Graduate Fellowship: Interim Inventory Manager

About Mid-Ohio Food Collective

Mid-Ohio Food Collective (MOFC) is dedicated to ending hunger in central and eastern Ohio. Through a vast network of food pantries, community partners, and regional programs, MOFC manages million-pound food distribution operations to ensure fresh, nutritious food reaches families in need.

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated, analytical, and process-driven Graduate Fellow to serve as our Interim Inventory Manager for a 12-month appointment beginning in February 2027. This fellowship offers a hands-on leadership opportunity to manage large-scale warehouse inventory operations, lead a dedicated team, and apply modern supply chain methodologies to drive food security across our region.

Key Responsibilities

• Inventory Strategy & Database Integrity: Manage and direct the day-to-day receipt and monitoring of warehouse inventory. Oversee cycle counts, product rotation, hold/special order tracking, and inventory database maintenance using WMS tools.

• Team Leadership & Workflow: Support the warehouse inventory team and directly supervise an Inventory Coordinator and Customer Service Specialist.

• Compliance & Program Allocation: Oversee product receipt and allocation for critical state and federal distribution programs (including TEFAP, USDA, Feeding America, and local donor donations). Coordinate product recall procedures when necessary.

• Inbound Logistics & Vendor Scheduling: Manage inbound delivery schedules, dock operations, and receiving workflows.

• Reporting & Process Improvement: Prepare and analyze monthly, quarterly, and fiscal year-end inventory reports. Partner with leadership to identify slow-moving stock, reduce waste, and recommend workflow improvements.

• Safety & Standards: Champion weekly warehouse safety meetings and ensure compliance with food safety certifications and operational guidelines.

Fellowship Qualifications

• Academic Background: Enrolled in (or recent graduate of) a Master's degree program in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration (MBA), Operations Management, or a related field.

• Technical & Analytical Skills: Experience or coursework in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), database management, and advanced Microsoft Excel. Strong data analysis and presentation capabilities.

• Operations & Leadership Potential: Working knowledge of inventory control practices (SOPs/GWPs) and strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.

• Physical & Environmental Requirements: Ability to work in a combined warehouse and office setting. Must be comfortable with moderate physical activity in varying temperature conditions (including cold storage/freezers) and undergoing equipment safety training.

If you're interested in a meaningful experience that offers exposure to non-profit operations, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), inventory control practices, and large-scale distribution logistics, apply with us today!

This job posting is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of accountabilities, duties, responsibilities of requirements. Any individual may be required to perform any other job-related activities or functions requested by his/her manager, subject to reasonable accommodation. Mid-Ohio Food Collective reserves the right to modify this job description to reflect changes in essential job duties made necessary by changing organizational needs.

Mid-Ohio Food Collective is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, or disability (in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act) with respect to employment opportunities.

 

Mid-Ohio Food Collective is a Drug-Free Workplace.

 

Mid-Ohio Food Collective's pre-employment Drug Screen includes testing for marijuana (THC). Although marijuana may be legal under certain state laws, it remains an illegal substance under federal regulation and therefore our policy as well. A positive test result for marijuana will be treated the same as a positive result for any other illegal, non-prescribed, or unauthorized controlled substance.