Assistant Warehouse Manager

To support the WH Operations Manager in leading and directing warehouse operational staff to ensure the effective functioning of a fresh organic produce warehouse that maintains high quality product standards with minimal product loss in a safe and clean environment. Help set strategic direction for warehouse operations in keeping with company goals.

This position reports to the Warehouse Operations Manager.

Essential Job Functions:

• Directs, supervises and assigns warehouse employees, including, but not limited to preparing work schedules and work assignments.
• Maintain appropriate staffing levels; hiring, orienting, training, assigning, scheduling, coaching and counseling staff as needed.
• Evaluates performance and communicates job expectations with warehouse supervisors and staff; takes corrective measures and recognizes job contributions.
• Reviews and verifies correctness of employee timecards; basic understanding of CA meal/rest break rules.
• Guide warehouse supervisors and staff in understanding and complying with VV’s green waste management program and food safety protocols.
• Lead warehouse supervisors and staff in process improvement and systems analysis.
• Identify problems and create measures needed to improve the effectiveness of the warehouse operations.
• Motivate, mentor, coach, and counsel warehouse supervisors and staff to create engaged, highly functional teams.
• Maintain effective warehouse operations by assisting in the design, development and implementation of operational policies and procedures and following up on work results.
• Maintain compliance and knowledge of current Food Safety protocols and regulations.
• Assist with the development of warehouse operations systems for product handling and storage requirements for fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Ensure that warehouse operations comply with federal, state and local warehousing, material handling and shipping requirements. In addition, understand existing and new legislation, enforcing adherence to requirements and advising Warehouse Operations Manager on needed actions.
• Maintain a safe and healthy work environment by designing, developing and implementing warehouse safety best practices and procedures and ensuring compliance with food safety program.
• Take an active role in injury and incident inquiries, investigations and evaluations.
• Work with the Facilities department to provide timely maintenance and repair of warehouse equipment.
• Evaluating and recommending new equipment to ensure a safe, effective and clean work environment
• Work with the Training Manager to assess training needs of warehouse supervisors and staff and arrange for or provide appropriate instruction and certification.
• Collaborates with IC Operations, Trucking and Facilities Managers. Works closely with HR, Sales and Purchasing.

Minimum Requirements:

• 5+ years supervising staff in a warehouse environment, best safety practices in a warehouse environment, and Food Safety programs and organic handling procedures
• 2+ years receiving, stocking, handling, shipping experience and knowledge of proper storage requirements and sensitivities of fresh produce (fruits and vegetables, esp. organic produce)
• 2+ years’ experience with material handling equipment
• Comfortable with Microsoft Office Suite programs and databases

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Communicate, present and report effectively both in writing and speech
• Lead, team build and develop others
• Use logic, reasoning and research to identify and solve problems
• Use data metrics to analyze work systems and develop cost-effective solutions
• Exercise good judgment and decision making
• Manage one’s own time and the time of others
• Manage conflicts to most positive resolution
• Perform basic mathematical calculation; being exact or highly accurate
• Taking initiative and problem solving
• Work well with others in a group or team setting
• Taking responsibility for work outcomes and results
• Flexible with work hours and schedule. Ability to work nights and weekends, as needed

Physical Requirements:

• Occasionally lift 55 lbs maximum, without assistance
• Frequently stand, walk, bend, twist, sit, keyboard and perform a variety of other physical functions

Working Conditions:

• Work in an environment with standard warehouse equipment and machinery
• Work in an environment with cold temperatures requiring proper protective clothing for varying periods of time