Director of Distribution Center
A leading multi‑channel retail and consumer goods organization is seeking a Director of Distribution Center Operations to oversee all aspects of warehouse performance, fulfillment, and associate culture. This role carries full responsibility for safety, service, productivity, cost management, and team development within a high‑volume distribution center that supports both store replenishment and direct‑to‑consumer order fulfillment.
Role Overview
- Oversee day‑to‑day operations across inbound, inventory control, outbound, and fulfillment, ensuring consistent execution of service, accuracy, and productivity expectations.
- Manage a large, diverse workforce across multiple shifts, including supervisors, full‑time associates, and seasonal staff.
- Lead daily operational meetings to communicate performance updates, priorities, safety topics, and organizational goals.
- Partner with HR and operational leaders to build training programs, develop cross‑functional skill sets, and ensure capability aligns with future growth.
- Create and maintain labor budgets, staffing models, and 12‑month rolling forecasts for volume, labor demand, and productivity expectations.
- Participate in hiring and selection for key leadership roles; strengthen leadership capability through coaching, development plans, and succession planning.
- Implement a consistent performance‑management cadence, ensuring goals are set, reviews are completed on time, and leaders receive actionable guidance for development.
- Foster an environment of open communication through associate forums and feedback channels; identify pain points and remove obstacles quickly.
- Ensure all equipment, tools, and safety systems are maintained in safe working order; conduct audits and reinforce PPE usage and safety standards.
- Provide leadership and mentorship for direct reports through regular check‑ins, goal reviews, training, and stretch assignments.
- Maintain high levels of order accuracy and timeliness; collaborate with merchandising and planning teams to ensure product availability aligns with distribution activity.
- Protect inventory integrity through cycle counts, location audits, optimization initiatives, and adherence to internal controls.
- Manage non‑payroll expenses and ensure cost‑effective use of supplies, equipment, and services.
- Forecast labor and throughput requirements based on historical trends, weekly product flow, and seasonal fluctuations.
- Use ERP, WMS, and TMS systems to plan workloads, allocate resources, track productivity, and resolve system‑related bottlenecks.
- Represent operations in cross‑functional strategy meetings and support corporate initiatives that impact distribution workflows.
- Carry out essential building‑management responsibilities, including opening/closing procedures, asset security, and schedule adjustments based on business needs.
- Promote high safety standards through inspections, training, and continuous reinforcement of safety programs.
- Lead continuous‑improvement efforts using Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar methodologies to enhance quality, speed, and cost efficiency.
- Support new store openings or business expansions through collaborative planning and tailored distribution strategies.
Leadership Expectations
- Lead with visibility and accountability, modeling safe behaviors and operational excellence.
- Foster a positive, solutions‑oriented culture with clear expectations and mutual respect.
- Maintain a strong customer focus by emphasizing accuracy, timeliness, and service quality.
- Translate operational metrics into clear, actionable direction for leaders and associates.
- Create contingency plans to manage staffing fluctuations, volume spikes, and changing business needs.
- Champion associate engagement and workplace wellbeing by listening actively and addressing concerns promptly.
Requirements
- 5-7 years of experience in distribution, warehousing, or fulfillment operations.
- 5+ years leading teams in a high‑volume environment, including leadership over supervisors and multi‑department operations; experience overseeing 150+ associates strongly preferred.
- Strong knowledge of supply chain systems (WMS, ERP, TMS) and the ability to use operational data for planning and decision‑making.
- Experience supporting direct‑to‑consumer fulfillment and retail store replenishment.
- Skilled in continuous‑improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, or Kaizen.
- Strong ability to identify, assess, and develop talent at all levels.
- Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
- Proven success in fast‑paced environments undergoing rapid growth or operational change.
- Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills; bilingual proficiency is a plus.
- Ability to manage product flows from receipt to processing, staging, and outbound shipment.
- Experience managing operating budgets, labor planning, and long‑range forecasts.
- High proficiency with Microsoft Office and supply‑chain software tools.
- Strong organizational skills, including scheduling, prioritization, and time management.
- Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 40 lbs.
- Ability to work on‑site and adjust scheduling, including weekends, during peak activity periods.
- Ability to travel between company locations as needed.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
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