Warehouse Operations Manager

About Pivot Bio: Fueled by an innovative drive and a deep understanding of the soil microbiome, Pivot Bio is pioneering game-changing advances in agriculture. Our first commercial products harness the power of naturally occurring microbes to provide nutrients to crops.  We are dedicated to providing new and sustainable ways for farmers to improve yield as they work to help feed the world’s growing population. Read/Hear more about Pivot Bio on Forbes or PBS News Hour.

 Position: Warehouse Operations Manager

Location:  Franklin Park, IL

We are looking for an experienced manager to lead and direct all of Pivot Bio’s warehouse operations in Chicago (receiving, shipping, inventory management, packaging operations). The successful candidate will be part of the Manufacturing and Supply Chain team, reporting into the Director of Supply Chain Operations. This role is critical to the success of Pivot Bio as this person will be ensuring that all of Pivot’s manufacturing partners get the raw materials needed to produce our active ingredients and that all of the active ingredients, or work-in-progress, are safely received, packaged, and shipped to our customers. If you are excited about joining a team that is radically improving agricultural practices, we invite you to apply.

  Responsibilities: 

• Build and maintain a QEH&S First culture for all Pivot employees and contractors conducting work at the Warehouse. Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local warehousing, material handling, and shipping requirements.
• Work with the broader supply chain team to develop packaging and shipping strategies and schedules for the year.
• Determine the size, make-up and timing of the workforce needed to execute on the strategy
• Coordinate with local staffing firms to build and manage a talented temporary workforce to run our packaging lines and move raw materials and finished goods within the warehouse.
• Ensure that SOPs exist for all tasks and that all personnel have received proper/documented training on those SOPs.
• Manage Pivot’s Chicago based personnel which consists of safety, inventory, and shipping coordinators, machine operator(s), packaging supervisor(s), and 3^rd party maintenance personnel
• Manage the conversion of work-in-progress into finished goods which includes manual and automated carton erecting, picking and packing, palletizing and shrink wrapping, utilizing forklift and pallet jacks
• Ensure all personnel follow SOPs and comply with all site policies and procedures.
• Provide all needed orientation, training, coaching, counseling, and discipline. Plan and monitor work.  Appraise job results.
• In coordination with the property manager maintain the facility to ensure safe, clean, and reliable operations (HVAC, Security, Fire Protection, Janitorial services, landscaping, etc).
• Control inventory levels by conducting physical counts; reconciling with data storage system
• Maintain impeccable physical condition of warehouse, inspecting equipment, issuing work orders for repair and requisitions for replacements as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

• 5+ years of experience working within a warehouse, managing warehouse staff with special emphasis on temp/seasonal labor
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills required in both English and Spanish strongly preferred
• Experience identifying, planning, and executing continuous improvement strategies
• Experience implementing and utilizing inventory management and control software
• Highly organized with strong customer service and communication skills
• Experience with DOT and IATA regulated materials and with OSHA standards, rules and regulations strongly preferred
• Familiarity with LTL shipping policies
• Must have valid IL driver’s license
• Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and able to handle shifts requiring long periods of standing, walking or bending. Ability to coordinate the transport/movement of 50+lb deliveries and equipment, including the use of vehicles, such as a forklift, to transport larger machinery.

*Must be authorized to work in the United States 

What we offer: 

• Competitive package in a disruptive startup
• Stock options
• Health/Dental/Vision insurance with employer-paid premiums
• Life, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability policies
• Employee Assistance Program with free referrals and discounts
• 401(k) plan, 3% Match
• Commuter benefits
• Annual Training & Development support
• Flexible vacation policy with a generous holiday schedule
• Exciting opportunity to work with a talented and fun team