Director of Distribution
Overview
Our client is a leading global retailer seeking a Director of Operations to lead a high-volume, omni-channel distribution center. This role will be responsible for overseeing all distribution operations, driving operational excellence, ensuring a safe and engaged workforce, and delivering exceptional service to customers across multiple fulfillment channels.
This position is based onsite at the distribution center facility. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates.
Position Summary
The Director of Operations will provide strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight for distribution center operations, including fulfillment, inventory management, transportation coordination, facility maintenance, workforce development, and continuous improvement initiatives. The successful candidate will be accountable for achieving operational, financial, and service-level objectives while fostering a high-performance culture focused on safety, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all distribution center operations to ensure the efficient flow of inventory and fulfillment of customer orders across retail and direct-to-consumer channels.
- Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with broader supply chain and business objectives.
- Drive performance metrics related to service, productivity, quality, inventory accuracy, and cost management.
- Manage the distribution center operating budget and capital expenditures while identifying opportunities for cost savings and operational improvements.
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations governing warehouse and distribution operations.
- Champion a culture of safety by maintaining and enforcing safety programs, policies, and procedures.
- Oversee inventory management processes, ensuring compliance with receiving, storage, cycle counting, and inventory control standards.
- Direct facility maintenance activities and ensure the reliability and performance of material handling equipment and automation systems.
- Collaborate with cross-functional partners to implement new processes, technologies, and operational initiatives.
- Utilize operational data and analytics to identify trends, solve problems, and drive continuous improvement.
- Lead workforce planning initiatives and optimize labor utilization across distribution activities.
- Build, coach, and develop leadership teams while fostering employee engagement and career development.
- Support organizational change initiatives through effective communication, training, and change management practices.
- Promote a customer-focused, results-driven culture centered on accountability, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive experience in distribution, supply chain, warehouse operations, manufacturing, automation, or material handling environments.
- Experience leading large-scale distribution center operations within an omni-channel fulfillment environment.
- Proven track record managing large hourly and salaried teams, including hiring, coaching, performance management, and succession planning.
- Strong financial acumen with experience managing operating budgets, capital investments, and cost-control initiatives.
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and influence stakeholders across multiple levels of an organization.
- Experience utilizing data, KPIs, and analytics to drive operational improvements and business results.
- Strong problem-solving skills with experience conducting root cause analysis and implementing sustainable solutions.
- Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or similar operational excellence frameworks.
- Experience working with warehouse and supply chain technologies including WMS, OMS, TMS, and LMS platforms.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
Preferred
- Experience supporting distribution center startup, expansion, or transformation initiatives.
- Background in highly automated warehouse environments.
- Advanced knowledge of inventory management, labor planning, and fulfillment operations.
- Experience leading large-scale change management initiatives.
- Strong analytical and mathematical capabilities with the ability to translate data into actionable business decisions.
What You'll Bring
- Strong leadership presence with the ability to inspire and motivate large teams.
- A continuous improvement mindset focused on efficiency, service, and operational excellence.
- Strategic thinking combined with hands-on execution capabilities.
- A passion for developing talent and building high-performing teams.
- The ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-volume distribution environment while balancing customer expectations, operational demands, and business objectives.
FAQs
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