Warehouse Assistant Manager

Greater Vancouver Food Bank•Burnaby, BC

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Warehouse Assistant Manager is a dynamic and proactive leader who excels in fast-paced and evolving environments. They actively foster a positive, high-performing team culture that values collaboration, accountability, mutual respect, and continuous improvement. This role plays a key leadership function in driving operational change initiatives, supporting organizational growth, and leading teams through change with confidence and transparency. They prioritize staff appreciation, engagement, and professional development programs while leveraging Lean Six Sigma principles to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize operational performance. By maintaining both operational excellence and a supportive workplace culture, they make a meaningful impact on the community and the organization.

Requirements

Post secondary education in business, warehousing, transportation, logistics, or equivalent, and/or relevant experience in a related field.
Experience in the non-profit sector, preferably with food banks.
3+ years of logistics management experience.
5+ years of driving experience using industrial forklifts in racked warehouse facilities.
Experience with Inventory Management and Enterprise Resource Planning.
Demonstrated experience leading organizational change initiatives and process improvement projects.
Experience building and maintaining positive team cultures in warehouse or operational environments.
Proven success implementing process improvement initiatives resulting in measurable operational benefits.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office software.
Effective communication with staff at all organizational level.
Flexibility in work hours, including evenings and weekends when necessary.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and mentor team members.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong conflict resolution skills.
Strong financial and business acumen.
Excellent time management skills.
Strong change management and organizational transformation skills.
Demonstrated ability to build, develop, and sustain high-performing team cultures.
Proven continuous improvement mindset with experience applying Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a focus on operational efficiency.
Ability to lead teams through periods of growth, change, and operational transformation.
Exposure to ambient temperatures and noisy conditions.
Proper safety footwear required.
Ability to walk and stand throughout the shift.
Regular bending and lifting of boxes up to 50 lbs.
Some local travel may be required.
A criminal record check for working with vulnerable sectors is required upon hiring.

Nice To Haves

Lean, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, or Change Management certification/designation preferred (Green Belt or higher considered an asset).
Preferred experience with Warehouse Management Systems.
A clean BC Class 5 driving license is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Manage, assign, and review the work of all staff and direct reports in various functional areas, including fresh and dry food sorting, inbound/outbound orders, fulfillment, warehouse and cold storage, food quality.
Conduct performance reviews, set fiscal objectives, and track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Ensure Team Leads run daily High-5 meetings.
Work closely with the Logistics Assistant Manager/Supply Chain Assistant Manager to manage and communicate logistics flow, order accuracy, product quality, and concentrating on efficiencies between functional areas.
Communicate weekly updates and conduct regular monthly Operations meetings and 1:1 sessions with your team, and other operational functional areas.
Oversee non-food and food preservation movements and management.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with industrial vendors and donors.
Provide coverage for the Operations Manager as needed.
Oversee IT systems, including integrations and required.
Lead operational improvement projects utilizing Lean Six Sigma methodologies to improve workflows, productivity, safety, and service levels.
Support and cover Supply Chain Assistant Manager for vendor and donor calls and e-mails, communicating with Logistics leads for efficient pick up and/or deliveries of product when needed.
Manage the volunteer/staff area, ensuring it is well stocked, cleaned and organized daily for seamless operations.
Lead change management initiatives across warehouse operations, ensuring staff are engaged, informed, and supported throughout process improvements and organizational changes.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement by coaching leads and staff to identify opportunities for efficiency, innovation, and operational excellence.
Build and maintain a positive team culture that emphasizes accountability, psychological safety, collaboration, and employee engagement.
Champion staff development through coaching, mentoring, succession planning, and leadership development opportunities.
Communicate with the Operations Manager regarding any issues in functional areas, including outbound waste streams.
Ensure regular maintenance, safety, and cleanliness checks are completed and all deficiencies fixed and reported, in a timely manner.
Accommodate special events such as open houses, media visits, and fundraising events.
Obtain warehouse supplies and materials in accordance with the annual budget.
Oversee industrial equipment and machinery, coordinating with the In-house-Trainer for regular maintenance and emergency repairs.
Enter and manage inbound and outbound data in the I/O system, including logistics, purchase orders, order fulfillment, and procurement information.
Ensure all in/outbound orders are thoroughly checked, complete, quality controlled, and accurate before distribution, reporting inconsistencies to the Operations Manager.
Manage product returns and ensure compliance with internal GVFB processes.
Collaborate with external stakeholders and partners when needed, to ensure seamless coordination, efficient handling of products, and alignment of objectives.
Complete other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager.
Analyze operational performance metrics and implement data-driven process improvements to support organizational objectives.
Identify and eliminate operational waste while improving consistency, quality control, inventory accuracy, and resource utilization.