Careers
Are you looking for a rewarding career as opposed to just a job? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
Overview
START YOUR PATH TO A REWARDING CAREER TODAY AND LEARN MORE ABOUT WHAT OUR INDUSTRY HAS TO OFFER.
From the warehouse floor to the corporate office, careers in the foodservice distribution industry offer highly competitive salaries and benefits with the ability to grow. With demand for talent at an all time high, new and diverse opportunities are constantly on the horizon. Our member companies, who have locations all across the country, are looking for talented and energetic individuals to join their teams.
Careers to Explore
Find Foodservice Distributor Jobs Near You
If you are interested in a career in foodservice distribution, visit IFDA’s member company directory to explore job openings in your area. Click here for a map of IFDA member company corporate offices and distribution centers and start your journey in the world of foodservice distribution today!
Foodservice and Food Distribution Careers
Foodservice distribution is a fast-paced and dynamic industry that offers a variety of career opportunities across multiple disciplines. Whether you are interested in supply chain management, transportation, warehouse operations, culinary roles, information technology, engineering, sales, finance, human resources, or marketing, the food distribution industry provides a range of positions suited for different skill sets and career paths.
Supply Chain Careers in Food Distribution
Supply chain professionals play an essential role in ensuring the smooth and efficient movement of products from suppliers to commercial kitchens. They handle purchasing, inventory management, transportation logistics, and warehouse operations.
- Procurement: Establish supplier relationships, negotiate pricing, and maintain inventory levels.
- Transportation Management: Oversee driver scheduling, fleet readiness, and ensure compliance with DOT regulations.
- Warehouse Operations: Manage receiving, order fulfillment, and storage efficiency.
- Inventory Management: Ensure product availability, minimize waste, and conduct inventory checks.
- Process Management: Optimize operational processes using Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
- Pricing Analytics: Monitor pricing strategies to maximize profitability.
- Demand Planning & Forecasting: Predict customer needs based on market trends.
- Food Safety: Enforce USDA regulations, sanitation, and quality control procedures.
Information Technology Careers
IT professionals are crucial for ensuring the seamless operation of food distribution businesses. From managing data security to developing software solutions, IT supports every department within the company.
- Administrator: Configures and secures IT systems.
- Analyst: Develops new processes to enhance efficiency.
- Architect: Designs system structures and integrations.
- Developer/Animator: Creates software and applications.
- Engineer: Manages hardware, software, and networks.
- Project Manager: Oversees IT projects to meet business needs.
- Cyber Security Specialist: Protects company data from cyber threats.
- Business Intelligence Analyst: Leverages data for strategic decision-making.
Warehouse Operations Careers
Foodservice distribution warehouses manage the storage and distribution of products, ensuring they reach customers in optimal condition.
- Order Selection: Picks and packs customer orders accurately.
- Safety Specialist: Promotes and enforces warehouse safety protocols.
- Inventory Control: Tracks product movement and quality control.
- Lift Truck Operator: Moves and stocks warehouse products efficiently.
- Facility and Equipment Maintenance: Ensures proper warehouse functionality.
- Operational Clerks: Maintain purchase orders and shipment records.
Culinary Careers in Food Distribution
Culinary professionals support foodservice distributors by providing expertise in food safety, product selection, and menu development.
- Corporate Chef: Develops and refines food products.
- Food Safety Trainer: Ensures compliance with food safety regulations.
- Product Specialist: Advises on product selection and inventory.
Transportation Operations Careers
Drivers and logistics specialists are the backbone of food distribution, ensuring timely and accurate deliveries.
- Delivery Drivers: Transport goods to customers safely and efficiently.
- Fleet Maintenance: Oversees vehicle repairs and compliance.
- Routing/Inbound Logistics: Optimizes delivery routes.
- Dispatch Coordinators: Manage driver schedules and deliveries.
Engineering Careers in Food Distribution
Engineers design and maintain facilities and fleet vehicles, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.
- Facility Design & Maintenance: Manages warehouse layouts and infrastructure.
- Fleet Inspection & Maintenance: Ensures vehicle safety and regulatory compliance.
- Industrial Engineering: Develops process improvements and facility optimizations.
Sales & Customer Relationship Management Careers
Sales professionals are responsible for building relationships with customers and ensuring their needs are met with high-quality service. Looking for a way to get involved with other foodservice sales professionals? Explore IFDA’s SMart Conference.
- Sales Manager: Develops and implements sales strategies.
- Sales Representative: Consults with customers on product and operational strategies.
- Customer Service Manager: Oversees client relations and issue resolution.
- Nutrition Resource Specialist: Provides insights on food nutrition and dietary needs.
Finance Careers in Food Distribution
Finance professionals handle budgeting, forecasting, risk management, and financial analysis to support company growth.
- Treasury Specialist: Manages cash flow and investments.
- Budgeting & Forecasting Analyst: Develops financial plans.
- Controller: Oversees financial reporting and internal controls.
- Accounts Receivable/Payable Specialist: Handles payments and collections.
- Risk Management Officer: Identifies financial risks and develops mitigation strategies.
Human Resources Careers
HR professionals recruit and retain top talent while shaping company culture and policies.
- Recruiting Specialist: Identifies and hires talent.
- Compensation & Benefits Manager: Designs competitive salary and benefits packages.
- Diversity & Inclusion Coordinator: Promotes an inclusive work environment.
- Employee Relations Manager: Oversees workplace policies and employee well-being.
- Training & Development Specialist: Ensures staff training and career growth.
Marketing Careers in Food Distribution
Marketing teams drive brand awareness and customer engagement through innovative campaigns and data-driven strategies. Looking for a way to get involved with other foodservice marketing professionals? Explore IFDA’s SMart Conference.
- Brand Manager: Develops branding and promotional strategies.
- Customer Insights Analyst: Gathers data to enhance customer experience.
- Event Manager: Coordinates marketing events and trade shows.
- Corporate Communications Specialist: Manages internal and external messaging.
- Graphic Designer/Web Developer: Creates marketing materials and digital assets.