Warehouse Manager
Bethesda, MD, USA
About Us
At Just Ice Tea, we’re on a mission to help consumers “Eat (and Drink) the Change they wish to see in the world,” starting with our product line: Just Ice Tea. When their beloved brand was discontinued, Honest Tea Co-Founders Seth Goldman and Barry Nalebuff partnered with Celebrity Chef Spike Mendelsohn to brew a new, delicious tasting beverage that supports fair trade and organic farming. Launched in fall 2022 through Eat the Change, Just Ice Tea™ now offers 15 varieties of unsweetened and just sweet enough teas made with clean, easily recognizable ingredients. Through its commitment to fair trade, Just Ice Tea helps provide a more just, healthier way of life for our farmers and our planet—and healthier options for you. This is Just Ice Tea, but it’s also so much more.
Position Summary
The Warehouse Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and compliance of JIT’s warehouse operations. This role oversees inventory accuracy, warehouse management systems (WMS), employee development, food safety and quality programs, SQF compliance, reporting, and daily warehouse operations. The Warehouse Manager ensures the safe, efficient, and accurate receipt, storage, and distribution of materials while maintaining inventory integrity and monitors regulatory compliance.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Warehouse Operations Management
- Direct and manage all warehouse activities including receiving, storage, inventory control, order fulfillment, shipping, and sanitation.
- Ensure efficient utilization of warehouse space, equipment, and labor resources.
- Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to improve operational efficiency and accuracy.
- Monitor warehouse performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
- Maintain a safe and organized work environment in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate with Production, Procurement, Transportation, Quality, and Customer Service teams to support business objectives.
Inventory Control
- Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counts, physical inventories, and reconciliation processes.
- Investigate and resolve inventory discrepancies, shortages, damages, and transaction errors.
- Develop inventory control procedures to minimize product loss and maximize inventory visibility.
- Monitor inventory levels and collaborate with supply chain teams to ensure adequate stock availability.
- Manage product rotation and warehouse organization to support FIFO/FEFO requirements where applicable.
- Lead annual / semi-annual physical inventory activities and audit preparation.
Warehouse Management System (WMS) Administration
- Serve as the primary administrator and subject matter expert for NetSuite inventory management.
- Ensure accurate execution of all inventory transactions within NetSuite.
- Maintain warehouse master data, location controls, item attributes, and user access permissions.
- Identify opportunities to improve warehouse processes through enhanced NetSuite utilization.
- Partner with IT and system vendors to troubleshoot issues, implement upgrades, and support system enhancements.
People Leadership and Development
- Establish clear performance expectations and accountability measures.
- Ensure compliance with company policies, labor regulations, and workplace standards.
SQF, Food Safety, and Quality Systems
- Support and maintain compliance with the company's SQF certification program.
- Ensure warehouse operations comply with SQF requirements, GMPs, food safety standards, and customer expectations.
- Participate in internal audits, third-party audits, regulatory inspections, and corrective action programs.
- Maintain warehouse documentation required for SQF and food safety compliance.
- Lead employee training related to food safety, sanitation, pest control, allergen management, and quality programs.
- Partner with Quality Assurance personnel to investigate and resolve non-compliance and customer complaints.
- Support environmental monitoring, traceability exercises and mock recalls.
Reporting and Analytics
- Develop and maintain warehouse operational reports and key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Analyze warehouse data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas requiring corrective action.
- Prepare and present reports related to:
- Inventory accuracy
- Cycle count performance
- Warehouse productivity
- Order fulfillment metrics
- Shipping and receiving performance
- SQF and quality compliance metrics
- Inventory aging and obsolescence
- Provide regular updates and recommendations to the Vice President.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety programs.
- Ensure proper handling, storage, and security of all warehouse materials.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, cost, and service.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field preferred.
- Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Experience
- 5+ years of progressive warehouse leadership experience.
- 3+ years of supervisory or management experience in a food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or distribution environment.
- Experience managing inventory control programs and ERP platforms.
- Experience supporting SQF, GMP, food safety, or other GFSI-recognized certification programs preferred.
- Experience preparing for and participating in customer, regulatory, and certification audits.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Strong knowledge of warehouse operations, inventory management, and logistics principles.
- Proficiency with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and ERP systems.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and reporting capabilities.
- Understanding of SQF, GMP, HACCP, food safety, and quality management systems.
- Strong leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Details of the Position
This position is a full time, salaried position based in Bethesda, MD reporting to the Vice President of Supply Chain. There is a 3 day per week in office requirement. We offer a robust competitive benefits package.
Just Ice Tea is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.