Manager Distribution Brown Elephant

Howard Brown Health•Chicago, IL
•$63,300 - $70,000•Onsite

About The Position

Under the director of the Director, Retail & Social Enterprise, the Manager, Distribution leads the safe, efficient and reliable operation of Brown Elephant’s donation pickup and distribution function. The Manager, Distribution is accountable for increasing the quantity and quality of donated merchandise, supporting revenue goals, and building community relationships. Leverages industry knowledge and best practices to promote the mission and vision of Howard Brown Health as well as supports culture enhancement and management efforts.

Requirements

  • High School Diploma, or GED equivalent required.
  • Minimum five (5) years professional/chain logistics, retail distribution, supply chain, transportation management or related experience required.
  • Of the five (5) years’ experience, minimum one (1) year people management experience required.
  • Experience administering a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and managing a unionized workforce required.
  • Valid Illinois Driver’s License and safe driving record required.
  • Proficient and 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 LGBTQ+ setting and 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 communication competencies including written, verbal and listening
  • Strong knowledge of research approaches and the ability to apply relevant approach toward desired outcome(s)
  • Strong problem-solving acumen and the ability to engage for supervisory support when appropriate
  • Ability to demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of equity, inclusion and diversity concepts, and that they are broader than just race, ethnicity, and gender

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

  • Leads and supervises the Distribution team, including hiring, scheduling, workload distribution, onboarding, training, driving assessments, performance expectations, coaching, evaluation and daily accountability.
  • Demonstrates and assesses the Mover/Driver duties during orientation and performs these duties as needed for occasional operational coverage, including operating box trucks, completing donation pickups and merchandise transfers, and loading and unloading items.
  • Oversees dispatch and daily operations in collaboration with the Assistant Distribution Manager, including responding to donor inquiries, scheduling pickups, planning efficient routes, communicating assignments, and adjusting operations based on staffing, cancellations, donor needs and business priorities.
  • Develops donation opportunities and community relationships through outreach, networking, social media, and engagement with individuals, businesses, property managers, estate professionals, community organizations, and other potential partners.
  • Partners with Brown Elephant store management to understand merchandise needs, coordinate transfers and store support, and maintain a consistent flow of quality donated merchandise.
  • In collaboration with the Director of Retail & Social Enterprise, establishes performance measures and implements quality and process improvements.
  • Ensures Distribution vehicles are clean, properly maintained, appropriately documented and operationally ready, including coordinating inspections, preventative maintenance, registrations, and repairs.
  • Enforces safe driving, lifting, loading, unloading, and merchandise-handling practices and ensure accidents, injuries, vehicle damage, and other incidents are reported and addressed promptly.
  • Operates within the approved Distribution budget, monitor expenses, review fuel records, approve supply orders, and ensure required payroll, personnel, and financial documentation is accurate and submitted on time.
  • Consistently applies Howard Brown Health policies, customer-service standards, and safety requirements; communicates operational needs and risks to the Director; and attends required meetings.
  • Other duties as assigned and/or required.

Benefits

  • Employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance with two PPO plans and an HMO plan.
  • BCBS HMO, PPO, and PPO Select Plans
  • BCBS Dental
  • BCBS Vision
  • 3-weeks paid vacation and 1-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
  • 401k program with up to 5% employer match after 90 days
  • Employer-paid basic life insurance valued at one times the annual salary
  • Voluntary Life and AD&D, and Short-term and Long-term disability
  • Pre-tax commuter and parking benefit account
  • Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
  • Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Forgiveness Programs; NHSC & PSLF
  • Employee Assistance Program with 5 employer-paid counseling sessions
  • 50% off at Brown Elephant Resale Shops and discounts at local businesses
© 2026 Teal Labs, Inc
Privacy PolicyTerms of Service