Food Hub Logistics Specialist
Food Hub Logistics Specialist
Position Title: Food Hub Logistics Specialist (FHLS)
Supervisor: General Operations Manager
Employee Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
We value diversity in all its forms and strive to have our employment practices reflect that. We are an equal opportunity workplace and will not discriminate on the basis of disability or other legally protected categories. If an employee has a disability that makes it difficult to perform their job duties, they are encouraged to notify us to discuss reasonable accommodations.
Position Summary
The Food Hub Logistics Specialist (FHLS) coordinates the day-to-day logistics and routing operations of the Food Connects Food Hub to ensure the safe, timely, and undamaged flow of Food Hub products. Operating at the intersection of planning and execution, the FHLS translates established route structures into optimized daily schedules, directing driver workflow and serving as the primary operational point of contact across internal teams, producers, and customers. This is a hands-on, detail-oriented role well suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and takes ownership of the moving pieces that keep daily distribution running smoothly.
Core Competencies
Attention to Communication: The ability to ensure that information is passed on to others who should be kept informed, including drivers on the road, internal teams, producers, and customers.
Task Management: Can prioritize tasks and work toward their completion through tracking details and progress and, when needed, toggling between different projects or assignments.
Time Management: Can organize time for optimum efficacy with regard to deadlines, collaboration, competing priorities, and personal work style.
Forward Thinking: The ability to anticipate the implications and consequences of daily operational situations and take appropriate action — for example, proactively preparing seasonal route adjustments well in advance.
Flexibility: Openness to different and new ways of doing things; willingness to adapt quickly when routes, orders, or circumstances change.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
Daily Routing & Logistics Coordination (Primary)
Build and manage daily route schedules in OptimoRoute, including optimized stop sequencing for each driver and route.
Prepare and distribute all daily distribution paperwork, including route sheets and driver-facing logistics documents generated through NetSuite.
Serve as the primary point of contact for drivers and partners on the road: communicate route information, relay ETAs, and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the course of a route.
Communicate with warehouse, sales, and procurement teams on order changes, adjustments, substitutions, and distribution errors as they occur.
Maintain accurate and organized records of distribution and routing in NetSuite.
Coordinate with the Fleet & Facilities team to account for scheduled vehicle maintenance and inspections when building daily route assignments.
Proactively prepare for known upcoming changes to route logistics, such as seasonal schedule shifts or holiday adjustments, in coordination with the General Operations Manager.
Operational Support & Compliance
Monitor, track, and record food safety-related processes and information required for distribution compliance records.
Support the development and maintenance of standard operating procedures (SOPs) related to routing and distribution.
Identify and surface opportunities to improve daily routing efficiency and workflow; communicate suggestions to the General Operations Manager.
Assist with administrative and operational coordination as directed.
Food Hub Deliveries (Preferred but not required)
Cover driving routes as needed to ensure continuity of operations.
Ensure the safe, timely, and undamaged pickup and delivery of all Food Hub products.
Inspect and verify the complete contents and quality of all Food Hub products during pickup and communicate any shortages or quality issues promptly.
Track and record mileage, hours, and other pertinent route information.
Additional Responsibilities
Fill in for other staff when needed.
Greet and assist visitors to the Food Hub, including producers, customers, drivers, and service personnel.
Attend occasional paid off-hours meetings and events (with plenty of advance notice).
Attend regular one-on-one check-ins with the General Operations Manager to seek and provide proactive and constructive feedback.
Engage in annual self-review and peer-review processes as required.
Other duties as needed to assist Food Connects in fulfilling its mission.
Schedule
The ideal candidate has availability during the hours below and is available to work between 32-40 hours per week over the course of the week. This position is likely to work 5 regular scheduled shifts, approximately 8 hours each, depending on the needs of the candidate and the Food Hub.
Monday: 8AM - 4:30PM
Tues: 8AM - 4:30PM
Weds: 8AM - 4:30PM
Thurs: 8AM - 4:30PM
Fri: 8AM - 4:30PM
Working Conditions & Physical Demands
Food Connects will make reasonable accommodations to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of their work to the degree we are able to do so.
Work Conditions
The position is based in the Food Connects Food Hub facility in Brattleboro, VT.
This is a hands-on, in-person role. Duties take place across office/desk workstation, warehouse environment, and delivery vehicles as needed. Remote work opportunities are minimal.
Evening and weekend work may occasionally be required, with plenty of advance notice.
Physical Demands — Required
Extensive use of a desktop or laptop computer, sitting or standing at a workstation.
Physical Demands — Preferred
Ability to repeatedly lift and move products (up to 50 lbs) as needed.
Ability and willingness to drive delivery vans and cargo trucks as needed.
Ability to drive continuously for a full workday.
Ability to work and drive in variable weather conditions.
Qualifications
Required
1–3 years of experience in one or more of the following: logistics or distribution operations, general office or administrative coordination, project or workflow coordination, farming or food production, or a related field. Some professional experience in the food industry is strongly preferred.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills: in person, over the phone, by email, and text.
Strong organizational skills and a natural inclination for keeping accurate, detailed records.
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple time-sensitive tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
General technical proficiency with G Suite, Slack, and spreadsheet software.
Ability to learn and incorporate new tools and technology into a work plan.
Reliable cell phone.
At least 3 professional references.
Preferred
Existing relationships with or knowledge of food producers in VT, NH, MA, and the broader New England region.
Strong knowledge of vegetables, fruits, dairy, meats, value-added products, and other regionally produced foods.
Familiarity with the geographical area of Food Connects’ delivery services (Vermont, Southern NH, and Western Massachusetts).
Experience with NetSuite for order and distribution management, and/or OptimoRoute or similar route optimization software.
Knowledge of basic food safety regulations; food safety training a plus.
Valid driver’s license and comfort operating cargo vans or larger vehicles.
General knowledge of the sustainable food and agriculture sector.
Compensation
This is an hourly, non-exempt position
Beginning at $22.25 hourly. Negotiable depending on experience.
The following benefits are offered after a 90-day introductory period:
Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal, and holiday leave
Health & Wellness Stipend of up to $3,000 annually
Short-term disability insurance (for employees working 20+ hours p/week)
Life insurance (for employees working 20+ hours p/week)
Access to vision and dental insurance
15% employee discount on food purchases.
2% employer retirement contribution