Food Operations and Logistics Manager

Job Description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Food Operations & Logistics Manager is the heartbeat of our food assistance program. Unlike a commercial warehouse with predictable shipments, our pantry operates in a state of organized abundance. You will manage a high-volume, donation-based inventory where the "stock" changes daily.

As the sole staff member on the warehouse floor, your primary tool is our volunteer team. You must be as comfortable coaching a first-time volunteer on food safety as you are navigating the logistics of a surprise 2,000 lb. donation. This role requires a leader who is process-oriented but people-focused.

THE PROGRAMS TEAM
Within our broader mission, the Programs department ensures aid is delivered with dignity through two specialized leadership roles: the Programs Manager, who directs "Front-of-House" operations (client intake and case management), and the Food Pantry Manager (This Role), who directs "Back-of-House" operations (warehouse logistics, inventory flow, and volunteer-led fulfillment).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

On-the-Floor Leadership
Tactical Management: Serve as the sole staff authority on the pantry floor, directing daily volunteer teams (5-15 people) to ensure tasks are completed accurately and safely.
Culture Setting: Foster a work environment rooted in Catholic social teaching-ensuring every volunteer and client is treated with radical hospitality and dignity.
Training & Safety: Train and oversee volunteers to pantry-specific protocols, including USDA food safety standards, heavy lifting techniques, and client privacy.

Dynamic Logistics
Triage & Sorting: Manage the intake of unpredictable donations; oversee the immediate sorting of perishables to minimize waste and maximize distribution.
Stewardship: Monitor stock levels and coordinate with the Director of Programs to purchase supplemental items to ensure nutritional balance.
Compliance: Maintain meticulous records for internal purposes and food bank partner audits, ensuring a clean, "client-ready" warehouse every morning.

Community & Mobile Outreach
Mobile Pantry: Lead the logistics for off-site distributions, ensuring they are as organized and dignified as our main warehouse operations.
Partnerships: Act as the face of House of Mercy for food donors and partner pantries, maintaining the relationships that keep our shelves full.

What We're Looking For
The "Pivoter" Mindset: You enjoy the puzzle of a changing floor and can rewrite the daily plan when a donor drops off three pallets of unannounced goods.
Servant Leadership: Proven experience managing people who don't have to be there (volunteers). You lead through inspiration and organization, not just authority.
Operational Grit: 2+ years of experience in logistics, retail management, or nonprofit operations.
Physical Stamina: Ability to sustain physical activity across the workday, including standing, walking the floor, and repeated handling of items weighing up to 50 lbs.
Mission Alignment: A heart for the poor and a respect for the Catholic faith and its Magisterium.

What We Offer
Full-time salary with benefits (health, dental, paid time off, holidays).
A collaborative, mission-driven work environment where your contributions are valued.
Opportunities for professional development and growth.
The chance to make a meaningful impact on the community and the lives of volunteers.

To Apply
Please submit your resume and a cover letter to rmurphy@houseofmercyva.org. To help us get to know you better, please ensure your letter answers:
The Why: Why are you interested in this position specifically, and how do your skills align with the mission of a faith-based nonprofit?
The How: How do you adapt your leadership style when working with volunteers versus professional staff?
The Shift: If you are moving from a different field, what motivates this change and makes you the right fit for the Food Pantry?

About the Employer

House of Mercy is a Catholic 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission is to create environments where God's mercy flourishes by meeting basic needs and supporting personal and spiritual growth. Through our Food Pantry, Thrift Store, and Donation Center, we offer free food and clothing with no restrictions on geography or background - always with a focus on preserving dignity and serving the whole person.