Job Description: Warehouse Manager
Job Title: Appliance Distribution Center Manager
Department: Operations / Logistics
Reports To: Director of Logistics / VP of Supply Chain
Position Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced, strategic, and hands-on Appliance Warehouse Manager to lead our high-volume distribution facility.
In this role, you will be responsible for the daily end-to-end operations of the distribution center, including receiving, bulk storage, inventory control, picking, and outbound shipping to retail stores, builders, and direct-to-consumer delivery networks. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in large-format/bulk goods logistics, damage mitigation, and team leadership.
Key Responsibilities
1. Operations & Logistics Management
- Direct all daily inbound and outbound operations, ensuring shipping schedules are met and dock congestion is minimized.
- Optimize warehouse layout and space utilization specifically for large, bulky, and heavy products (washers, dryers, refrigerators, ranges).
- Coordinate with third-party logistics (3PL) providers, freight carriers, and local final-mile home delivery teams.
- Manage a fleet of specialized material handling equipment (MHE), ensuring forklift, clamp truck, and reach truck certifications are up to date.
2. Team Leadership & Workforce Planning
- Supervise, mentor, and build a high-performing team of warehouse supervisors, leads, and equipment operators.
- Create and manage labor plans, shift schedules, and staffing levels to align with seasonal volume spikes and promotional periods.
- Conduct performance reviews, address personnel issues, and foster a collaborative, high-morale work culture.
3. Inventory Control & Damage Mitigation
- Implement strict inventory management processes, including cycle counting and annual physical audits, to maintain greater than 99% accuracy.
- Establish and enforce specialized product handling procedures to reduce scratch-and-dent rates during transport, staging, and loading.
- Oversee the Quality Assurance (QA) and Returns department, managing the processing of customer returns, refusals, and open-box inventory.
4. Safety & Regulatory Compliance
- Champion a "Safety First" culture, ensuring strict adherence to OSHA regulations, local fire codes, and internal safety protocols.
- Manage safety training for handling oversized loads and heavy machinery.
- Conduct incident investigations, complete root-cause analyses, and implement corrective actions.
5. Financials & KPI Reporting
- Manage the distribution center’s operational budget, tracking labor costs, equipment maintenance, and supply expenses.
- Track and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) including:
- Cost-per-unit shipped
- On-Time In-Full (OTIF) delivery percentage
- Inventory Shrinkage & Damage Rate (Scratch/Dent metrics)
- Dock-to-Stock cycle times
Qualifications & Requirements
Required:
- Experience: 5+ years of warehouse/distribution management experience, with at least 2 years specifically managing large-format goods (appliances, furniture, or heavy building materials).
- Leadership: Proven experience managing a team of 30+ employees, including supervisors and floor associates.
- Technical Skills: Deep familiarity with modern Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and RF scanning technology. High proficiency in inventory tracking and data analysis.
- Equipment Knowledge: Experience managing operations utilizing heavy MHE (specifically clamp trucks and heavy-duty forklifts).
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field (equivalent direct experience will be considered).
Preferred:
- Lean Six Sigma, OSHA 30-Hour, or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) certification.
- Experience with home delivery (final-mile) logistics networks.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a non-climate-controlled warehouse environment (heat, cold, dust).
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods across a large facility floor.
What We Offer (Customize as needed)
- Competitive salary.
- Comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, life insurance).
- IRA matching and profit-sharing plans.
- Paid time off and professional development opportunities.