Distribution Manager

About Shalom Farms Shalom Farms is a nonprofit, food justice organization. We believe that everyone deserves equitable access to nourishing food and meaningful opportunities to grow, choose, cook and enjoy that food. We grow and distribute fresh, affordable, and culturally relevant food across the Richmond region while working to confront the systemic barriers that create food insecurity. On our two Certified Naturally Grown farms, in Northside Richmond and Powhatan County, we work with thousands of volunteers each year to produce more than 100,000 pounds of fruits and vegetables, shared through Mobile Markets, Produce Rx (PRx), and community partnerships. About the Position The Distribution Lead manages our food distribution programming across Richmond. The Distribution Lead, in collaboration with the Co-Director of Distribution + Strategic Initiatives (Co-Director), is responsible for planning, developing, implementing, and evaluating strategically-aligned distribution programs such as our Mobile Markets, Northside Farm market, Farm Share Program, Nutrition Distribution Partnerships, and Produce Prescription Program supply, with a focus on ensuring accessibility and affordability for Richmond residents. This role works closely with the Produce Rx Lead, the Farm Leads, and the Engagement Lead, and reports to the Co-Director. The Distribution Lead is responsible for co-creating and upholding a culture that prioritizes safety, inclusion, education, warmth and humility. This person will be expected to work collaboratively and communicate effectively across teams and departments. We are a dynamic organization with work that changes throughout the year, and as such this position’s responsibilities will shift with the seasons and as needs arise. Additionally, Shalom Farms’ 5-year Strategic Plan (2026 - 2030) calls for exploration into the creation of a non-profit Food Hub and overall more robust distribution infrastructure. This position will play a pivotal role in contributing to that exploration, and potential creation and execution. The Distribution Lead is a year-round position based at Shalom Farms' Northside farm, located at 1311 Westwood Ave, Richmond, VA 23227, near the intersection of Westwood Ave. and Lamont St. There is a bus stop within four blocks. The role travels regularly to Mobile Market sites, partner farms, and distribution partners across the Richmond region. Key Responsibilities Market Management Manage logistics and operations of Mobile Market program & Northside Farm market Staff & Volunteer Management Plan/coordinate Distribution Associate schedules and Mobile Market volunteers Distribution Program Management Co-manage CSA program implementation, wholesale distribution supply, Produce Prescription program supply, and deliveries Network Management Coordinate existing and new agriculture partner networks, suppliers & food access organizations Team Leadership Staff and volunteer orientation & training Finance & Administration Contribute to distribution program budget and oversight Cross-Departmental Cross-department duties as assigned Details Market Management Aim to create community-centered, safe, and pleasant shopping experiences for all community members at markets Coordinate daily produce and product pick-up and delivery, from our own and partner farms Coordinate daily preparation, packing, and on-site operations of all assigned markets, including set-up/break-down, operating POS and cash register, inventory management, and excellent customer service, and ensuring consistent shopper experience independent of onsite volunteers Market volunteer supervision, including delegating tasks, maintaining good communication, and helping problem solve Coordinate Distribution team scheduling, and elevate requests for support and coverage as needed Provide regular and ongoing opportunities for shopper feedback to support program evaluation efforts and community-informed programming Consistently implement fair pricing model and language for equity in food access Manage produce ordering process, managing competing priorities and sources, ensuring adequate supply to all distribution commitments Primary point of contact for Mobile Markets, Northside Farm market, and Farm Share Program Manage relationships with Mobile Market site partners Maintain adequate and accurate inventory for market demands, records of purchased product, and accurate record-keeping of market leftovers to Nutrition Distribution Partners Staff & Volunteer Management Interview, hire, and onboard/train Distribution Associate and market volunteers as necessary Serve as the direct supervisor of the Distribution Associate and as the site supervisor for any staff working at Mobile Markets. Manage seasonal distribution staffing plan Regularly meet with Distribution Associate and maintain regular communication & collaboration for successful Distribution operations Regularly meet with the Produce Rx Lead, Farm Leads, and Engagement Lead to coordinate toward organizational goals Regularly offer feedback to the Engagement Lead to share volunteer experiences, feedback, and needs Distribution Program Management In collaboration with the Co-Director, expand our distribution programming aligned with strategic plan In collaboration with the Farm Leads, manage year-round Nutrition Distribution Partner distribution Coordinate collection and analysis of shopper feedback through regular market surveys Coordinate the logistics, planning, communication, and implementation of the Farm Share Program Coordinate wholesale partner & vendor supply, ordering, invoicing, and delivery Network Management Maintain existing relationships and help build new relationships with agriculture partners for purchasing, learning, networking, and other supportive partnerships, in coordination with the Co-Director In collaboration with the Farm Leads, maintain existing relationships and build new relationships with Nutrition Distribution Partners Attend food systems change, food access, and other community meetings as a Shalom Farms representative as necessary Team Leadership Regularly attend monthly Distribution team, Production Team and all-staff meetings Attend bi-monthly Shalom Farms board Distribution Committee meeting as able Meet with the Co-Director for 1:1’s on a regular basis Participate in all staff and cross-department focused training and learning Support cross-departmental team work and collaboration Finance & Administration Track and log vendor invoices for payment processing and budget tracking Manage Distribution ordering and inventory tracking spreadsheet on shared drive Manage market cash handling, including daily register and donation drops and reconciliation with the Office Manager Help own and shape annual Distribution programs budget Cross-Departmental Duties Work collaboratively with the Farm Leads and Engagement Lead to achieve strategic organizational goals Regularly meet with the Farm Leads and Engagement Lead to coordinate weekly team work plans Availability to work both Shalom Farms events (Summer Open House and Fall Harvest Festival) Other duties as assigned Qualities Strong interest in food justice and/or nonprofit direct service work Flexible, creative, and solutions-oriented Commitment to racial equity and to Shalom Farms' values: justice, collaboration, integrity, respect, and sustainability Positive attitude, willing and able to work independently and within a team environment Ability to multitask Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including under stressful circumstances Ability to delegate team tasks and manage volunteers Attention to detail and highly organized Physical Demands and Work Environment The essential functions of this role include the following, with or without reasonable accommodation: Lifting and moving produce, market equipment, and supplies weighing 30 to 50 pounds, regularly and repeatedly throughout the day Standing, walking, bending, and reaching for e