Job Description

We are a fast growing & highly respected group of companies. The Ippolito Group of companies has been in the produce business over 75 years, family run & with an excellent reputation.

Job Summary:

The Distribution Lead Hand provides effective leadership to assure the optimum operation of all distribution initiatives in supporting the Distribution Supervisor. Works closely with Distribution staff in a busy environment.

Job Duties:

Lead Hand Responsibilities

Help transition the workload and status details to the next distribution supervisor at shift hand off Ensure all coolers, equipment and resources are properly set up and ready for the shift Hold pre-shift meetings with distribution team regarding safety, quality, processes, new items or events. Gather input from Distribution Supervisor, Distribution Manager, Inventory Control Manager and Continuous Improvement Specialist. Ensure the plan outlined by supervisor is followed by all material handlers. Help answer questions or offer support if needed Ensure food safety and GMP's are followed by Material Handlers. Lead by example Conduct ongoing inspection of orders, correct product, proper case count, proper lot codes, proper labels, proper pallet and load stabilization. Advise supervisor of any concerns. Inspect warehouse on a regular basis/correct any hazardous situations; Inspect coolers and dock periodically throughout the day to ensure correct product is captured and in fact shipped Complete verification to ensure that pallets are scanned to correct locations and quantities match Help train and support new hires during the onboarding process. Working with the Distribution Supervisor and Continuous Improvement Specialist Fill in for the Distribution Supervisor, as needed

Supervisory Responsibilities

Oversee the loading and unloading of trucks from loading docks and organize available personnel and resources to best meet the shipping/receiving requirements. Supervise inbound receiving and outbound order fulfillment. Review any new shipping directives that arise from modified production scheduling due to customer requirements and ensure accuracy for customer compliance. Communicate shipment discrepancies or errors to the Distribution Manager upon detection. Participate in investigation and root cause analysis of shipping/receiving errors and recommend corrective action. Ensure staff compliance with all food safety, health and safety, policies and procedures. Responsible for all equipment, ensuring maintenance and safe working conditions. Advise maintenance of any necessary requirements. Communicate shift status to next shift Supervisor through hand off

Food Safety and OHS Responsibilities

Ensure that all main doors are closed, and that all rollup doors are operating. Follow all applicable health & safety and food regulations and procedures, including wearing Personal Protective Equipment, such as steel toe shoes, safety glasses, hearing protection, Teflon gloves etc. Ensure each worker follows all applicable health and safety and food safety regulations. Shows interest in Ippolito Fruit and Produce Ltd H & S performance. Upholds safety rules and supports safety enforcement. Corrects substandard or unsafe acts or conditions Reports all injuries and incidents. Report all workplace accidents or health and safety concerns to the Supervisor. Attend training sessions as required Ensure hand wash stations are operating

Education & Experience:

Material Handling experience in Distribution/ Warehouse of 2-3 years is required (preference for food industry background) High school diploma Knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), Safe Quality Food (SQF), and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP)

At the Ippolito Group, we are committed to fostering a workplace that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe that every individual has unique strengths, experiences, and perspectives to offer, and we actively seek to create an environment where all employees, job applicants, and stakeholders feel valued, respected, and empowered.



As a job applicant, we encourage you to be your authentic self throughout the application process. Should you require any accommodations please let your recruiter know. Your unique experiences and perspectives are valuable to us and contribute to our collective success. We welcome your questions, feedback, and suggestions as we continue to grow and improve our equity and inclusion initiatives.