Lifeway Foods Inc is hiring: WAREHOUSE MANAGER in Niles

Lifeway Foods (NASDAQ: LWAY), recognized as one of Forbes’ Best Small Companies, is America’s leading supplier of the probiotic beverage known as Kefir. In addition to its line of drinkable Kefir, the company also produces cheese, drinkable yogurt, and a ProBugs line of Kefir for kids. Lifeway’s tart and tangy fermented dairy products are sold across the United States, Mexico, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.  

Summary

The Warehouse Manager is responsible for efficiently managing all aspects of the Niles warehouse, ensuring adherence to food safety standards, supporting production goals, optimizing operational efficiency, and fostering a positive organizational culture at Lifeway Foods, Inc.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations, including receiving, storage, and distribution of products, ensuring smooth and efficient workflows
• Manage and maintain accurate inventory systems using Microsoft NAV ERP, performing regular stock audits to guarantee inventory accuracy and availability
• Ensure safe and efficient loading and unloading of raw materials and finished products
• Lead and manage warehouse team by providing direction, training, and performance feedback to drive productivity and safety
• Collaborate with production and other teams to ensure accurate delivery of materials for production and distribution
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve warehouse procedures and policies to enhance operational efficiency and reduce downtime
• Oversee preparation and execution of shipping schedules, prioritize tasks to meet deadlines and customer demands
• Conduct annual performance evaluations for staff, identifying areas for improvement and facilitating employee development
• Maintain positive employee relations by regularly engaging with staff to assess satisfaction and address concerns
• Ensure all warehouse equipment is well-maintained and operational, scheduling regular maintenance as needed
• Work closely with Quality Assurance team to guarantee proper storage conditions for Kefir and other perishable products
• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) related to warehouse efficiency, inventory turnover, and cost control, implementing improvements where necessary
• Address and resolve customer or vendor issues related to warehousing promptly and professionally
• Manage warehouse budgets, control costs, and optimize resource allocation to maximize operational efficiency
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and implementing best practices for warehouse operations
• Perform duties according to Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and Sanitization Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP) that meet quality and safety standards pertaining to: Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Wisconsin Department of Agriculture (WDA), and customer requirements
• Conduct behavior in compliance with Lifeway Employee Policy
• Perform additional duties as assigned

Qualification and Education Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, or a related field preferred
• 5-7 years of experience in warehouse operations or logistics, with a focus on the food manufacturing industry
• Proven management experience with strong leadership abilities to oversee and develop a team
• Experience with inventory management systems such as Microsoft NAV ERP and Decom
• Strong communication and leadership skills for effective coordination with cross-functional teams and managing staff
• Experience managing budgets and optimizing resource allocation to improve warehouse performance and cost control
• Knowledge of food safety standards (HACCP, FDA, or other relevant certifications) and compliance with OSHA regulations
• Training Required after Hire: Train the Trainer certification Motor Vehicles (Forklift, Electrical Pallet, etc) and OSHA 10-hour

Lifeway Foods, Inc is a growing Chicago-based beverage manufacturer with over 25 years of experience. We are an industry leader in the production of high-quality Kefir. We are an equal opportunity employer and offer a competitive benefits package. Visit us at www.lifewaykefir.com.