Acquisition Specialist

Salem Chamber; Salem (MA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salem Pantry seeks an Acquisition Specialist to source, transport, and process food donations for The Market and partner agencies. You will drive trucks to pickups and deliveries, manage schedules, and collaborate with warehouse staff and volunteers to ensure a steady, high-quality food supply for guests.

This full-time role requires weekend work and occasional evenings; you will work primarily from The Salem Pantry's warehouse and The Market, lifting up to 50 pounds and operating pallet

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license with clean driving record.
• Experience in warehouse, logistics, delivery or food service.
• Ability to adapt to changing routes and schedules.
• Familiarity with inventory systems (e.g., Salesforce) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Source, transport, and process food donations.
• Maintain pickup schedules with donor partners.
• Drive box truck and cargo van for deliveries, pickups, and rescues.
• Document donations and report to Warehouse Manager.
• Sort and store donations; coordinate with warehouse staff and programs.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Box truck operation

Cargo van operation

Warehouse experience

Logistics

Inventory management

Donor liaison

Team leadership of volunteers

Planning & organizational skills

Effective communication

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Position: Acquisition Specialist
Department: Logistics & Warehouse
Reports to: Warehouse Manager
Employment Status: Full-Time
Location: The Salem Pantry Warehouse / The Market
Compensation: $23–$26 per hour

The Salem Pantry is seeking an Acquisition Specialist to source, transport, and process food donations that keep The Market and our partner agencies stocked. This role plays an important part in advancing our mission by ensuring guests have a full choice of high-quality food to shop for each week. This role is ideal for a reliable, hands-on professional who thrives on the road and in the warehouse, adapts quickly to changing conditions, and enjoys leading volunteer teams to get the job done.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Food Acquisition & Transportation

Pick up and receive donations from grocery stores, vendors, and other agency locations.

Maintain consistent, reliable pickup schedules with donor partners.

Drive The Salem Pantry's vehicles (box truck and cargo van) to complete deliveries, pick-ups, and food rescue runs.

Adapt pick-up plans in response to weather conditions or vehicle/mechanical issues, improvising alternate routes or timing as needed.

Documentation & Reporting

Record the quantity and details of donations received.

Communicate acquisition data to the Warehouse Manager in a timely manner.

Warehouse Operations & Teamwork

Ensure incoming donations are sorted and stored correctly.

Collaborate effectively with warehouse staff and work closely with the Distribution Specialist.

Partner effectively with staff outside the warehouse, including the programs department.

Inventory & Equipment Management

Prepare pallets and drop-offs in advance for the coming week's deliveries.

Perform regular checks on warehouse equipment and gear to ensure proper working condition.

Organizational Engagement

Attend regular team meetings and actively contribute to program planning and review discussions.

Collaborate with staff across departments to support organizational goals and initiatives.

Assist with additional tasks or organizational needs when requested.

The employee will primarily work out of The Salem Pantry's warehouse facility and The Market, with regular driving to donor and partner sites throughout the region. Weekend work is required (including Saturday volunteer groups), and occasional evening work may be needed. This role requires standing, walking, and lifting up to 50 pounds, as well as operating the box truck, cargo van, and pallet jacks.

QUALIFICATIONS

We are seeking an individual who is passionate about The Salem Pantry's mission and committed to advancing equitable access to healthy food through all aspects of their work, from daily interactions to program operations and community engagement.

Knowledge and Previous Experience

Required

Valid driver's license with a clean driving record; comfortable operating a box truck and cargo van.

Experience working in a warehouse, logistics, delivery, or food service environment.

Ability to work independently and adapt quickly to changing schedules, routes, or conditions.

Preferred

Prior experience with food rescue, food banking, or nonprofit logistics.

Familiarity with Salesforce or a similar inventory management system.

Skills and Abilities

Adaptability to changing conditions such as weather, equipment issues, and shifting schedules.

Effective communication with donors, staff, and volunteers.

Ability to lift 50+ pounds and perform physical warehouse tasks.

Sound decision-making and judgment under time pressure.

Team-building and collaboration, with a talent for organizing and leading volunteer groups.

Self-directed and results-oriented approach to daily route and warehouse planning.

Strong planning and organizational skills.

Comfort building strategic relationships with donor partners.

The Salem Pantry is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, or gender expression, familial status, disability, ancestry, age, marital status, public assistance status, sexual orientation, veteran status or military service, or genetic information.

Our organization strongly encourages individuals with historically marginalized identities and lived experiences to apply, including those who are excited about the role but may not meet every qualification. We recognize that valuable skills and experiences come from many paths, and welcome candidates whose backgrounds may differ from those outlined in this job description.

Additional Postings available from The Salem Pantry