Lead Warehouse Associate

Northern Illinois Food Bank; Geneva (IL); On-site; USD 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pay range: $20.33-$21.60/hr

Flexible shifts

Benefits package

Job summary

Northern Illinois Food Bank is seeking a Lead Warehouse Associate for the Geneva, IL facility (West Suburban Center). This full-time role focuses on leading the second shift, coordinating workflow, and ensuring accurate order readiness for distribution.

You will monitor inventory, support first shift communication, and train team members while maintaining food safety and OSHA-compliant practices in a temperature-controlled environment.

Qualifications

• 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 read and write in English.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate second shift warehouse activities to ensure orders are picked, staged, and ready for distribution.
• Monitor inventory levels and complete replenishment activities.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for second shift issues and update first shift leadership.
• Assist with onboarding and training of new team members.
• Maintain safety by enforcing warehouse safety standards and addressing concerns.
• Stock and organize products in refrigerated and frozen environments.

Skills

Leadership

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Education

Forklift certification

Tools

Powered industrial lift trucks

Job description

Job DetailsJob Location:

West Suburban Center - Geneva, IL 60134Position Type: Full TimeSalary Range: $20.33 - $21.60 Hourly

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.

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.

QualificationsWho 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 – 12:30pm 2nd Shift: : Monday through Friday, 2:00pm – 10:30pm
• Comprehensive 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.

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