Food Distribution Warehouse Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Context

The Common Market is a nonprofit food distributor working to build a more resilient and equitable food system. Through our regional food hubs, we connect local farmers to schools, hospitals, and community organizations-moving fresh, high-quality food through a mission-driven supply chain.

Our Philadelphia warehouse is a fast-paced, refrigerated distribution environment where precision, teamwork, and accountability matter. This role sits at the center of daily execution-ensuring that what we promise to customers is delivered accurately, safely, and on time.

Role Overview

The Warehouse Lead (Level 3) is the operational backbone of the afternoon shift. You are responsible for making sure receiving, inventory, order fulfillment, and outbound logistics run smoothly-and that the team executes consistently at a high standard.

This is not a sit-back supervisory role. You will be on the floor, solving problems in real time, coaching staff, and stepping in wherever needed to keep operations moving.

You will work closely with the General Manager and play a key role in preparing the warehouse for the next day's deliveries.

What You'll Do

Lead Daily Operations

  Oversee receiving, inventory control, picking, packing, and staging

  Ensure all outbound orders are accurate, complete, and ready on time

  Support routing and staging for efficient truck loading

Own Execution Quality

  Maintain high standards for accuracy, product quality, and organization

  Ensure proper lot tracking, labeling, and FIFO practices

  Identify and resolve issues before they impact customers

Supervise & Develop the Team

  Lead and coach warehouse associates throughout the shift

  Reinforce standard operating procedures and safe work practices

  Provide real-time feedback and support performance improvement

Drive Continuous Improvement

  Spot inefficiencies and implement practical fixes

  Help improve workflows, layout, and communication across shifts

Maintain Food Safety & Compliance

  Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and temperature control standards

  Ensure logs, checks, and processes are completed consistently

Who This Role Is For

  You take pride in running a tight, organized operation

  You are comfortable holding people accountable while building trust

  You can balance speed and accuracy without cutting corners

  You are calm under pressure and able to make decisions quickly

  You enjoy being hands-on and leading from the floor

Who This Role Is Not For

  Someone looking for a purely administrative or desk-based role

  Someone who avoids difficult conversations or performance management

  Someone who needs constant direction instead of taking ownership

  Someone uncomfortable working in cold environments or doing physical work

  Someone who prefers flexibility over a fixed, high-accountability schedule

Qualifications

  3+ years of warehouse, distribution, or logistics experience (food preferred)

  2+ years of hands-on experience in both order selection and receiving

  Prior experience leading or supervising a team

  Forklift certification (or ability to obtain)

  Strong understanding of inventory systems and basic computer skills

  Familiarity with food safety standards and best practices

Working Conditions & Schedule

  Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Refrigerated warehouse environment (cold conditions)

  Regular lifting up to 50 lbs

  Fast-paced, physically active work

Compensation & Benefits

  $25.75/hour (Full-Time)

  Medical, Dental, Vision

  SIMPLE IRA with 100% employer match

  Employer-paid Life, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability

  Paid Time Off (vacation, sick, holidays)

  Ongoing training and development

Why This Role Matters

This role directly impacts our ability to deliver on our mission. When this job is done well, farmers get reliable market access, and schools and hospitals receive high-quality food they can trust.

If you're someone who wants to lead from the front and take ownership of real operational outcomes, this is a role where your work will be visible and meaningful every day.