showing ownership to achieve results. See It. Own It. Solve It. Do It. Courage: Standing up for what’s right and acting. Transparency: Doing things openly and honestly.)

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

1. Develops and implements strategic data-based plans for optimal distribution and service to the community. 
2. Effectively leverages data and analytics to ensure distribution goals are met.
3. Establishes effective procedures and controls and monitors adherence to established procedures to ensure measures are followed in keeping with Feeding America and American Institute of Baking (AIB) guidelines.
4. Oversees the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) program, including ordering, scheduling, receiving, proper disposal, claims processing, and reporting.
5. Ensures optimal effectiveness and production through effective use of inventory software, specifically warehouse management, inventory procurement and management, labor control, and distribution logistics.
6. Drives the overall strategy, management, and plans of operations activities related to Disaster Recovery and continuity, including communicating, developing, implementing, maintaining, and managing the governance of operational recovery during times of disaster or disaster support. 
7. During disaster response, supports, attends meetings, and provides feedback to ensure continuity of operations and COOP are followed.
8. Monitors operations that affect the quality and food safety of products received, stored, and distributed, and coordinates the recall process with all participating departments.
9. Oversees reviews, training, and updates of the HAACP program and ensures compliance related to food safety and ServSafe certifications.
10. Serves as the point of contact for the AIB audit and oversees relevant team members in preparation for audit.
11. Works with IT and Data to set and establish measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) denoting key distribution and geographical impact data.
12. Responsible for managing the various steps of the ordering and distribution processes between multiple departments and partners.
13. Responsible for leading the analysis of inventory levels and distribution data to ensure appropriate and impactful distribution of goods and materials following the concepts of FIFO (First In First Out).
14. Proactively partners with Transportation leadership to ensure the scheduling and coordinating of the distribution of products.
15. Analyzes trends in technology and assesses the impact of emerging technologies to create efficiencies in food distribution.
16. Ensures accurate documentation of program procedures and best practices for internal use, as well as to enable sharing of successful models with other Food Banks and external stakeholders.
17. Using quantifiable metrics and management expertise, performs departmental audits to determine cost benefit as well as demand and service capacity.
18. Serves as a member of the leadership team and, as such, is responsible for providing leadership in decision-making and vision-building for the HFB community.
19. Keeps informed regarding Feeding America, as well as county, state, and federal government contracts, disaster programs, etc., and assist with logistical aspects of HFB’s disaster relief plan.
20. Compiles accurate distribution reports highlighting trends and offers strategic solutions to opportunities presented.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manages one (2) or more functions by providing guidance and/or oversight to employees and/or contractors. Develops and maintains roles, responsibilities, and expectations. Practices performance management in support of employee development and perform administrative duties associated with being a people manager. Responsibilities include interviewing, planning, assigning, directing work, and resolving problems. Responsibilities also include sponsoring and participating in and/or supporting project teams sponsored by other management team members.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience required
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive management experience, preferably within a food distribution environment or equivalent
• 5 years of prior management experience managing exempt-level employees
• Demonstrated leadership with strategic planning and budgeting
• Prior experience with ERP (ex. SAP, Oracle NetSuite)

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:

• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and insurance
• Food safety and quality certification preferred (HACCP/Advanced HACCP, PCQI, ISO 9001 or 22000 Lead Auditor)

Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability needed. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. (For best performance, the job holder in this position would be expected to show the right knowledge, skills, and abilities in the listed areas.)

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, including but not limited to Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Ability to influence others through outstanding interpersonal skills, collaboration, and negotiation skills
• Ability to be an action-oriented and results-driven leader, with a natural aptitude for engaging employees across multiple workgroups
• Ability to meet and work with diverse populations and the general public.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with direct reports, co-workers, and staff of other departments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and act on data and performance metrics
• Proficient in supply chain and logistics software, including TMS (Transportation Management Systems), WMS (Warehouse Management Systems), and inventory tracking software
• Ability to build and facilitate relationships at all levels of the organization, both internally and externally
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to handle complex topics comfortably and to interact effectively with all levels, both verbally and written
• The ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously on a variable schedule based on project demand

COMPLIANCE:

Carries out responsibilities in accordance with HFB policies. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including health and safety regulations, food safety standards, and Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), USDA, American Institute of Bakers (AIB), FDA, as well as grant and/or funding requirements or regulatory operating standards.  

COMPETENCIES:

Cultivates Innovation / Instill Trust / Drives Engagement / Situational Adaptability / Balance Stakeholders / Strategic Agility / Strategic Mindset / Builds Networks / Builds Effective Teams / Financial Acumen / Drives Vision & Purpose / Demonstrates Self Awareness 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. While performing the duties of the job, the associate is required daily to analyze and interpret data, sit and work on a computer for extended periods of time, communicate individually and to larger groups, and remain in a standing or stationary position for a significant amount of the workday; and often access, input, and retrieve information from the computer and other office productivity devices. The employee must regularly move about the office, around the facility, or distribution sites (i.e., partner locations or event centers) and use hands, wrists, and fingers to grip, type, and write. The employee must frequently lift/push/pull 15 pounds. The employee will need to have the average ability to hear horns and see peripheral warnings and alerts associated with a distribution center or warehouse. The employee must occasionally travel to other sites for business.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While the job is generally performed in an enclosed office environment, the employee is occasionally exposed to freezers, enclosed and/or tight spaces, wet and/or humid conditions, and areas in which moving mechanical parts, fumes, and toxic or caustic chemicals are present, strong food-related smells, and outside weather conditions. The noise level in the office environment is typically quiet, but the employee will be occasionally exposed to loud noise levels (e.g., horns, fans).

TRAVEL REQUIRED:

Minimal travel is required for this position (up to 20% of the time and on a domestic basis). 

This is a Leadership role in a disaster relief organization and must be able to support a variety of shifts and all hours of operations at the Houston Food Bank facilities as necessary and may require flexibility occasionally (e.g., times of disaster, community events, company events).

*Is legally able to work in the United States.

Salary : $92,412 - $115,515