Director of Distribution Operations

Overview

The Director of Distribution Operations is responsible for leading Cavender's centralized Wilmer distribution and fulfillment facility while shaping the long-term strategy for retail distribution, e-commerce, omni-channel fulfillment, transportation, and facility capabilities. This role operates beyond day-to-day execution, combining engineering and design expertise, operational leadership, financial discipline, and strategic judgment to build a scalable, high-performing distribution network. The Director will lead through major transitions, including facility design, automation, consolidation, and operational change, and will serve as a trusted senior leader capable of representing Distribution/Fulfillment Operations in complex business decisions. This leader partners cross-functionally with Distribution, E-commerce, Merchandising, IT, Store Operations, Finance, and other business leaders to deliver seamless product flow, strong financial performance, and exceptional customer experience.

Duties and Responsibilities      

• Support the “Cavender’s Culture” and drive the Mission, Vision, Values and Brand
• Lead all operations within the Wilmer distribution center, including receiving, inventory management, retail and e-commerce fulfillment, shipping, returns, and related customer service interfaces.
• Develop and execute the operating strategy for retail distribution, e-commerce, and omni-channel fulfillment, including store shipping and other evolving fulfillment methods.
• Lead the design, installation, startup, and optimization of new or expanded distribution facilities, including automation, material handling systems, and supporting technology.
• Lead large teams through facility, process, technology, and organizational transitions while maintaining service, safety, accountability, and employee engagement.
• Own transportation strategy and carrier performance across LTL, FTL, parcel, store shipping, and other outbound transportation channels.
• Drive operational performance through KPIs and analytics, including order accuracy, fulfillment speed, inventory accuracy, labor productivity, transportation performance, cost, and service levels.
• Build financial models and data-backed business cases to guide labor, freight, capital, automation, and process decisions; manage budgets and operating costs with an ownership mindset.
• Create scalable operating systems, SOPs, training, and management routines that improve consistency, efficiency, and readiness for future growth.
• Lead, coach, and develop managers, supervisors, and leads, building a strong leadership pipeline and preparing high-potential team members for increased responsibility.
• Partner cross-functionally with E-commerce, Merchandising, IT, Store Operations, Finance, Customer Service, and other leaders to solve complex issues and improve end-to-end product flow.
• Oversee inventory control processes, including cycle counts, audits, shrinkage prevention, system accuracy, and continuous improvement of inventory integrity.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, company policies, operational procedures, and applicable transportation and facility requirements.
• Maintain strong relationships with vendors, carriers, automation partners, and third-party service providers; hold partners accountable for performance and results.
• Provide senior leadership with clear reporting, recommendations, risk assessment, and strategic options, and exercise sound judgment in ambiguous or high-impact situations.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; Industrial Engineering strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in distribution, fulfillment, logistics, or related operations, with at least 3+ years leading managers and large teams.
• Direct experience with retail distribution, e-commerce, and omni-channel fulfillment, including store shipping or ship-from-store operations.
• Experience designing, installing, launching, or significantly expanding distribution facilities with automation and material handling systems.
• Proven success leading large teams through major operational, facility, technology, or organizational transitions.
• Strong transportation experience across LTL, FTL, parcel shipping, and store shipping, including carrier management and cost/service optimization.
• Demonstrated record of increasing responsibility and scope within an organization, reflecting sustained performance, trust, and readiness for broader leadership.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, with the ability to build models, evaluate tradeoffs, and make data-backed recommendations and business cases.
• Strong understanding of inventory control, logistics, WMS/OMS, ERP systems, outbound shipping platforms, and distribution technology.
• Calm, steady decision-making in ambiguity, with strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including extended hours during peak seasons, facility launches, or major transitions.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with lean, continuous improvement, network optimization, or engineered labor/process design.
• A builder mindset with a track record of creating systems, SOPs, training, and operating disciplines rather than only maintaining existing processes.
• Collaborative, values-driven leadership that earns trust across departments and develops strong supervisors, managers, and future leaders.
• Curiosity about the "why" behind processes and business decisions, with the ability to challenge assumptions constructively and identify better ways to operate.
• Ownership mentality and strong business judgment, including the ability to evaluate decisions through a P&L and enterprise-wide lens.
• Demonstrated history of sustained impact, organizational growth, and stability in prior roles.

Cavender’s is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, military status, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other personal characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law.

Cavender’s will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with a disability upon request. If you have a disability and need assistance completing the application, please call Customer Service at (888) 361-2555 or visit your nearest Cavender’s store.