Sr. Manager, DC Operations

SUMMARY

The Sr. Distribution Center Operations Manager reports to the Director of Operations and is accountable for safe, high-quality, and cost-effective end-to-end execution of distribution center operations across one or more functional areas (Receiving/Inbound, Inventory Control, Picking/Outbound, Shipping, Returns, and Value-Added Services). This leader drives performance through disciplined operating rhythms, strong people leadership, and continuous improvement while partnering cross-functionally (Safety, HR, Maintenance/Facilities, Transportation, IT/WMS, and Quality) to deliver service, productivity, and accuracy targets.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function.

• Lead a multi-shift operation; set expectations, coach performance, and build bench strength and succession plans.

• Own site safety results and culture: ensure compliance with applicable regulations and company standards; lead safety observations, investigations, corrective actions, and daily hazard controls.

• Establish and manage an operating system with clear KPIs (service level/on-time ship, order accuracy, productivity, inventory accuracy, dock-to-stock, labor cost, overtime, damages, and safety); review performance daily/weekly and drive accountability.

• Standardize work by developing, implementing, and sustaining SOPs and visual management; ensure consistent execution across shifts and departments.

• Drive continuous improvement using Lean/Kaizen problem solving and root-cause analysis; prioritize initiatives that improve flow, reduce defects, and lower cost while protecting service.

• Plan and manage labor to volume (headcount, scheduling, training, and indirect time); optimize labor spend, overtime, and productivity while maintaining engagement and retention.

• Partner with HR on hiring, performance management, employee relations, and leadership development; build a culture of accountability, inclusion, and continuous learning.

• Ensure customer commitments are met through strong execution of inbound/outbound processes, shipping accuracy, and inventory integrity; address service failures with structured corrective actions.

• Oversee equipment and facility readiness in partnership with Maintenance/Facilities; ensure preventive maintenance, 5S/housekeeping, and safe material-handling practices are sustained.

• Leverage WMS/ERP and reporting tools to manage inventory and execution; champion adoption of standard processes, scanning discipline, and system data integrity.

• Support annual operating plan and budget execution; monitor expenses in your scope (labor, supplies, damages), and communicate risks, capacity constraints, and improvement roadmap to leadership.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATIONS

An individual qualified for this job must have and maintain the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated ability to lead leaders and build high-performing, engaged teams in a high-volume distribution/warehouse environment.

• Strong safety and quality mindset with experience driving incident reduction, compliance, and consistent standard work.

• Data-driven operator: comfortable translating KPIs into actions, coaching to metrics, and delivering sustained results.

• Proven problem solver with structured root-cause analysis skills (A3/5-Why/Fishbone) and a continuous improvement orientation.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across functions and levels, including hourly associates through senior leadership.

• Strong labor planning, coaching, and change-management capability in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities.

• Working knowledge of WMS processes (receiving, putaway, picking, shipping, cycle counting), inventory controls, and material-handling equipment best practices.

• Hands-on leadership presence with a bias for being on the floor, observing processes, removing barriers, and developing leaders in real time.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Operations, Industrial Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience).

• 5+ years of distribution/warehouse operations experience, including 3+ years leading leaders (managers/supervisors).

• Demonstrated success improving safety, service, productivity, and inventory accuracy through standard work and continuous improvement.

• Proficiency with WMS/ERP and performance reporting; strong Excel/Office skills and comfort with operational analytics with strong presentation skills.

• Ability to work a schedule that may include weekends, nights, and holidays based on business needs.

• Lean/Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher) and experience leading Kaizen events.

• Experience with automation and material-handling systems (conveyance, sortation, AS/RS) and supporting technology changes.

• Strong working knowledge of powered industrial equipment (PIT/PIE) operations and training expectations.

• Budget ownership and cost-to-serve mindset in a high-volume DC.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an individual to successfully perform the Essential Functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Standing, walking for long periods of time.

• Warehouse environment, including varying degrees of hot/cold.