Warehouse Lead - Food Distribution

Warehouse Lead (Level 3)

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 organizationsmoving 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 executionensuring that what we promise to customers is delivered accurately, safely, and on time.

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 smoothlyand 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.

Lead daily operations by overseeing 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 by maintaining 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 and develop the team by leading and coaching warehouse associates throughout the shift. Reinforce standard operating procedures and safe work practices. Provide real-time feedback and support performance improvement.

Drive continuous improvement by spotting inefficiencies and implementing practical fixes. Help improve workflows, layout, and communication across shifts.

Maintain food safety and compliance by upholding all food safety, sanitation, and temperature control standards. Ensure logs, checks, and processes are completed consistently.

This role is for someone who takes 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.

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 include 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, and familiarity with food safety standards and best practices.

Working conditions and schedule include Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday | 11:00 AM 7:00 PM in a refrigerated warehouse environment (cold conditions), regular lifting up to 50 lbs, and fast-paced, physically active work.

Compensation and benefits include $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), and ongoing training and development.

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.