Food Pantry Manager

POSITION OBJECTIVE: The Food Pantry Manager will play a key role in expanding access to fresh, healthy food for individuals and families experiencing food insecurity. This position oversees all distribution activities within VEAP’s on-site food pantry, the Student Hunger Initiative, and other assigned food pantry activities. The Food Pantry Manager provides leadership and guidance to Food Pantry Specialist staff and on-site volunteers. This role requires strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with participants, volunteers, and colleagues to ensure efficient service delivery, resolve issues promptly, and implement process improvements that enhance program operations. Additionally, the Food Pantry Manager will lead the charge to innovate food distribution methods, drive the improvement of VEAP’s food access activities and significantly enhance the organization’s impact on building thriving, resilient communities. The position also works closely with Social Services and other departments to support the organization’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Management

• Partner with the Food Sourcing & Operations Manager to oversee all aspects of food pantry operations, including inventory management, efficient food distribution, ensuring food safety, and delivering an exceptional experience for participants.
• Manage the Student Hunger Initiative, handling the program budget, ordering and maintaining food inventory, and overseeing food distribution for participating schools.
• Lead and supervise Food Pantry Specialists, volunteers, and volunteer groups to ensure proper staffing and foster a positive, productive team environment.
• Oversee onboarding and provide training for new volunteers and volunteer groups; and address volunteer performance issues promptly and respectfully, working in collaboration with the volunteer department.
• Cultivate an environment that encourages staff development through ongoing coaching and timely performance evaluation.
• Collaborate across departments to plan, assess, and implement improvements in participant intake, appointment scheduling, and overall pantry operations for greater efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with state and local food safety standards and codes for the on-site food pantry.
• Oversee accurate data collection and ensure timely submission of reports for program and organizational statistics.
• Provide support for other Food & Basic Needs program activities, including the Nutritional Assistance Program for Seniors (NAPS), as required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Required:

• B.A./B.S. in relevant field or equivalent experience in the nonprofit or hunger relief sector.
• At least 5 years’ experience managing and leading a team.
• Proven ability to guide a team toward achieving departmental goals, with a track record of planning, directing, and holding team members accountable.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to assess information and make informed decisions.
• Highly organized with exceptional time management skills, capable of handling multiple projects and deadlines while working efficiently under pressure.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, with a proven ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, with experience working with a diverse range of people. Proven ability to inspire, influence, and motivate others, and to build and maintain strong relationships with individuals, organizations, and businesses.
• Ability to create and sustain a supportive, respectful, and collaborative work environment.
• Strong ability to innovate and apply creative solutions to challenges, driving continuous improvements and enhancing the effectiveness of operations.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development, including maintaining relevant certifications and continuing education.
• Valid MN driver’s license and full coverage automobile insurance.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office.

Preferred:

• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Valid Minnesota Food Protection Manager certification.
• Training in de-escalation techniques desired.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, push, pull, twist, bend, reach, talk, and hear. Must be able to use a computer keyboard, mouse, operate pallet jack, pallet stacker, and cardboard baler. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision, ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will work in a warehouse environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

VEAP is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for their job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits Offered

• VEAP is committed to keeping the workload balanced and respecting the space needed to take personal time to care for your well-being.
• Flexible, family-friendly schedule with options for remote and in-person working options.
• 6 weeks of Paid Parental Leave.
• 22 days of Personal Time Off (with increases throughout employment), plus 13 paid holidays and your birthday off.
• We provide medical and dental plans, some plans paid at 100%. Additional voluntary vision, and short- and long-term disability.
• 5 percent of annual salary contribution to 401(k) retirement plan starting 30 days after your hire date, immediately vested.

Interested candidates should submit their resume and and cover letter to careers@veap.org. No phone inquiries please. Position will be open until filled.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Shift:

• Morning shift

Application Question(s):

• This job requires you to lift up 50 pounds frequently, are you able to meet that requirement?

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Management: 5 years (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000 - $75,000