Warehouse Operations Manager

Warehouse Operations Manager

Nourishing Hope, formerly known as Lakeview Pantry, is a dynamic Chicago nonprofit agency. Nourishing Hope has evolved to become more than solely a hunger relief organization. We provide food, social services such as job and housing assistance, and free mental wellness counseling with a growing team of licensed therapists. Founded in 1970, we strive to serve the needs of the whole person — with respect and dignity, always.

Nourishing Hope offers our neighbors nutritious food using a choice-based distribution model and access to life-changing social services including:

• Monthly food distribution and additional produce pickup through five different food access programs.
• Home delivery services for older adults, homebound neighbors and neighbors living with disabilities.
• Social services including case management, mental health counseling, job search support, domestic violence intervention, referrals and public benefits assistance (SNAP, healthcare, government forms) for anyone in need.

Nourishing Hope serves tens of thousands of people each year, providing more than 4 million meals through our programs, in addition to partnerships with other community organizations. This year, more than 7,000 low-income neighbors will also receive case management and social services.

Position Summary

The Warehouse Operations Manager will be responsible for managing the warehouse team at the Hub and the overall food flow through the warehouses at 5151 N. Ravenswood. This position is responsible for a mix of strategy, hands-on execution, and innovation in food acquisition, inventory, storage and delivery models.

Schedule and Locations

This position primarily works out of Nourishing Hope's Hub, located at 5151 N Ravenswood in Chicago. Hours vary slightly on different days but all take place between Monday - Friday, 7am - 5pm. This role may occasionally need to support Saturday shifts or our Headquarters (1716 W Hubbard St) for unexpected staffing.

Essential Job Functions

• Strategic Leadership & People Management: Direct the Warehouse Operations Coordinators by setting schedules, managing performance, and establishing professional development goals. You will oversee the recruitment, training, development, and coaching of staff and volunteers to ensure optimal warehouse operations while delivering a top-tier volunteer experience and maintaining peak organizational efficiency.
• Operational Excellence & Inventory Control: Lead all warehouse activities at HQ, including inventory management, food safety inspections for incoming goods, and the continuous improvement of tracking systems. You will collaborate with program staff to communicate food availability and ensure inventory levels align with specific program requirements.
• Safety & Regulatory Compliance: Serve as the primary lead for safety initiatives, ensuring all operations strictly adhere to OSHA, GCFD, and health code regulations. You will conduct safety training, investigate accidents, and provide hands-on coaching to maintain a culture of workplace safety across all facilities.
• Cross-Functional Coordination & Sourcing: Partner with the COO and Procurement Coordinator to align operational capacity with food procurement budgets and long-term goals. This role may, at times, assist Procurement Coordinator to manage the ordering process through the Greater Chicago Food Depository and coordinate deliveries to ensure Nourishing Hope programs receive resources on time.
• Logistics Optimization & Tech Support: Develop and execute continuous improvement strategies to optimize food flow and logistics in partnership with the Transportation Manager. Remain proficient in warehouse equipment, including forklifts, and be prepared to step in as an operational backup for loading, unloading, or driving as needed.

Qualifications Required

• At least 3 years of professional experience in a warehouse or fulfillment center, with a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Excellent leadership skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills with ability to make effective oral presentations to large and small groups.
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills.
• Ability to efficiently and effectively handle shifting and multiple priorities.
• Ability to bounce between strategic and tactical responsibilities.
• Strong ability to analyze and use data to drive decision making.
• Ability to think strategically, anticipate future consequences and trends, and incorporate them into the organizational plan.
• Demonstrates proficiency in computer applications, particularly Google Workspace.
• Experience operating forklifts, pallet stackers, and pallet jacks.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds frequently, and up to 100 pounds occasionally.
• Ability to move pallets of food weighing up to 3,000 pounds utilizing warehouse equipment.
• An understanding of, and belief in, the importance of food security for everyone.

Highly Preferred

• Bachelor's degree.
• Experience in supply chain management, grocery, and/or anti-hunger or anti-poverty organization.
• Valid driver's license.

Physical Requirements

• Manual dexterity to use computer, mouse, telephone, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to lift, bend, crouch, reach.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle (van).
• Ability to operate a forklift safely (license required; can be obtained after hire).
• Heavy work: Moving up to 3000 lbs. utilizing warehouse equipment.
• Close visual acuity (with correction) to read needed work documents, papers and computer terminal.
• Visual acuity (with correction) to operate a motor vehicle (van).

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 - $65,000

Full-time benefits include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance coverage
• Employer-paid life and disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Generous paid time off
• Paid birthday holiday
• Employee Assistance Program
• Parental leave
• Language pay
• $250 employee referral bonus
• Free subscription to mental wellness app

Background Check

Because we are a Medicaid provider all applicants who are offered employment with Nourishing Hope will be subject to a background screening. Offers of employment are contingent on the successful completion of a background screening conducted in accordance with Nourishing Hope policy and federal, state and local laws.

We kindly ask that agencies and recruiters refrain from reaching out. Unsolicited sales messages will be blocked and reported as spam.