General Manager | Highly Automated Warehouse

This role requires deep hands-on leadership experience in highly automated distribution centers, including automation start-ups, major system implementations, and post-go-live stabilization.

Job Description:

Lead, implement and oversee execution of site strategies, processes, and systems to increase site productivity, safety and associate engagement with a strong focus on automation. Develop leaders to meet current and future business needs. Drive increasing levels of site performance, operating efficiency and customer satisfaction. Work in an ever-changing environment that drives strategic thinking with detailed execution and cross functional collaboration across the network

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the daily operations of the distribution center, including receiving, warehousing, and shipping of products.
• Implement and manage automation technologies to streamline processes and improve efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards.
• Develop and execute strategies to optimize inventory management, order fulfillment, and transportation logistics.
• Collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth and efficient operations and improve service.
• Prepare and manage the annual budget, analyze variances, and initiate corrective actions as needed.
• Lead site strategically to align our business, people and safety practices to achieve key metrics
• Apply knowledge of how current technologies, regulations and vendor/supplier dynamics are impacting the business
• Utilize measurement tools and data analytics to provide management with strategic risk insight and operational excellence
• Serve as site representative in dealing with governmental agencies / NGOs, suppliers, and vendors
• Maintain and operate site SQR levels at corporately established levels
• Follow established programs, policies and practices to produce and/or distribute safe, quality foods and other merchandise that meet regulatory and company requirements
• Support the development, implementation, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of all company systems and processes
• Strategically manage workforce needs to meet site business objectives
• Develop top talent and oversee succession management
• Travel independently to other site locations

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in distribution center or manufacturing operations, including deep operational experience in highly automated environments
• Proven experience leading or supporting a large-scale automation start-up, expansion, or major system implementation, including go-live execution and ramp-to-steady-state operations.
• Strong working knowledge of WMS, material handling automation, and data-driven performance management
• Senior operations leadership experience with P&L responsibility and a track record of improving safety, service, productivity, and cost.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and retain high-performing leadership teams in fast-paced, technology-enabled environments.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred experience

• Experience leading multi-site or network operations
• Direct partnership with automation vendors, integrators, or engineering teams, with ownership of operational outcomes.
• Background in post-go-live optimization and continuous improvement.
• Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement credentials.