FLSA: Non-Exempt
Benefits: Eligible
Hours Per Week: 40/Full-time
Met Council is America’s largest Jewish charity dedicated to serving the needy. We fight poverty through comprehensive social services and by treating each client with compassion, integrity, and respect. Our programs are staffed by experts who help over 325,000 clients each year and advocate on behalf of all needy New Yorkers. Our services include 100% affordable housing at 21 locations, family violence services, Holocaust survivor assistance, geriatric social work, crisis intervention and the largest free kosher food distribution program in the world. Our network of 101 food pantries, affordable housing sites, and affiliated JCCs provide services directly in neighborhoods across New York City.
Position Summary:
The Distribution and Operations Lead is responsible for assisting the warehouse manager in the successful and efficient operations of Met Council’s kosher and halal food bank, ensuring that warehouse operations are well organized and executed. The lead serves as a partner to the warehouse manager in ensuring that staff, space, equipment, and food are all well managed as they are critical assets to our success.
Principal Responsibilities:
- Daily Operations Management:
- Support and direct warehouse associates and floor staff in the day-to-day workflow to ensure timely and accurate order fulfillment.
- Act as a lead point of contact on the warehouse floor in the absence of the warehouse manager.
- Logistics and Inventory Coordination:
- Oversee the loading and unloading of incoming and outgoing deliveries; verify product types, counts, and conditions.
- Ensure accurate placement of goods within the warehouse and collaborate with the inventory manager to maintain system accuracy.
- Confirm that delivery trucks are properly loaded with the correct inventory and that drivers have accurate route information and equipment.
- Warehouse Equipment and Facility Oversight:
- Maintain a routine equipment inspection and maintenance schedule to ensure all machinery (e.g., forklifts, electric jacks), is in safe working condition.
- Monitor temperature logs, pest control measures, and cleanliness in compliance with food safety standards.
- Training and Leadership:
- Train new warehouse team members on operations, safety protocols, and inventory systems.
- Foster a team-oriented, safety-conscious work culture with a strong focus on accountability and continuous improvement.
- Administrative Support:
- Participate in regular meetings with warehouse leadership to discuss production schedules, inventory concerns, and operational improvements.
- Assist with documentation, reporting, and other administrative tasks as assigned.
- Additional responsibilities as required.
Competencies:
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to communicate clearly in both verbal and written communication.
- Exceptionally strong problem-solving skills.
- Significant organizational skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to stay focused on assigned tasks in a fast-paced warehouse environment.
- Adept with learning new systems and comfortable with inventory tracking technology.
- Strong team player with a can-do attitude.
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously.
- Willingness to comply with established directives, policies, and best practices.
- Maintain a professional manner and appearance in the workplace.
Skill and Education:
- Minimum 3 years of experience supervising teams and/or managing food warehouse projects (required).
- At least 2 years of relevant work experience in warehouse, logistics, or supply chain environments (required).
- Proven experience operating warehouse machinery such as forklifts and pallet jacks (required).
- Comfortable using technology and software tools, including Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Teams and inventory management software.
- Knowledge or willingness to learn about kosher and halal dietary laws to support accurate food sorting and handling.
- Bilingual Spanish or Russian speaking (preferred).
Special Requirements:
- Comfort working both in a warehouse and in a shared office space.
- Steel-toe work boots must be worn at all times while in the warehouse. Clothing should be appropriate for a professional setting and public interactions, avoiding any profanity, political statements or offensive branding.
Physical Demands:
- Required Constantly: Walking, sitting, grasping, bending, stooping, squatting, computer input, finger dexterity and coordination of hand, eye and foot
- Required Frequently: Standing and climbing stairs; carrying laptop & files (approx. 8-10 lbs)
- Required Occasionally: Reaching above the shoulder, and lifting 5-50 pounds, pushing and pulling
Compensation: $22 per hour - $25 per hour.
Benefits: Major medical, dental, vision and life insurance; pre-tax commuter benefits; FSA; 403(b) with employer contribution; plus generous vacation, sick leave and holidays.
