Food Security Inventory Specialist

For over 50 years, The Ark has been the only organization to provide free, comprehensive human services to Chicagoland’s diverse Jewish community. Empowering individuals on their path to a stronger future is the daily goal of our professional, empathetic team. Financial, employment, health, and emotional challenges can affect anyone. The Ark works alongside our Jewish community to help with all situations. 

If you are drawn to being a key player in improving food insecurity issues in the Jewish Community, and are driven to be an integral part of an organization that is committed to helping Jewish families and individuals in a dignified and respectful manner, please consider this opportunity at the Ark. This role will report to the Food Security Team Lead. 

Primary Function:   

• Manage procurement for The Ark’s Food Security program
• Maintain all inventory control systems, inventory management software, internal distribution schedule, and maximize cost savings 

Procurement: Purchasing, Donations / Partnerships  

• Place orders with vendors, monitor vendor pricing changes, balance quality vs. cost 
• Troubleshoot supply chain issues   
• Help cultivate corporate relationship strategy to increase donations/reduce purchase costs 
• Collaborate on food drives, securing items from community collection efforts 
• Purchase/procure food for special events and holiday programs 
• Build/implement system for ongoing individual/community donations
• Oversee Driver’s daily schedule 

Internal Distribution and Inventory Management:  

• Timely update of inventory software system covering 4 different sites 
• Optimize stock, minimize loss, and maintain sufficient inventory at warehouse for stocking in 2 pantries
• Ensure warehouse deliveries to locations on time and stock/inventory is sufficient
• Help secure, train, schedule, and supervise inventory support volunteers

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree and/or 3 years' experience supply chain, purchasing, or receiving/distribution 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong time management
• Elevated level of computer literacy, exceptional aptitude for detail, organization and prioritization
• Valid Driver’s License with clean driving record, experience driving cargo van in all weather conditions, able to lift 50 lbs. regularly
• Some Sunday hours as requested throughout the year 
• Have or obtain food safety manager certification within 6 months of employment  
• Knowledge or willingness to learn about Kashrut standards 

Salary & Comprehensive Benefits Overview : 

• Pay Range:  $63,500-$67,000 annually/Employment Type: full-time position with benefits
• Review of role after first quarter of employment
• Excellent comprehensive benefits package, with significant sponsorship by The Ark 
• Generous PTO policy that includes vacation and sick time
• Medical & Prescription Drugs, Dental and Vision Coverage; Healthcare Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts 
• Employer paid Life/AD&D Insurance, Short-term Disability and Long-term Disability 
• Optional additional employee and dependent basic term life/AD&D insurance
• Employer 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Teladoc
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Emergency Travel Program 
• Professional development opportunities
• Federal and all Jewish Holidays observed (no Saturday hours)  

To apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter to [email protected]. with Food Security Inventory Specialist as the subject. The Ark is an equal-opportunity employer.  

The Ark’s professional staff provide comprehensive case management and a broad suite of free services to those in need, including a medical, dental, and vision clinic; pharmacy; kosher food pantry; financial assistance; housing support; employment and financial counseling; mental health services, including a therapeutic day program for adults living with long-term mental health challenges; spiritual enrichment; and more. The Ark is headquartered in Chicago’s West Rogers Park neighborhood, with a satellite office in Northbrook serving suburban clients.