Job Summary
The Facilities and Food Defense Manager is responsible for overseeing the safety, security, maintenance, and operational efficiency of Second Harvest Food Bank facilities, vehicles, and equipment. This role coordinates daily facility operations, ensures compliance with food safety and regulatory standards, manages maintenance and safety programs, and supports warehouse, transportation, and production functions to ensure efficient food distribution.
Key Responsibilities
Facilities & Maintenance
Ensure the safe and efficient operation of all warehouse and facility equipment, including refrigeration, freezers, forklifts, pallet jacks, racking systems, and dry storage areas.
Conduct daily inspections of refrigeration/freezer temperatures, security systems, pest control, cleanliness, and safety for both warehouse and office areas.
Identify maintenance needs, prepare work orders, and coordinate repairs or replacement of equipment in collaboration with the Senior Operations Director.
Oversee HVAC systems, building cleanliness, and general facility upkeep.
Manage grounds maintenance, including landscaping, lawn care, and snow removal.
Complete monthly facility inspection and compliance reports.
Safety & Food Defense
Implement and manage facility safety programs and conduct regular safety training, including:
Back and lifting safety
Forklift and warehouse equipment safety
Fleet and vehicle safety
Fire safety, CPR, and basic first aid
Conduct semi-annual fire drills and maintain required documentation.
Ensure compliance with Feeding America, USDA, OSHA, Health Department, and Fire Department regulations.
Present food defense and general safety updates during staff meetings.
Oversee facility security, including locks, key control, alarm systems, and access management.
Lead disaster preparedness planning and coordinate emergency response with internal teams and external agencies.
Transportation & Fleet Oversight
Oversee vehicle maintenance, fuel usage, route efficiency, and cost control.
Coordinate warehouse destinations, mobile pantry routes, and program deliveries.
Monitor fleet safety and ensure vehicles remain in compliance with operational standards.
Budget & Vendor Management
Assist in managing the facilities and maintenance budget.
Procure facility-related materials and services.
Negotiate vendor pricing when appropriate and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Supervision & Leadership
Provide guidance and supervision to facilities-related staff.
Ensure employees understand responsibilities and performance expectations.
Support staff development, training, and performance improvement.
Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all interactions.
Qualifications
Associate degree or equivalent experience in warehouse, distribution, or facilities management.
Preferred experience in a food-related warehouse or distribution environment.
Strong working knowledge of building maintenance, safety programs, and warehouse operations.
Ability to maintain ServSafe Certification (required; maintained through in-house program).
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds; push/pull up to 50 pounds.
Regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, and use of hands for equipment operation.
Exposure to temperature changes, warehouse conditions, and occasional outdoor work.
Ability to safely work around mechanical, electrical, and biological hazards.
Why Work With Us
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee is dedicated to fighting hunger and supporting our community. This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in a mission-driven environment focused on safety, efficiency, and service.
Key Responsibilities
Facilities & Maintenance
Ensure the safe and efficient operation of all warehouse and facility equipment, including refrigeration, freezers, forklifts, pallet jacks, racking systems, and dry storage areas.
Conduct daily inspections of refrigeration/freezer temperatures, security systems, pest control, cleanliness, and safety for both warehouse and office areas.
Identify maintenance needs, prepare work orders, and coordinate repairs or replacement of equipment in collaboration with the Senior Operations Director.
Oversee HVAC systems, building cleanliness, and general facility upkeep.
Manage grounds maintenance, including landscaping, lawn care, and snow removal.
Complete monthly facility inspection and compliance reports.
Safety & Food Defense
Implement and manage facility safety programs and conduct regular safety training, including:
Back and lifting safety
Forklift and warehouse equipment safety
Fleet and vehicle safety
Fire safety, CPR, and basic first aid
Conduct semi-annual fire drills and maintain required documentation.
Ensure compliance with Feeding America, USDA, OSHA, Health Department, and Fire Department regulations.
Present food defense and general safety updates during staff meetings.
Oversee facility security, including locks, key control, alarm systems, and access management.
Lead disaster preparedness planning and coordinate emergency response with internal teams and external agencies.
Transportation & Fleet Oversight
Oversee vehicle maintenance, fuel usage, route efficiency, and cost control.
Coordinate warehouse destinations, mobile pantry routes, and program deliveries.
Monitor fleet safety and ensure vehicles remain in compliance with operational standards.
Budget & Vendor Management
Assist in managing the facilities and maintenance budget.
Procure facility-related materials and services.
Negotiate vendor pricing when appropriate and identify cost-saving opportunities.
Supervision & Leadership
Provide guidance and supervision to facilities-related staff.
Ensure employees understand responsibilities and performance expectations.
Support staff development, training, and performance improvement.
Maintain professionalism and confidentiality in all interactions.
Qualifications
Associate degree or equivalent experience in warehouse, distribution, or facilities management.
Preferred experience in a food-related warehouse or distribution environment.
Strong working knowledge of building maintenance, safety programs, and warehouse operations.
Ability to maintain ServSafe Certification (required; maintained through in-house program).
Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements
Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds; push/pull up to 50 pounds.
Regular standing, walking, bending, reaching, and use of hands for equipment operation.
Exposure to temperature changes, warehouse conditions, and occasional outdoor work.
Ability to safely work around mechanical, electrical, and biological hazards.
Health, Dental, Vision, & Life Insurance
Extensive PTO Plan
Long Term Disability
403B w/ 7% matching
You can email your resume to [email protected] or apply directly on Indeed at https://www.indeed.com/job/facility-and-food-defense-manager-954c3717da…
A Hunger-Free Northeast Tennessee
Our mission is to feed the hungry in Northeast Tennessee by securing and distributing food and engaging the community in the fight to end hunger through regional partnerships, programs, and education.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee has led the effort to end hunger in Northeast Tennessee since 1986. An affiliate of the Feeding America Network of Food Banks, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee is the only food bank serving the eight county region incorporating Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington counties. The food bank is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization located in Kingsport, Tennessee, and is a member of Feeding America, the nation’s largest food bank network.
In fiscal year 2023, the food bank provided 10.8 million meals (12.9 million pounds of food) to people in need in the eight-county region. Over 40,000 individuals each month are served through the food bank’s partner agencies and direct service programs.
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee staff and Board of Directors are dedicated to helping provide food assistance and help stabilize lives in the eight-county region for years to come. The food bank seeks innovative ways to improve the operation and nutritional content of the food distributed.