Manager, Warehouse/Cooler/Safety

We are excited to announce a newly created leadership opportunity at our cultured dairy products facility in Rockford! We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Manager, Warehouse/Distribution to oversee daily operations across our Warehouse, Cooler, and Environmental Health & Safety departments. This pivotal role offers the chance to make a lasting impact by driving efficiency, fostering a culture of safety, and ensuring smooth, compliant distribution processes that support our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. This position reports to the Director, Plant Manager.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Effectively lead a team of union and/or non-union employees by fostering a positive, collaborative work environment and ensuring consistent application of work rules, company policies, and, when applicable, union contract provisions. Manage daily operations with a focus on labor management, performance management, and retention. Collaborate closely with Human Resources and plant leadership to address employee relations issues. Promote open, transparent communication through regular shift meetings and daily engagement with team members.

Warehouse/Cooler:

• Oversee the activities related to materials movement or handling, receiving, loading, unloading, transporting, stacking, order filling, shipping, and maintaining stock in a warehouse or similar environment.
• Maintain a firm handle on all aspects of warehouse/cooler/distribution operations, inclusive of effective interdepartmental communication between management and warehouse/cooler personnel.
• Oversee and/or coordinate shipping and receiving activities with all other departments to maximize the overall efficiency of the operation and minimize customer service issues
• Function as the primary liaison between plant management and other departments, including sales, distribution, and customer service, to ensure appropriate inventory/product levels are available and delivered accurately and on time.
• Daily monitor the inventory and codes of all products in the cooler to ensure proper rotation and traceability of all items. Prepare warehouse and associated storage systems for physical inventories.
• Maintain and reconcile inventories as needed; ensure month-end inventories are finished accurately and on time.
• Coordinate the load-out schedule with in-house distribution and outside contractors to ensure the timely and accurate load-out and receiving of all products.
• Plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of the department in an organized, safe, and sanitary work environment that complies with the company's policies, OSHA, and government regulations.

Environmental, Health, and Safety:

• Administer and support safety programs, ensuring compliance through annual training, drills, audits, and updates. Programs may include accident investigation, CPR/first aid, confined space awareness, electrical and machine safety, forklift and hoist operation, PPE, lockout/tagout, hearing conservation, and more.

• Bachelor's degree in business, supply chain/logistics or related field a plus.
• 5-8 years of progressive experience in warehouse, cooler, distribution, production, or logistics operations, with a proven track record in supervisory or leadership roles.
• Hands-on experience managing Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) programs, including compliance, training, and safety initiatives within an operational environment.
• Prior experience in a warehouse environment within the dairy or food and beverage industry is required, with a strong understanding of industry-specific handling, storage, and safety standards.
• Strong team player and leader with the ability to work across multiple functions and disciplines.
• Knowledge and understanding of the financial and budgeting functions of an organization.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite with the ability to effectively use company-specific computer systems and software to manage operations, reporting, and communication.
• Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs; able to lead others through change.
• Certification and/or License - may be required during the course of employment.
• Ability to travel up to 20%

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans