Acquisition Specialist

Summary

The Salem Pantry is seeking an Acquisition Specialist to source, transport, and process food donations that keep The Market and our partner agencies stocked. This role plays an important part in advancing our mission by ensuring guests have a full choice of high-quality food to shop for each week. This role is ideal for a reliable, hands-on professional who thrives on the road and in the warehouse, adapts quickly to changing conditions, and enjoys leading volunteer teams to get the job done. RESPONSIBILITIES: Food Acquisition & Transportation Pick up and receive donations from grocery stores, vendors, and other agency locations. Maintain consistent, reliable pickup schedules with donor partners. Drive The Salem Pantry's vehicles (box truck and cargo van) to complete deliveries, pick-ups, and food rescue runs. Adapt pick-up plans in response to weather conditions or vehicle/mechanical issues, improvising alternate routes or timing as needed. Documentation & Reporting Record the quantity and details of donations received. Communicate acquisition data to the Warehouse Manager in a timely manner. Warehouse Operations & Teamwork Ensure incoming donations are sorted and stored correctly. Collaborate effectively with warehouse staff and work closely with the Distribution Specialist. Lead volunteer teams, including larger weekend volunteer groups, organizing tasks and keeping work on track. Partner effectively with staff outside the warehouse, including the programs department. Inventory & Equipment Management Prepare pallets and drop-offs in advance for the coming week's deliveries. Perform regular checks on warehouse equipment and gear to ensure proper working condition. Organizational Engagement Attend regular team meetings and actively contribute to program planning and review discussions. Collaborate with staff across departments to support organizational goals and initiatives. Assist with additional tasks or organizational needs when requested. Work Environment The employee will primarily work out of The Salem Pantry's warehouse facility and The Market, with regular driving to donor and partner sites throughout the region. Weekend work is required (including Saturday volunteer groups), and occasional evening work may be needed. This role requires standing, walking, and lifting up to 50 pounds, as well as operating the box truck, cargo van, and pallet jacks. QUALIFICATIONS: We are seeking an individual who is passionate about The Salem Pantry's mission and committed to advancing equitable access to healthy food through all aspects of their work, from daily interactions to program operations and community engagement. Knowledge and Previous Experience Required Valid driver's license with a clean driving record; comfortable operating a box truck and cargo van. Experience working in a warehouse, logistics, delivery, or food service environment. Ability to work independently and adapt quickly to changing schedules, routes, or conditions. Preferred Prior experience with food rescue, food banking, or nonprofit logistics. Experience leading or supervising volunteers or work crews. Familiarity with Salesforce or a similar inventory management system. Skills and Abilities Adaptability to changing conditions such as weather, equipment issues, and shifting schedules. Effective communication with donors, staff, and volunteers. Ability to lift 50+ pounds and perform physical warehouse tasks. Sound decision-making and judgment under time pressure. Team-building and collaboration, with a talent for organizing and leading volunteer groups. Self-directed and results-oriented approach to daily route and warehouse planning. Strong planning and organizational skills. Comfort building strategic relationships with donor partners.

Job Description

The Salem Pantry is seeking an Acquisition Specialist to source, transport, and process food donations that keep The Market and our partner agencies stocked. This role plays an important part in advancing our mission by ensuring guests have a full choice of high-quality food to shop for each week. This role is ideal for a reliable, hands-on professional who thrives on the road and in the warehouse, adapts quickly to changing conditions, and enjoys leading volunteer teams to get the job done. RESPONSIBILITIES: Food Acquisition & Transportation Pick up and receive donations from grocery stores, vendors, and other agency locations. Maintain consistent, reliable pickup schedules with donor partners. Drive The Salem Pantry's vehicles (box truck and cargo van) to complete deliveries, pick-ups, and food rescue runs. Adapt pick-up plans in response to weather conditions or vehicle/mechanical issues, improvising alternate routes or timing as needed. Documentation & Reporting Record the quantity and details of donations received. Communicate acquisition data to the Warehouse Manager in a timely manner. Warehouse Operations & Teamwork Ensure incoming donations are sorted and stored correctly. Collaborate effectively with warehouse staff and work closely with the Distribution Specialist. Lead volunteer teams, including larger weekend volunteer groups, organizing tasks and keeping work on track. Partner effectively with staff outside the warehouse, including the programs department. Inventory & Equipment Management Prepare pallets and drop-offs in advance for the coming week's deliveries. Perform regular checks on warehouse equipment and gear to ensure proper working condition. Organizational Engagement Attend regular team meetings and actively contribute to program planning and review discussions. Collaborate with staff across departments to support organizational goals and initiatives. Assist with additional tasks or organizational needs when requested. Work Environment The employee will primarily work out of The Salem Pantry's warehouse facility and The Market, with regular driving to donor and partner sites throughout the region. Weekend work is required (including Saturday volunteer groups), and occasional evening work may be needed. This role requires standing, walking, and lifting up to 50 pounds, as well as operating the box truck, cargo van, and pallet jacks. QUALIFICATIONS: We are seeking an individual who is passionate about The Salem Pantry's mission and committed to advancing equitable access to healthy food through all aspects of their work, from daily interactions to program operations and community engagement. Knowledge and Previous Experience Required Valid driver's license with a clean driving record; comfortable operating a box truck and cargo van. Experience working in a warehouse, logistics, delivery, or food service environment. Ability to work independently and adapt quickly to changing schedules, routes, or conditions. Preferred Prior experience with food rescue, food banking, or nonprofit logistics. Experience leading or supervising volunteers or work crews. Familiarity with Salesforce or a similar inventory management system. Skills and Abilities Adaptability to changing conditions such as weather, equipment issues, and shifting schedules. Effective communication with donors, staff, and volunteers. Ability to lift 50+ pounds and perform physical warehouse tasks. Sound decision-making and judgment under time pressure. Team-building and collaboration, with a talent for organizing and leading volunteer groups. Self-directed and results-oriented approach to daily route and warehouse planning. Strong planning and organizational skills. Comfort building strategic relationships with donor partners.