Max Saalberg
Ann Arbor,MI
Summary
Continuous improvement–driven operations specialist with expertise in warehouse slotting strategy, visual management, and demand-based market sizing. Led warehouse market reconfigurations and seasonal changeovers to improve flow, capacity alignment, and error reduction. Focused on operational clarity and great internal service.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Core Crew/Markets Specialist
Zingerman's Mail Order
Ann Arbor, MI
05.2022 - Current
- Led slotting strategy for new and returning products, including capacity calculations, product placement, and kanban creation.
- Handled EVE system records of product dimensions, barcodes, and container quantities.
- Designed and launched a warehouse-wide Markets Feedback Form and Adjustment Log system to formally track market changes, kanban updates, and location modifications.
- Conducted recurring short-expiry audits and coordinated communication with Marketing and inventory systems to mitigate spoilage risk.
- Created documented handoff cycle for Biz Gifts, aligning slotting, sequencing, and ship-date readiness across teams.
- Led seasonal warehouse changeovers (Spring/Fall WWC, Holiday, Sales Events), auditing kanbans, resizing markets, and reconfiguring storage layouts to match demand shifts.
- Reorganized and 5S’d multiple warehouse zones (N6, B4, Aisle 15, PRD, supply walls, trailer storage), improving accessibility, demand alignment, and replenishment flow.
- Resized and rezoned lineside and backstock markets to increase flexibility, reclaim pallet space, and better align capacity with demand variability.
- Introduced new standardized container types and labeling conventions to improve replenishment clarity and reduce picking errors.
- Revamped freezer kanban systems for Pastry and Bread during holiday scaling, updating trailer placements and demand quantities to prevent breakdowns under peak load.
- Coordinated cross-functionally with Cheese, Pastry, Biz Gifts, Routes, Pick, Facilities, and Projects to align physical markets with operational needs.
- Led trailer reorganization and signage overhaul for Cheese storage, aligning location structure with demand and inventory profiles.
- Spearheaded broad adjustment of the Pastry markets to increase space between lanes and prevent congestion.
- 5S'd and streamlined printer/office supply shelves, and updated kanbans to reflect actual supply lineup.
Pastry Coach
Zingerman's Mail Order
Ann Arbor, MI
09.2021 - 06.2022
- Oversaw night shift holiday operations on the Pastry floor, ensuring accuracy, proper staging, and consistent training.
- Trained seasonal hires in department processes and quality standards.
- Created inventory sheets to help track and manage fluctuating trailer stock levels throughout the holiday season.
- Communicated staffing gaps and coverage needs to maintain timely replenishment during peak hours.
Route Runner
Zingerman's Mail Order
Ann Arbor, MI
09.2020 - 09.2021
- Reviewed and updated backstock counts to reflect changes in inventory storage and movement.
- Operated straddle stacker to restock products via pallet upstock.
- Sanitized stations frequently to maintain safety standards.
- Collaborated with team members to maintain high standards of quality control.
- Assisted in training new staff on operational procedures and safety protocols.
Front of House Team Member
Chow Asian Street Food
Ann Arbor, Michigan
09.2019 - 03.2020
- Created orders, documented special requests and followed up with kitchen personnel to foster top-quality service and minimize complaints.
- Kept register accurate through correct billing, payment processing and cash management practices.
- Asked diners about meals to assess satisfaction and collect vital feedback to improve operations.
- Verified prepared food met all standards for quality and quantity before serving to customers.
- Enhanced operational efficiency by using slow periods to restock employee and customer supplies, including ice, condiments, utensils, napkins, trays and delivery bags.
Dishwasher & Prep Cook
People's Food Co-Op
Ann Arbor, MI
09.2016 - 09.2019
- Scraped, washed and efficiently restacked dishware, utensils and glassware to keep kitchen ready for customer demands.
- Assisted with kitchen prep work to help operations run smoothly and meet customer needs.
- Troubleshot equipment malfunctions and completed minor repairs to keep equipment functioning.
- Stepped into additional roles during busy times to boost coverage of important stations.
- Communicated with team members to keep operations running smoothly by addressing concerns and solutions.
- Helped team meet expected demands by restocking work areas throughout restaurant such as server stations, salad bars and supply cupboards.
- Boosted team efficiency by keeping kitchen areas organized, clean and properly sanitized.
- Worked with chemicals such as detergent, rinse agents and sanitizers to protect customer health.
- Maintained proper temperatures, behaviors and controls to meet or exceed health department standards.
- Disinfected counters and wiped down food prep surfaces to prevent illness and cross-contamination from raw meats.
Sandwich Maker
Jimmy John's
Ann Arbor, Michigan
02.2014 - 05.2015
- Checked completed orders for accuracy and bagged meals for easy carrying.
- Maintained clean, sanitized and well-organized food preparation zones.
- Efficiently prepared sandwiches and other menu items for guests.
- Provided product information and menu item explanation in consideration of dietary restrictions.
- Cleaned food preparation areas, tools and equipment.
Front of House Team Member
Ben & Jerry's
Ann Arbor, Michigan
05.2012 - 11.2013
- Maintained cleanliness and organization in all areas of establishment.
- Processed sales transactions, including cash, debit and credit.
- Demonstrated continuous knowledge of menu and service offerings, including promotional products and new flavors.
- Monitored amounts of all ice cream flavors and replaced when depleted.
- Maintained menu knowledge to provide recommendations and answers to customers' questions.
- Served up to 300+ customers per shift at peak business hours.
Education
High School Diploma -
Washtenaw Alliance For Virtual Education
Ann Arbor, MI06.2018
Music Technology & Music Business
Washtenaw Community College
Ann Arbor, MISkills
- Process Documentation
- Visual Management
- 5S
- Process Improvement
- Marketplace Demand Analysis
Timeline
Core Crew/Markets Specialist
Zingerman's Mail Order
05.2022 - Current
Pastry Coach
Zingerman's Mail Order
09.2021 - 06.2022
Route Runner
Zingerman's Mail Order
09.2020 - 09.2021
Front of House Team Member
Chow Asian Street Food
09.2019 - 03.2020
Dishwasher & Prep Cook
People's Food Co-Op
09.2016 - 09.2019
Sandwich Maker
Jimmy John's
02.2014 - 05.2015
Front of House Team Member
Ben & Jerry's
05.2012 - 11.2013
High School Diploma -
Washtenaw Alliance For Virtual Education
Music Technology & Music Business
Washtenaw Community College
Music and Food
I love experiencing and learning about food. Growing up with cooks in the house and my time in food service over the years have served as the foundation for an appreciation of the the ways it can broaden our horizons and brings us together.