Manager Distribution Brown Elephant

Howard Brown Health•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Manager, Distribution leads the safe, efficient, and reliable operation of Brown Elephant’s donation pickup and distribution function. Reporting to the Director, Retail & Social Enterprise, this role is accountable for increasing the quantity and quality of donated merchandise, supporting revenue goals, and building community relationships. The manager applies industry knowledge and best practices in support of Howard Brown Health’s mission and vision, while contributing to culture enhancement and management efforts. The role leads and supervises the Distribution team and oversees dispatch, donor communications, pickup scheduling, route planning, merchandise transfers, vehicle readiness, safety practices, budget monitoring, and required operational documentation. The manager also develops donation opportunities and partnerships, coordinates with Brown Elephant store management, and works with the Director of Retail & Social Enterprise on performance measures and process improvements. The position may require periodic local travel of up to 40% and occasional lifting or moving of items weighing up to 50 pounds.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED equivalent.
At least five 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 five years of experience.
Experience administering a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and managing a unionized workforce.
Valid Illinois Driver’s License and a 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, including that they extend 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.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Lead and supervise the Distribution team, including hiring, scheduling, workload distribution, onboarding, training, driving assessments, performance expectations, coaching, evaluation, and daily accountability.
Demonstrate and assess Mover/Driver duties during orientation and perform those duties as needed for occasional operational coverage, including operating box trucks, completing donation pickups and merchandise transfers, and loading and unloading items.
Oversee dispatch and daily operations 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.
Develop 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.
Partner with Brown Elephant store management to understand merchandise needs, coordinate transfers and store support, and maintain a consistent flow of quality donated merchandise.
Collaborate with the Director of Retail & Social Enterprise to establish performance measures and implement quality and process improvements.
Ensure Distribution vehicles are clean, properly maintained, documented, and operationally ready, including coordinating inspections, preventative maintenance, registrations, and repairs.
Enforce safe driving, lifting, loading, unloading, and merchandise-handling practices; ensure accidents, injuries, vehicle damage, and other incidents are promptly reported and addressed.
Operate within the approved Distribution budget, monitor expenses, review fuel records, approve supply orders, and ensure payroll, personnel, and financial documentation is accurate and submitted on time.
Apply Howard Brown Health policies, customer-service standards, and safety requirements; communicate operational needs and risks to the Director; and attend required meetings.
Perform other duties as assigned and/or required.

Benefits

Employer-sponsored health insurance, including BCBS HMO, PPO, and PPO Select plans.
BCBS dental insurance.
BCBS vision insurance.
Three weeks of paid vacation and one week of personal time.
Twelve accrued sick days per year.
Ten paid holidays, including Juneteenth.
PTO Exchange allowing 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.