Warehouse Lead - Food Distribution

Context

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 organizations-moving 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 execution-ensuring that what we promise to customers is delivered accurately, safely, and on time.

Role Overview

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 smoothly-and 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.

What You'll Do

Lead Daily Operations
• Oversee 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
• Maintain 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 & Develop the Team
• Lead and coach warehouse associates throughout the shift
• Reinforce standard operating procedures and safe work practices
• Provide real-time feedback and support performance improvement

Drive Continuous Improvement
• Spot inefficiencies and implement practical fixes
• Help improve workflows, layout, and communication across shifts

Maintain Food Safety & Compliance
• Uphold all food safety, sanitation, and temperature control standards
• Ensure logs, checks, and processes are completed consistently

Who This Role Is For
• You take 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

Who 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
• 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
• Familiarity with food safety standards and best practices

Working Conditions & Schedule
• Schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Refrigerated warehouse environment (cold conditions)
• Regular lifting up to 50 lbs
• Fast-paced, physically active work

Compensation & Benefits
• $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)
• Ongoing training and development

Why This Role Matters

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.