Lead, Sample Room

Ferrara; DeKalb (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Comprehensive benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Ferrara is seeking a Lead for the Sample Room to coordinate day-to-day operations, ensuring accurate preparation, packaging, and shipment of product samples for customers, brokers, and sales teams.

You will manage sample requests, inventory, labeling, and packaging materials while collaborating with Sales, Marketing, R&D, Quality, CS, and Operations. Extended hours may be required.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years of experience in sample fulfillment, inventory management, shipping/logistics, customer service, warehouse operations, or a related manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience in food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods (CPG) environments preferred.
• Experience using shipping systems such as UPS, FedEx, and USPS preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and other business applications required.
• Experience with SAP or related ERP systems preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Knowledge of GMPs, food safety, sanitation, and quality systems preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily Sample Room operations and align with business needs.
• Prepare and fulfill product samples for customers and internal teams.
• Coordinate shipments with UPS, FedEx, USPS, and others.
• Create and maintain sample labels for products and relabeled items.
• Assemble sample kits, mockups, gift boxes, and trade show materials.
• Support product launches and presentations with samples.
• Maintain inventory of products, packaging, and shipping supplies.
• Ensure inventory accuracy and timely replenishment.
• Collaborate with Sales, Marketing, R&D, Quality, CS, and Ops.
• Record sample requests, shipments, and usage accurately.
• Ensure GMPs, food safety standards, and company policies.
• Keep Sample Room clean, organized, audit-ready.
• Train backup personnel and temporary staff.
• Identify efficiency improvements in Sample Room operations.
• Support projects, trade shows, events and initiatives.
• Work extended hours or weekends as needed.

Skills

Sample Room Operations

Shipping & Logistics

Inventory Management

Quality & GMP

Communication

Team Coordination

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

SAP

Job description

Work Location: Dekalb

Position requires ability to work overtime. As a result, it may require working varying start times, end times, and weekends dependent on business needs.

Core hours: 6:30am-3:00pm

Want to make an impact?

The Sample Room Lead is responsible for leading the day-to-day operations of the Sample Room, ensuring the accurate preparation, packaging, and shipment of product samples that support customers, brokers, sales teams, leadership, marketing initiatives, trade shows, and special events. This role serves as a key partner across the organization, coordinating sample requests, managing shipping logistics, maintaining inventory and organization, and ensuring compliance with food safety, quality, and workplace standards.

Ways you will make a difference

• Lead daily Sample Room operations, prioritizing and coordinating sample requests to support business objectives and customer needs.
• Prepare, package, and fulfill product samples for customers, brokers, sales teams, leadership, and internal stakeholders.
• Coordinate shipments through UPS, FedEx, USPS, and other carriers to ensure timely and accurate delivery.
• Generate and maintain product labels for sample products, repacks, and relabeled items.
• Create and assemble sample kits, product mockups, gift boxes, trade show materials, and promotional packages.
• Support new product launches and customer presentations through sample preparation and organization.
• Maintain inventory of products, packaging materials, shipping supplies, and Sample Room resources.
• Ensure inventory accuracy and timely replenishment of supplies to support ongoing business needs.
• Partner with Sales, Marketing, R&D, Quality, Customer Service, and Operations to support customer and business initiatives.
• Maintain accurate records of sample requests, shipments, and inventory usage.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, food safety standards, and company policies.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and audit-ready Sample Room environment.
• Train and provide guidance to backup personnel and temporary employees as needed.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, organization, and service levels within Sample Room operations.
• Support special projects, trade shows, promotional events, and company initiatives as assigned.
• Work extended hours and/or weekends when necessary to meet critical deadlines and business demands.

Skills that will make you successful

• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and take ownership of responsibilities.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to support internal and external stakeholders.
• Positive attitude with a flexible, team-oriented approach.
• Ability to identify process improvements and drive operational efficiency.
• Commitment to workplace safety, food safety, and quality standards.

Experiences that will support your success

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• 2+ years of experience in sample fulfillment, inventory management, shipping/logistics, customer service, warehouse operations, or a related manufacturing environment preferred.
• Experience in food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods (CPG) environments preferred.
• Experience using shipping systems such as UPS, FedEx, and USPS preferred.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook and other business applications required.
• Experience with SAP or related ERP systems preferred.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Knowledge of GMPs, food safety, sanitation, and quality systems preferred.

What We Offer

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance. Learn more about our benefits at https://flimp.live/Ferrara-Benefits-Resource-Center

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $22-$31 per hour.