Inventory Associate
hope missionNorth Hills (CA)
About the role
Job Description
Hope Mission Statement:
The mission of Hope the Mission is to prevent, reduce and eliminate poverty, hunger, and homelessness by offering immediate assistance and long-term solutions.
Position Purpose and Summary:
A kitchen that produces thousands of meals a day cannot cook what it does not have. Stock levels, storage organization, shipment accuracy, and waste control are not details — they are what keeps the kitchen running. The Inventory Associate is responsible for keeping that foundation solid. Reporting to the Kitchen Logistics Manager, the Inventory Associate receives, inspects, stores, and tracks all kitchen supplies, dry goods, perishables, and equipment. This role ensures shipments are accurate, stock is organized and rotated correctly, monthly counts are completed on time, and low stock levels are flagged before they become a problem. This position does not involve cooking. It involves making cooking possible. When the inventory is right, the kitchen runs. When the kitchen runs, people get fed. The Inventory Associate is accountable for that chain holding together.
Responsibilities:
- Receiving & Shipment Inspection
- Receive and unload incoming shipments including kitchen supplies, dry goods, perishables, and equipment
- Inspect all incoming shipments to verify they meet quality and accuracy standards
- Maintain accurate records of all items received including quantity, quality, and expiration dates
- Inventory Management & Storage
- Stock all items using FIFO (First In, First Out) principles
- Conduct a full inventory count on the last day of every month
- Maintain inventory levels sufficient to meet daily kitchen operations
- Notify the supervisor of any low stock items before they affect production
- Organize storage to maximize capacity and ensure systematic, easy access to all items
- Follow inventory control practices to reduce waste and spoilage
- Sanitation & Facility Maintenance
- Maintain a clean and sanitary workspace at all times
- Organize and clean all Food Services areas including dry storage, refrigeration, and freezer storage
- Assist with cleaning and maintenance of all kitchen workspaces and storage areas
- Assist with trash disposal and maintenance
- Logistics & Team Support
- Assist with meal load-out and drop-offs alongside kitchen staff and drivers
- Work alongside volunteers and workers who support meal preparation and service
- Follow all food safety regulations to maintain a safe environment
- Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements:
- Must pass pre-employment background check
- Must pass pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol screenings
- Must provide proof of legal authorization to work in the United StatesMust comply with all HTM policies including safety, conduct, and food safety standards
- Food Handler Certification required or must be obtained upon hire
- Ability to lift up to 70 lbs.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on a continuous basis throughout the shift
- Ability to push, pull, grasp, and reach overhead regularly
- Ability to work in variable indoor and outdoor environmental conditions
- Ability to perform sustained visual and hearing tasks
- Full-Time | Non-Exempt | Non-Management classification
Qualifications:
- Minimum two years of warehouse, fulfillment, or operations experience
- High school diploma or GED required
- Experience operating a forklift, pallet jack, or straddle stacker preferred
- Familiarity with FIFO inventory principles and stock rotation practices preferred
- Experience in a food service or kitchen logistics environment preferred
- SkillsStrong organizational skills with the ability to maintain systematic storage and accurate records
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively under time constraints
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