Distribution Manager

Distribution Manager
 
Mission: MANNA’s mission is to involve, educate, and unite people in the work of ending hunger in Western North Carolina  

Vision:    A hunger-free Western North Carolina  

MANNA embraces a philosophy that recognizes and values diversity by creating an environment of mutual respect, transparency, and sharing of different opinions and ideas. MANNA’s goal is to attract, develop, retain, and promote a talented and diverse workforce in a culture where all employees will contribute to their fullest potential. The celebration of inclusivity and diversity is essential to helping MANNA achieve its mission to involve, educate, and unite all people in the work of ending hunger in Western North Carolina. 

Oversight of Other Persons/Positions: Lead Driver, Drivers, Inventory and Order Team Lead, Order Coordinator, Material Handlers, Warehouse Associates, and Volunteers 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:   

• Responsible for the overall operation of the distribution department in accordance with MANNA, Feeding America, and AIB guidelines.  

• Provide direction, training, education, and supervision of staff and volunteers in all areas of distribution.  

• Analyze, research, and implement process improvements that aid in the success of the distribution department and the organization.  

• Work with the Director of Operations on departmental and organizational goals. Works alongside the Director of Operations and Product Manager as part of the Operations Management Team. Functions include continuous process evaluation and improvement, inventory accuracy related to distribution, workflow analysis, and goal setting for the department; inclusive of goals set in the annual work plan and in strategic planning.  

• Enforce safety standards, policies, practices, visual aids, and procedures within your area of responsibility to ensure safety remains the top priority of the team.  

• Oversees the efficient and accurate flow of product through the distribution system by leading key staff in reporting, distribution, and quality control related to outgoing shipments.  

• Verify order contents and maintain documentation (pick tickets, bills of lading, delivery receipts, etc.).  

• Ensure all team members are properly trained in the safe and efficient use of all material handling and transportation equipment. Oversee inspection and proper use of all distribution-related equipment, report any issues to the Facility and Safety Manager.  

• Monitor employee and team performance; coach, counsel, and motivate employees, evaluate employees, and implement disciplinary action as needed.  

• Responsible for open communication with the distribution team by answering questions and explaining policies and procedures.  

• Monitor records of shipped product and transferred product for accuracy in the inventory software system. Responsible for all transactions related to the distribution aspects of the warehouse management system. Efficiently communicates errors and system issues as appropriate.  

• Oversee staging of materials for outgoing deliveries; careful reconciliation of pick tickets and bills of lading to actual product; accurate movement and picking of product for distribution.  

• Ensure compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) related to handling and storage of products for distribution.  

• Direct the proper handling and storage of all product related to distribution, including: transferring and transforming of product, including practice of FIFO and FEFO.  

• Coordinate product movement from local donors/vendors into MANNA facilities and all outbound product movement to agencies and other food banks, including clear communication with the team regarding movement, pick-up, and delivery.  

• Can supervise and direct simultaneous projects related to distribution.  

• Assist in other work areas and with other projects as directed by the Leadership team.  

• Assist as needed with outbound loads, including accurate paperwork.  

• Responsible for the use of truck routing software to gain the most efficient use of MANNA vehicles.  

• Responsible for adapting and leading staff through ever-changing priorities and challenges in the distribution environment.  

• Collaborate with the Product Manager on inventory control strategies and reconciliation related to distributed products.  

• Oversee the Lead Driver and Drivers, ensuring timely and efficient delivery of products to partner agencies and other locations. Manage vehicle maintenance schedules and driver logs. 

Qualifications:   

• High school graduation or GED required, college degree preferred. College degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or Operations Management a plus  

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in warehouse operations, inventory management, supervision and managing a team required  

• Copy of current driver’s license required; copy of current auto insurance; and clean MVR required  

• CDL Class A license preferred. CDL Class B license acceptable. Ability and willingness to obtain a CDL license required.   

• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. Must demonstrate the ability to effectively and pleasantly communicate with a diverse group of volunteers, staff and visitors. Possess and project confidence and professionalism in public settings.   

• Commitment to providing an outstanding experience to customers, vendors, and co-workers through effective verbal and written communication and a “customer first” mindset  

• Proven track record of supervisory and leadership experience with a strong emphasis on communication and organizational skills; proven ability to direct staff and volunteers in achieving the goals of the department and MANNA  

• Must have strong computer skills (intermediate level) with experience using inventory software and demonstrated proficiency within Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook); capable of operating computerized invoicing and inventory tracking system  

• Analytical skills and ability to run technical reports and draw insight to lead decision making  

• Must be organized, accurate and efficient in performing work duties  

• Proficient in use of warehouse equipment including but not limited to forklifts, reach trucks, and electric pallet jacks, box trucks, vans  

• Must excel in multi-tasking, problem solving, and team building  

Physical Demands: Position requires the ability to frequently lift and transport 40 lbs, operation of manual pallet jacks with the ability to manage loads more than 2000lbs.  This includes pushing and pulling of product throughout the warehouse. While performing duties the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit and climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and move objects as described above. Specific vision abilities required include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.   
 
Travel: Minimal, but routine travel is required within the service area and out of area for conferences and knowledge sharing with other food banks.  
 
Schedule: Hours can vary between 6am-4pm or as needed to complete the work. Flexibility to work some nights and weekends for special events, as needed.