The Director of Distribution is a member of the leadership team with joint responsibility for organizational leadership, mission success and financial strength, and operational responsibility for the following: inventory, receiving, transportation, and food sourcing. The Director of Distribution sets challenging goals and uses data to track and show success in meeting those goals.
The ideal Director of Distribution for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank understands and is passionate about the organization’s mission to provide nutritious food and grocery product to those in need in our 16-county service area. This individual will be a vital component of the Food Bank’s leadership team by providing over 8.64 million meals annually to the over 45,000 food insecure people in northeast Iowa. With this Director level position, this team member must demonstrate outstanding organizational, planning, implementation skills, critically think and understand the vision and big picture thinking to provide effective and efficient ways to partner with the community and those who are hungry. The ability to work in a fast-paced and progressive environment will be the key to success in this role, as the Northeast Iowa Food Bank continually strives to work towards closing the Meal Gap in northeast Iowa.
This individual will have exceptionally articulate communication, interpersonal and leadership skills, which will be critical for the development of strong relationships between volunteers, clients, coworkers, and the community. Cultural competency is of utmost importance, as the Director of Distribution will work with diverse populations on a regular basis. The Director of Distribution must possess a strong sense of initiative to continually improve the Food Bank’s various programming and experience and take on other duties as necessary.
A passion for social justice and compassion for others are keys to being a staff member at the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. At the Northeast Iowa Food Bank, we strive to work as a unified team to close the Meal Gap in northeast Iowa, to this end the Director of Distribution needs to be capable of working as a team, as well as being a self-starter. In addition, maintaining a positive outlook will play a large role in being a motivator and encourager for volunteers, clients, and staff members alike.
Interdepartmental Leadership and Collaboration
• Oversee and collaborate with the Inventory Control Manager, Food Sourcing Manager, Transportation & Logistics staffing and other direct reports to ensure departments have the support and resources necessary for success. Determine staffing priorities based on the needs and skills of the department that are within the budget.
• Collaborate on existing/new program initiatives, planning, and decision-making, keeping in mind NEIFB’s goals and objectives; Help identify new opportunities and priorities without mission creep.
• Regularly communicate department activities and initiatives to the Sr. Director of Operations and the leadership team. Promote clear communication and collaboration between all departments.
• Develop, in collaboration with the Leadership team, operational goals and budget include ongoing review and analyses of activities, costs, operations, forecasts to determine organizational progress towards mission, strategic plan and objectives.
• Manage various cross functional organizational projects to include the documentation and communication of new, updated and/or revised standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Strategize and collaborate with Programs team on food distribution needs and collaborate with Food Sourcing Manager on annual procurement (rescue/recovery, donations, purchase).
• Ensure communication and information flow within operations and between departments in the organization.
• Provide support and liaison to other Food Bank constituents, Board of Directors, other food banks, and the national office, where relevant and appropriate.
Distribution and Logistics
• Oversee and coordinate the activities within the Distribution Department to ensure the efficient receipt, storage and distribution of products in attainment of NEIFB’s goals and objectives. Ensure the effective running of Food Bank warehouse operations, including receiving, sorting, warehousing, fleet management, inventory management, and order fulfillment.
• Oversee, research, and analyze trends in operational areas in support of strategic planning and day-to-day problem solving. Implement appropriate measures to enhance outcomes.
• Ensure efficient transportation logistics including delivery/pickup routes, as well as the maintenance and management of vehicle fleet.
• Lead in formulation and implementation of organizational policies related to warehousing operations.
• Leverage the full range of ERP system capabilities to automate routine tasks driving staff productivity and information accuracy.
• Develop goals and objectives for performance metrics and management best practices for supply chain, in partnership with the team. Mentor team members in the creation and implementation of metrics to achieve process improvement.
• Continuously evaluate and review with distributions teams all operational processes and process improvement plans.
• Develop and maintain updated department SOPs.
• Develop and manage departmental budget in context of NEIFB’s overall annual budget.
• Ensure that volunteers working in the distribution department are trained and supervised according to NEIFB standards while also making sure that safety and customer service are priorities.
• Collaborate and partner with Food Bank staff to ensure OSHA standards, AIB Food Safety, HAACP, Feeding America, USDA and DOT compliance are met along with any other federal state or local codes.
• Works with the Inventory Control Manager and other warehouse personnel to ensure the highest efficiency of warehouse operations.
• Ensures a high level of customer service in the consistent and timely delivery of food orders to agency partners and nutrition program sites. Oversee a strong partnership between distribution and programs.
• Develops strategic plans and budgets for the maintenance, repair, and upgrade of fleet.
Food Sourcing
• Works with the Food Sourcing Manager to promote the donation and purchase of a variety of nutritious foods for distribution to agency and program participants.
• Take a proactive approach and create a positive experience for Food Donors.
• Ensures compliance with USDA, AIB and Feeding America requirements for Food Acquisition, Storage, Distribution, Training and Reporting of USDA food.
• Provides strategic vision for the future of Food Sourcing, including streamlining opportunities, process improvements, and upgrades to distribution and procurement methods.
• Establishes collaborative working relationships to drive food procurement strategy that meets the needs of program participants.
• Sets strategic growth goals for the Food Rescue Program, food purchase, including budget, the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and local foods.
• Ensures Food Bank readiness and compliance with all food recovery programs.
Personnel Management and Supervision
• Directs hiring, training and supervision of department team members, including paid staff and volunteers/interns.
• Supports team members by establishing performance objectives and measuring progress toward goals, leading team meetings; developing team members’ skills and abilities, both individually and as a group, to increase effectiveness; and ensuring that employees have access to the resources needed to be successful.
• Offer advice, guidance and direction on business matters, including operational policies, continuous process improvement strategies and new initiatives. Foster and support an environment of solutions, accountability and successful outcomes.
• Identify and drive change initiatives that improve operational workflow and productivity while maintaining focus on adding value to the end-client.
• Manage the workflow of assigned staff, manage performance and make equitable staffing decisions. Encourage staff development and other employee professional growth opportunities. Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with NEIFB’s policies and procedures.
Administrative/Other
• Prepare, administer and monitor the department’s budgets in accordance with established procedures.
• Provide back-up coverage and support to all direct reports.
• Greet, train and supervise volunteers as well as share the mission of the NEIFB; provide general guidance on projects; assure proper training of volunteers to include specific jobs and safety concerns. Communicate frequently with volunteers to ensure they are satisfied and appropriately placed.
• In instances of a federal, state or locally declared emergency, NEIFB is typically considered an essential service and emergency responder; all employees may be called in to perform regular or emergent duties.
• Perform any other duties as needed to fulfill our mission, drive our vision and abide by our values.
Required:
• Bachelor’s Degree in program management, public health administration or other related field; or bachelor’s degree in a related field combined with applicable coursework, training and experience.
• Minimum of 5 years in an executive management operational role.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with highly developed interpersonal and coaching skills and the ability to build collaborative, trust-based relationships inside and outside NEIFB.
• Ability to motivate teams to produce quality materials within tight timeframes; proven capability to balance several projects and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated excellence in organizational and managerial skills.
• Previous leadership experience with responsible decision-making authority in the management and evaluation of work assigned to personnel required.
• Position requires a high degree of professionalism.
• The ability to develop and maintain productive working relationships with staff from all areas of the organization is necessary.
• Full computer proficiency with standard Microsoft 365 products.
• Interest in and commitment to the mission of the Food Bank.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Valid driver’s license, safe driving record, current vehicle insurance and ability to use personal vehicle for OFB business
Preferred:
• Master’s degree in business administration or another related field.
• Seven to ten years of management experience to include at least 5 years in an executive management role.
• Minimum of 5 years of distribution and logistics systems.
• Experience in a nonprofit environment with a variety of stakeholders.
• Food Industry/Food Bank experience.
• Knowledge of Ceres or other ERP systems.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This job is operated in a professional office as well as warehouse environment. This role routinely involves standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, etc. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. While in the warehouse, the employee is regularly exposed to working near moving mechanical parts. The employee will regularly need to use warehouse equipment such as pallet jacks and forklifts.
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 accommodation 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 sit, stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk; and hear. The employee will regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl, taste/small and lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
NEIFB Core Values
Attitude of Helpfulness
Confidently Humble
Clear Communication
Empathetic to the Community
Solution Centered
Striving for Excellence
NEIFB Core Focus
Our Purpose:
Collaborate + Educate + Advocate = Feed the Food Insecure
Our 10-Year Bold Aspiration:
Every Meal. Every Day. Everyone.
Click the link below to apply now, or email your resume and a cover letter to adminassistant@neifb.org.