Inventory Clerk

JOB Summary:

The Inventory Clerk is the backbone of our kitchen operations, ensuring every shelf, walk-in, and storeroom is stocked, fresh, and ready to feed the people who need us most. At The Midnight Mission, food is more than sustenance — it is dignity on a plate. This role is essential to making sure that every meal served reflects our commitment to quality, safety, and care. The Inventory Clerk keeps our kitchen running like a well-oiled machine, so our culinary team can focus on what they do best: nourishing our community.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Coordinate with transportation and delivery teams to receive incoming food deliveries, verify contents against purchase orders, and ensure items are promptly and properly moved to the appropriate walk-in cooler, freezer, or dry storeroom.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date inventory records for all food and supply items, conducting regular stock counts and tracking usage patterns to support efficient kitchen operations.
• Monitor stock levels proactively and notify the Kitchen Manager when items are running low or need to be reordered, preventing shortages that could disrupt meal service.
• Inspect all food items regularly to ensure freshness and quality — rotating stock using FIFO (First In, First Out) principles, removing expired or compromised items, and maintaining full compliance with health and safety regulations.
• Ensure all storage areas — including walk-in coolers, freezers, and dry storerooms — are clean, organized, and free from trip hazards, pests, and vermin always.
• Conduct and document routine checks of storage areas for temperature compliance, cleanliness, and proper food handling practices in alignment with all applicable health codes and The Midnight Mission standards.
• Work collaboratively and cooperatively with kitchen staff, food service volunteers, and other department team members to support smooth daily operations.
• Assist with special projects and additional duties as assigned by the Kitchen Manager or Food Services leadership.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Qualifications:

• Prior experience in inventory, receiving, or storeroom management in a food service, restaurant, or institutional kitchen setting preferred.
• Basic math and record-keeping skills; comfort with inventory tracking methods, logs, or software.
• Familiarity with food safety regulations, FIFO practices, and health code requirements. Food Handler Certification a plus or the ability to get one within 30 days of hire.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, stand for extended periods, and work in varying temperature environments including walk-in coolers and freezers.
• A detail-oriented mindset with a genuine commitment to cleanliness, organization, and food safety.
• Needs to have the ability  to be a trained and certified forklift driver.

Core Competencies:

• Reliability: Shows up ready to keep shelves stocked and kitchens running — because the mission depends on it.
• Attention to Detail: Expired dates, mislabeled bins, and missing stock don't slip past you.
• Organization: You don't just store things — you create systems that make everyone's job easier.
• Communication: Keeps the Kitchen Manager informed and coordinates with the team with clarity and care.
• Integrity: Handles food and supply resources with honesty, accountability, and respect.
• Mission Alignment: Understands that every stocked shelf and every fresh ingredient is a step closer to dignity for someone in need.

Why This Role Matters:

At The Midnight Mission, every role is a mission. The Inventory Clerk ensures that our kitchen never runs dry, our food is always safe, and our team has everything they need to serve with excellence. This is more than stock management — it is stewardship of the resources that feed thousands of people with compassion, consistency, and dignity.

OR

Any combination of academic education, professional training or work experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position.

Salary : $18 - $19