Assistant Manager Distribution Brown Elephant

Howard Brown Health•Chicago, IL

About The Position

Under the direction of the Distribution Manager, the Distribution Assistant Manager supervises Mover/Drivers and coordinates the daily execution of donation pickups, merchandise transfers, and moving services for Brown Elephant stores and other Howard Brown Health locations as needed. The role translates departmental priorities and established procedures into daily assignments, trains and coaches staff, and provides hands-on driving and moving support. It supports safe, efficient, and reliable operations through responsive donor service, accurate records, and coordination with store management. The Assistant Manager coordinates workloads and assignments, monitors completion, adjusts work to meet staffing and operational needs, and refers concerns requiring further action to the Distribution Manager. The role may perform driving and moving duties, including operating company trucks, completing pickups and transfers, and loading and unloading items. It may manage dispatch, including responding to donor inquiries, scheduling pickups, planning routes, communicating assignments and arrival windows, and adjusting arrangements as needs change. The role trains and coaches staff on customer-service standards, policies, and safe work procedures; monitors staff practices and provides instruction and feedback. It maintains donation and pickup records, coordinates large donation and estate pickups, and assesses and coordinates moving requests and merchandise transfers with store management and requesting departments. It also completes operational and administrative paperwork, works with Human Resources and other departments on relevant documentation, attends required meetings, and follows through on assigned actions.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
At least three years of professional/chain logistics, retail distribution, supply chain, transportation management, or related experience.
At least one year of people management experience within the required three years of experience.
Experience administering a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and managing a unionized workforce.
Valid Illinois Driver’s License and safe driving record.
Functional knowledge of supply chain and/or logistics principles.
Knowledge of basic project management principles.
Knowledge of FQHCs and delivery of care to underserved communities.
Ability to work comfortably within an LGBTQ+ setting and with LGBTQ+ patient populations.
Ability to make formal and effective oral presentations.
Ability to evaluate procedures and issues and develop strategies and effective solutions.
Ability to plan, organize, and accomplish organizational goals and objectives.
Ability to handle and maintain highly confidential information with professional maturity.
Effective written, verbal, and listening communication skills.
Knowledge of research approaches and ability to apply relevant approaches toward desired outcomes.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to engage supervisory support when appropriate.
Ability to demonstrate understanding and acceptance of equity, inclusion, and diversity concepts beyond race, ethnicity, and gender.
Ability to speak audibly and listen actively.
Ability to use computers, telephones, and other office equipment.
Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Ability to travel locally periodically, up to 40%.

Nice To Haves

Previous box truck operating experience.
Non-profit and/or donor interfacing experience.

Responsibilities

Supervise Mover/Drivers, coordinate workloads and assignments, communicate expectations, and monitor completion.
Adjust assignments for staffing and operational needs and refer concerns requiring further action to the Distribution Manager.
Perform driving and moving duties as needed, including operating company trucks, completing donation pickups and merchandise transfers, and loading and unloading furniture and other items.
Manage dispatch as assigned and in the Distribution Manager’s absence; respond to donor inquiries, schedule pickups, plan routes, communicate assignments and arrival windows, and adjust arrangements as daily needs change.
Train and coach staff on customer-service standards, policies, and safe driving, lifting, loading, unloading, and merchandise-handling procedures; monitor practices and provide ongoing instruction and feedback.
Maintain accurate donation and pickup records, including donor information, scheduling details, pickup instructions, outcomes, and follow-up needs.
Coordinate and participate in large donation and estate pickups, confirming arrangements with donors, staff, and receiving stores.
Assess and coordinate merchandise transfers and moving requests between Brown Elephant stores and other Howard Brown Health locations.
Work with store management and requesting departments to confirm needs, arrange timing, assign staff and trucks, and communicate changes through completion.
Complete required administrative and operational paperwork accurately and on time, coordinating with Human Resources and other departments on personnel, payroll, financial, insurance, and property documentation.
Attend required meetings, communicate operational needs and concerns, and follow through on assigned actions.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Employer-sponsored health insurance with two PPO plans and an HMO plan.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Three weeks of paid vacation and one week of personal time.
12 accrued sick days per year.
10 paid holidays, including Juneteenth.
PTO Exchange allows employees to turn unused PTO into liquid assets.
401(k) program with up to 5% employer match after 90 days.
Employer-paid basic life insurance valued at one times annual salary.
Voluntary life and AD&D insurance.
Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Pre-tax commuter and parking benefit account.
Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
Tuition reimbursement and student loan forgiveness programs, including NHSC and PSLF.
Employee Assistance Program with five employer-paid counseling sessions.
50% discount at Brown Elephant Resale Shops and discounts at local businesses.