Outbound Operations Manager
Position Title: Outbound Operations Manager
Reports to: Director of Yakima Distribution Center
Direct Reports: Outbound Supervisor, Class A Driver, Class B Driver, Order-fulfillment, Operations Support staff
Type: Regular, Full-Time/Exempt
Location: Yakima WA
Pay Range: $61,310 - $75,100
Northwest Harvest is Washington’s leading hunger relief agency – supporting a statewide network of 375 food banks, meal programs, and high-need schools. Focused on improving equity in our food system, Northwest Harvest believes everyone in Washington should have consistent access to nutritious food that feeds the body, mind, and spirit. In addition to making sure those who suffer from hunger are being fed, Northwest Harvest aims to shift public opinion, as well as impact institutional policies and societal practices that perpetuate hunger, poverty, and disparities in our state. Learn more at http://www.northestharvest.org
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Outbound Operations Manager provides overall leadership to all the functions operating within the outbound department, this includes but is not limited to distribution support, food processing and food distribution in response to hunger in WA State all while ensuring the organization vision to put health, equity and dignity is at the center of the organizations work.
This position contributes to Northwest Harvests mission by ensuring continuity of services by fostering community, promoting food access, compliance with organizational adherence to established guidelines and requirements that relate to each risk along the supply chain continuum, and exercises sound financial management.
In addition, the Outbound Operations Manager serves by cultivating a safe, inclusive environment that includes a high-quality service delivery of the DC Operations based on the values inherent in Northwest Harvests mission, the principles of cultural proficiency, and effectively managing all areas of day-to-day operations, responding to challenges, provides hands-on leadership and fosters a collaborative environment that works cross functionally to empower the employees of NWH as well as enhance the lives of our neighbors all while bringing a lens of diversity equity and inclusion to continually be an equitable workplace culture.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Supervision
- Supervise the CDL A & B Drivers, Order fulfillment, and operations support to help ensure consistency and compliance by providing direction, guidance, mentorship and support and is a key part of their growth and success within the organization.
- Performs annual performance evaluation, reviews/updates job descriptions and coordinates work assignments for all direct reports.
- Provide leadership on statewide warehouse, distribution, and transportation, utilizing the skill of peers to collaborate on innovative solutions to the “last mile” of deliveries as well as creating efficiencies in long-haul routes
- Develop processes and procedure that increase performance and efficiency.
- Be an active team player, engaging in cross functional teams as a valued team member
Budget Oversight
- Coordinates the inputs for the Yakima Expense and Capital budget process and is an integral part of the food budgeting process.
- Acts as liaison between Yakima DC Operations and Finance relative to month end reporting for -Yakima.
- Partner with finance regarding inventory close, item card challenges, etc. to find resolution and maintain timelines.
Safety
- Responsible to lead and mentor the site safety team and reviews & responds to all incidents, injury and employee safety concerns, responding with meaningful, impactful corrective actions.
- Acts as the lead contact for site security, this includes but is not limited to; review of all security contracts i.e., alarm contract, conducts semi/annual drills and reporting.
- Monitors compliance and stays current on all OSHA and WISHA guidelines as well as USDA, WSDA and WSDOT regulations and guidelines and engages the team to create and integrate into the work culture the process of standard operating procedures.
- Ensure implementation of an impactful Quality Assurance program that is integral in NWH food handling culture.
Inbound/Outbound Logistics
- Actively lead the efforts to reconcile & report out to the Senior Leadership Team as it pertains to the Yakima DC full physical inventory, both mid-year and end of year.
- Ensure continuous review and improvements of operational processes to ensure accuracy and compliance. Oversee daily monitoring efforts to ensure productivity objectives meet organizational/departmental standards.
- Coach and support the team with responsible inventory control practices and lead them on developing methods to conduct weekly cycle counts and/or other methods.
- Coordinate facilities related concerns for the Yakima DC, to be a resource for facility concerns at other locations.
- Create processes that encourage continual learning on NWH efficiencies to increase turns in the warehouse, reducing on hand inventory and inventory aging.
- Develops, monitors and improves productivity standards to meet organizational goals.
- Strategize around needs for volunteer operations and be pro-active and creative to encourage growth and continuous improvement.
- Ensure active engagement of staff on the distribution team that is co-led with the Food Access Network (FAN) department.
- Coordinate the operations portion of Eastern Washington food drives.
Transportation
- Develop and maintain the Yakima DC fleet plan, this includes but is not limited to the maintenance Program, and maintenance systems.
- Determine the best strategy for use of all rolling stock, including vans, and other non-CDL equipment.
- Coordinate and lead the team to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of TEFAP product in partnership with the distribution organization.
- Maintains accurate records as required by the WSDOT.
- Provide leadership on a cross functional team on transportation methods across the state
- In collaboration with statewide operations managers, develops, and maintains a comprehensive statewide drivers manual; to include but is not limited to WSDOT requirements, SOP’s, WISHA, OSHA, pre-trip, etc. and apply an equitable lens by ensuring the transportation team et al. contribute and voices are heard.
- In coordination with the Western/Spokane Operations Managers and the distribution organization, plan a system for the front-line programs that best determines the balance of pick-up verses delivery for the organization; this includes but is not limited to meal programs.
- Supports the efforts to have front line programs collaborate around transportation for maximum pick-up impact – tied to the distribution strategy.
- Collaborates with the FAN team to develop a comprehensive cross functional approach to Mobile Food Banking
Equity and Inclusion
- Demonstrate the initiative to learn and enhance skills that promote anti-racism, cultural competency and an understanding of oppression and its impact.
- Participate in intentional learning efforts, including events relating to understanding and dismantling institutional racism and building cultural competency.
RELATIONSHIPS:
- Internal: This position is at the center of NWH work, who encourages relationship building across the organization and is in frequent contact with leadership and staff.
- External: This position will uphold NWH’s commitment to ending hunger, and new possibilities in our agricultural heartland and will be in regular contact with stakeholders, vendors, and professional associates and networks as well as local communities and will strive to create a welcoming space.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
A combination of the real-life experience, education, and training listed below which provides an equivalent background to perform the work of this position.
Successful completion of a background check is required.
Knowledge of:
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion and anti-racist, anti-oppression organizational work.
- Unique success factors of the nonprofit sector and NWH including dealing with ambiguity, changing resources, and a community like setting.
- Comprehensive knowledge of warehousing, distribution, transportation logistics common practices and fulfillment operations as would be generally acquired across the field or career in a high-capacity distribution organization.
- Thorough knowledge in Basic accounting principles, financial management and P and L statements.
- Comprehensive Knowledge in Operations management.
- Intermediate to advanced knowledge with Warehouse Management Systems, Microsoft Office applications; particularly Word, Excel, PPT and Outlook, Teams, and Zoom and ability to work efficiently and effectively with other organizational platforms such as ADP, SharePoint, Microsoft Dynamics NAV systems.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability To:
- Understand and empathize with individuals who have experienced poverty or food insecurity.
- Demonstrate interest and commitment to supporting equity and inclusion for members of historically marginalized groups including racial and ethnic minorities, LGBTQ populations and people living with disabilities.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and leadership to assure a high degree of mutual accountability.
- Analyze issues, synthesize information, make decisions and learn from mistakes.
- Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including the ability to listen effectively and to explain complex issues and applicable legal requirements, policies, and procedures to staff and leaders.
- Ask questions to understand the merits of different approaches and shift strategies in response to demands of a situation.
- Ability to lead and thrive though ambiguity, while maintaining composure, discretion, and high quality under timeline pressure or when faced of sensitive inquiries or complaints
- Ability to take initiative and prioritizes tasks, demonstrating excellent time-management, organizational, problem-prevention and problem-solving skills
- Ability to partner with teams to manage receipts and shipments to maximize inventory turns.
EXPERIENCE:
- Minimum five (5) + plus years of progressively responsible experience in Agriculture, Warehousing, LEAN concepts, Quality Assurance Methodology with two (2) years management experience.
- Experience in a nonprofit organization is desired but not required.
- Ability to speak a second language or the ability to speak Spanish, is desired but not required.
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
- Associate degree in Agriculture, Supply Chain, Logistics, Business, Analytics, Operations Management or an equal combination of education and relevant work experience.
DISCLAIMER:
The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. As an adaptive organization, responsibilities can and will change in alignment with greater efficiencies and mission metrics.
COMPENSATION:
Northwest Harvest offers a competitive salary and generous benefits which include but are not limited to paid time off, health/vision/dental insurance, and 401(k) retirement plan.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY AND NON-DISCRIMINATION:
Northwest Harvest (NWH) is committed to equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. NWH does not discriminate with regards to hiring, assignment, promotion or other conditions of staff employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other status protected under local, state or federal law.
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, upon request, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of our positions.