Distribution Manager

About Us:

The Hopewell Brewing Company is a progressive craft brewery located in Logan Square Chicago. We operate a taproom and brewery and distribute in Illinois, Michigan, New York, Tennessee, and Texas. 

Position Summary:

The Distribution Manager role’s primary role is managing inventory, and shipping / receiving from Hopewell’s warehouses.The Distribution Manager will primarily report to the Co-Founder/Director of Sales, but will work closely with the brewing team on matters related to production. 

Responsibilities

1. Logistics and Shipping Knowledge: Understanding of shipping processes, including preparing and shipping LTL (Less Than Truckload) and FTL (Full Truckload) shipments, creating Bills of Lading (BOLs), and ensuring safe transportation of products.

2. QuickBooks Proficiency: Expertise in using QuickBooks for various tasks such as invoicing, creating new products, and managing financial records related to distribution.

3. Inventory Management: Ability to maintain accurate inventory counts, including finished products, conditioning products, dry goods, and dunnage. This also involves understanding FIFO (First-In, First-Out) principles for inventory rotation.

4. Warehouse Management: Skills in organizing and maintaining a warehouse, including the safe and efficient use of manual and electric pallet jacks, and stand-up & seated electric forklifts.

5. Coordination and Communication: Strong coordination skills to liaise with various teams (Packaging, Brewery, Taproom) for transfers of materials and products, and the ability to communicate effectively with all stakeholders.

6. Safety and Cleanliness Standards: Knowledge of safety standards and practices in a warehouse setting, and the ability to maintain a tidy and safe workplace.

7. Delivery and Driving Skills: Capability to drive and deliver products to customers and distributors and proactively coordinate pickups, especially for empty kegs.

8. Route Planning and Execution: Proficiency in planning and executing self-distribution routes, which includes using tools like the Roadwarrior App and maintaining customer and routing master data.

9. Physical Fitness and Manual Dexterity: Physical ability to build and wrap pallets effectively, and handle physical tasks associated with warehouse and delivery work.

10. Problem-Solving and Adaptability: Capacity to solve problems that may arise in logistics, inventory management, or warehouse operations, and adapt to changing circumstances or demands in the role.