Receiving Manager

Darwin’s Natural Pet Products is seeking a dynamic and experienced Receiving Manager to join our team at our headquarters in Tukwila, WA.

As a leader in the production and direct-to-consumer retailing of premium raw dog and cat food, Darwin’s Natural Pet Products has been serving pet owners across the U.S. for the past 19 years. With a strong online subscription focus, our business continues to grow, and we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and service.

The Receiving Manager will play a pivotal role in overseeing all aspects of receiving operations to ensure the smooth flow of products through our warehouse facility. Key responsibilities include supervising the receiving team, optimizing inventory management processes, maintaining accurate records, managing the department budget, and enforcing safety protocols.

This position requires a hands-on approach, with approximately 80% of the shift spent on the warehouse floor, actively engaging with receiving activities and personnel. The remaining time will be dedicated to administrative tasks in an office environment.

The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a keen attention to detail, and a proactive mindset towards process improvement. Previous experience in warehouse management, inventory control, and team supervision is essential.

If you are passionate about pets, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and are committed to excellence, we invite you to join our team as a Receiving Manager at Darwin’s Natural Pet Products.

Darwin’s Natural Pet Products offers many generous benefits to its full-time employees:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 5% Company contribution to 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan (no employee contribution required)
• Free Life and Long-term disability insurance, Employee Assistance Program
• 6 paid holidays (including 2 flex days)
• 10 days PTO annually
• 60lbs of free premium pet food monthly ($450 value).
• Free on-site snacks
• Pet-friendly office

What you’ll do:

• Manage and supervise all aspects of receiving operations in a pet food manufacturing facility, ensuring efficient handling of incoming raw materials and outgoing finished products.
• Develop and implement strategies to optimize receiving processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess current systems and assist in the development and implementation of upgrades to enhance receiving capabilities.
• Lead the hiring, training, and performance management of receiving staff, ensuring adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Oversee all aspects of budgeting for receiving operations, including forecasting, monitoring expenses, and implementing cost-saving initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of inventory levels, stock movements, and transactions related to receiving activities.
• Coordinate with suppliers and logistics partners to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and efficient transportation of finished products.
• Monitor quality control standards for incoming raw materials to ensure compliance with company specifications.
• Implement and enforce safety protocols and compliance standards in receiving areas to maintain a safe working environment.
• Conduct regular inspections of receiving facilities and equipment to identify maintenance needs and ensure operational readiness.
• Develop and maintain relationships with vendors and suppliers to negotiate favorable terms and resolve any issues or disputes.
• Analyze receiving performance metrics to identify areas for improvement and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Stay updated on industry trends, regulations, and best practices related to receiving operations in the pet food manufacturing sector.
• Act as a liaison between receiving, production, and other departments to facilitate communication and optimize workflow.
• Participate in strategic planning initiatives to support the long-term growth and success of the company.
• Provide leadership and guidance to receiving staff, fostering a positive work environment and promoting teamwork and collaboration.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and standards governing receiving operations.
• Develop and implement procedures for handling and storing raw materials and finished products in accordance with food safety regulations.
• Resolve any issues or conflicts related to receiving operations in a timely and effective manner.
• Continuously seek opportunities for process improvement and innovation to drive operational excellence.
• Communicate issues timely to Sr. Director of Supply Chain

Supervise and actively participate in the following activities:

• Maintain a safe work environment free of obstructions, spills, and other hazards.
• Sanitize product baskets, plastic pallets, and spacers.
• Weigh, label, and add raw goods to inventory.
• Pull raw goods from freezer according to the job number orders.
• Microwave meats and place in cooler racks.
• Palletize/stage vegetables for job number orders.
• Prepare pallets and load outgoing shipments.
• Transport materials and raw goods from offsite storage facilities.

Our ideal candidate will:

• Possess a depth of knowledge in shipping and receiving processes, in addition to general warehouse operations.
• Effectively use verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrate exceptional time management, organization skills, and attention to detail.
• Easily multi-task under pressure and utilize critical thinking skills to resolve complex problems.
• Enjoy building effective and cohesive teams.
• Be an experienced motivational leader who recognizes and rewards successes on their team.
• Recognize individual team member’s strengths and provide opportunities for them to excel in that area.
• Have prior experience with a Management Warehouse System software program.
• Be comfortable using Microsoft Word, Teams, Excel, and Outlook for communication and reports.
• Possess a forklift certification.
• Able to drive a box truck or willing to learn. (Does NOT require a CDL)
• Have a valid drivers’ license with a driving record indicating a safe driving history.
• Have a high school diploma or equivalent certificate.

Physical Requirements:

• Frequent physical activity including walking, bending, standing, twisting, pushing, pulling, lifting and carrying up to 40 lbs.
• Ability to work at least 80% of shift in refrigerated warehouse and spend limited time in freezer.

Shift: Monday-Friday, 6 am to 4 pm/Tuesday – Saturday, 6 am to 4 pm (varies with staffing level and delivery/pickup schedules)