Lead Warehouse Associate

Northern-Illinois-Food-Bank; Geneva (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

Northern Illinois Food Bank is seeking a Lead Warehouse Associate for the second shift at our Geneva location. You will act as the primary operational lead, directing workflow, monitoring inventory, and guiding teammates to maintain efficient distribution.

The role requires at least two years in warehouse operations and a certificate or demonstrated proficiency with powered industrial lift trucks. You will work in refrigerated and frozen environments, upholding safety and food safety standards.

Qualifications

• Certificate or proficiency operating powered industrial lift trucks (PILTs).
• Minimum two years of warehouse, distribution, or inventory experience.
• Experience providing work direction or informal leadership in a warehouse.
• Ability to read and write in English.
• Ability to work in refrigerated, frozen, and other warehouse environments.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; ability to coordinate across shifts.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate second shift warehouse activities to ensure orders are picked, staged, and ready for distribution.
• Monitor inventory levels and complete replenishment activities to maintain product availability.
• Serve as primary contact for second shift operational issues and communicate updates to first shift leadership.
• Support onboarding and training of new team members and provide day-to-day guidance on processes.
• Promote safety and monitor compliance with warehouse safety standards.
• Maintain food safety by stocking in refrigerated and frozen environments and keeping areas orderly.
• Pull, prepare, and stage orders according to schedules and priorities.
• Load and unload trucks and store products in designated locations.
• Complete paperwork and assist with inventory transactions, cycle counts, and cleanliness.
• Conduct daily powered industrial lift truck safety checks and report issues.
• Follow food safety protocols per Feeding America and AIB guidelines.

Skills

PILTs proficiency

Communication & teamwork

English literacy

Task prioritization

Education

Certificate or proficiency operating powered industrial lift trucks

Job description

Who We Are:Are you ready to join a team where your talent creates lasting change? At Northern Illinois Food Bank, every day is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our Neighbors, so that everyone in Northern Illinois has the food they need to thrive! Together we are a dedicated and innovative team committed to ending hunger in Northern Illinois. We embrace diverse perspectives, collaboration, and continuous learning, we celebrate successes, learn from challenges, and foster a culture of growth, optimism, and teamwork.Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:Northern Illinois Food Bank will embrace opportunities to stand in solidarity with our community, and center the voices of those most impacted by systematic injustices. We affirm our commitment to anti-racism, to gender equity, to allyship, and to fairness as we work towards a hunger-free future and to create a better and more just world.The Opportunity:The Lead Warehouse Associate supports warehouse operations by ensuring order readiness, inventory replenishment, and safe, efficient execution of daily warehouse activities during the second shift. This role serves as the primary operational lead for the shift, coordinating workflow priorities, monitoring inventory levels, supporting team members, and ensuring a seamless transition between first and second shift operations. The position works in a variety of temperature-controlled environments and plays a key role in maintaining productivity, safety, and operational continuity.This Full-Time position is based out of our West Suburban Center (Geneva) location.Duties and Responsibilities:Coordinate and prioritize second shift warehouse activities to ensure agency and operational orders are accurately picked, staged, and ready for distribution.Monitor inventory levels and complete replenishment activities to maintain product availability and support next-day operations.Serve as the primary point of contact for second shift operational issues and communicate inventory, equipment, and workflow updates to first shift leadership.Support the onboarding and training of new team members and provide day-to-day guidance on warehouse processes and procedures.Promote and reinforce a culture of safety by monitoring compliance with warehouse safety standards and promptly addressing or escalating concerns.Maintain food safety standards by stocking and organizing products in refrigerated and frozen environments and ensuring designated areas remain well-stocked and orderly.Accurately pull, prepare, and stage orders according to established schedules and priorities.Load and unload trucks and place products in designated storage locations.Complete required paperwork and assist with product processing, inventory transactions, cycle counts, and general facility cleanliness.Conduct daily powered industrial lift truck safety checks and report equipment issues promptly.Follow all food safety protocols in accordance with Feeding America and AIB guidelines, including completion of required training.Perform other related duties and/or responsibilities as assigned or required.Who You Are:You’re driven, compassionate, and excited to bring your unique skills to a purpose-driven organization. You have a strong commitment to our mission and:Certificate or demonstrated proficiency operating powered industrial lift trucks.Minimum of two years of warehouse, distribution, or inventory experience preferred.Prior experience providing work direction, training, or informal leadership in a warehouse environment preferred.Ability to prioritize tasks, solve problems, and adapt to changing operational needs.Strong communication and teamwork skills with the ability to coordinate across shifts and departments.Ability to receive, understand, and provide instructions effectively.Ability to read and write in English.Ability to work in refrigerated, frozen, and other warehouse environments and lift and move materials in accordance with job requirements.Why Join Us:Make a Difference: Every role at Northern Illinois Food Bank directly impacts the lives of those we serve.Flexible Work Environment: We value work-life balance. This position’s working Schedule varies by shift type:1st Shift: Monday through Friday, 4:00am – 12:30pm2nd Shift: : Monday through Friday, 2:00pm – 10:30pmComprehensive Benefits: Enjoy medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, paid time off, and more. The starting pay range for this position is $20.33 - $21.60/hr, based on skills and experience.Growth Opportunities: Invest in your career with professional development, career mapping, and leadership training.Inclusive Culture: Join a diverse, collaborative team that values equity and belonging.How to Apply:Are you ready to make a difference? Apply online at https://solvehungertoday.org/about/join-our-team/. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter that highlights your passion for our mission and your relevant skills.Northern Illinois Food Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Our goal is to attract, develop, retain, and promote a talented diverse workforce where all employees feel a sense of belonging