Operations Lead – Pool Point Operation
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Position Summary
Updike Distribution Logistics (UDL) is seeking an experienced Operations Lead to oversee the day-to-day operations of a Pool Point Operation in Phoenix, AZ.
Previous experience in pool point distribution is required.
This position is responsible for managing all warehouse floor operations from inbound receipt through outbound dispatch while ensuring customer KPI compliance, operational efficiency, inventory accuracy, and on-time execution.
The Operations Lead will coordinate the daily flow of inbound freight, oversee warehouse associates responsible for unloading, sorting, segmenting, palletizing, staging, and loading freight, and ensure all shipments are prepared accurately and on time for scheduled outbound deliveries.
This individual will work closely with routing, transportation, customer service, and operations teams to ensure daily execution meets customer expectations while maintaining a safe, productive, and organized warehouse environment.
The ideal candidate is analytical, organized, collaborative, self-motivated, and thrives in a fast-paced retail distribution environment.
Candidates must be flexible and willing to work day or night shifts, weekends, and overtime as business needs require.
Key Responsibilities
Operations
Manage all daily warehouse floor operations from inbound receipt through outbound dispatch.
Oversee inbound trailer unloading and receiving activities.
Coordinate the sorting, segmentation, palletizing, wrapping, staging, and loading of freight.
Ensure all freight is processed accurately and ready for scheduled outbound departures.
Coordinate daily labor assignments to support operational volume and customer requirements.
Monitor warehouse flow to maximize productivity while maintaining safety and quality standards.
Ensure all outbound shipments are prepared according to routing schedules and are ready for Independent Contractor (IC) departures.
Maintain a clean, organized, and efficient warehouse operation.
Customer KPI Management
Ensure all customer service level agreements (SLAs) and operational KPIs are consistently achieved.
Monitor performance including:
On-time departures
Shipping accuracy
Inventory accuracy
Scan compliance
Labor productivity
Trailer turnaround time
Product quality and damage prevention
Investigate operational issues and implement corrective actions to prevent recurrence.
Transportation Coordination
Partner with routing and dispatch teams to ensure outbound schedules are met.
Ensure all freight is staged and loaded according to route sequence.
Coordinate loading activities with Independent Contractors (ICs) and transportation partners.
Communicate operational issues that may impact customer service or delivery schedules.
Inventory & Quality
Maintain inventory accuracy throughout receiving, staging, and shipping operations.
Ensure proper product handling to minimize damages.
Investigate inventory discrepancies and shipping exceptions.
Maintain warehouse organization and inventory control standards.
Safety & Compliance
Ensure compliance with company safety policies and OSHA regulations.
Maintain a safe, clean, and organized work environment.
Follow all customer operating procedures and company standards.
Continuous Improvement
Monitor daily operational and productivity reports.
Identify opportunities to improve warehouse flow, labor utilization, and operational efficiency.
Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
Required Qualifications
Minimum 3 years of experience in pool point distribution operations (required).
Experience managing high-volume retail distribution, cross-dock, or pool point operations.
Strong knowledge of inbound receiving, freight sorting, segmentation, palletizing, staging, loading, and shipping operations.
Experience coordinating warehouse associates in a fast-paced environment.
Strong understanding of warehouse productivity metrics and customer KPIs.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret operational data and make informed decisions.
Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high levels of accuracy and customer service.
Must be willing to work day or night shifts, weekends, and overtime as business needs require.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience using Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
Knowledge of transportation routing and final-mile delivery operations.
Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement experience.
Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
Key Competencies
Strong operational execution
Analytical and numbers-driven
Customer-focused
Excellent organizational skills
Collaborative and team-oriented
Self-motivated with a strong work ethic
Strong problem-solving abilities
Sense of urgency
High attention to detail
Continuous improvement mindset
Physical Requirements
Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work in a warehouse environment with varying temperatures.
Ability to work flexible schedules based on business needs.
Success in This Role
The successful candidate will ensure inbound freight is processed efficiently, outbound routes depart on time, customer KPIs are consistently achieved, inventory accuracy is maintained, and warehouse operations run safely and efficiently while delivering exceptional service to our customers.