Operations Manager

The Warehouse Operations Manager is responsible for leading the daily operations of fast pace retail distribution center. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and accurate movement of inventory while delivering exceptional service to retail stores through operational excellence and continuous improvement.

As a leader within a growing operation, the Warehouse Operations Manager plays a critical role in developing standardized processes, coaching managers, supervisors and associates, driving KPI performance, and building a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous learning. The successful candidate will be comfortable working in an evolving environment where processes are still being established and refined.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead daily warehouse operations including receiving, replenishment, picking, packing, shipping, inventory control, and quality.
• Ensure customer orders are processed accurately and shipped on time.
• Monitor workflow throughout each shift to maximize productivity and balance labor resources.
• Quickly identify operational challenges and implement practical solutions to maintain service levels.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, leads, and hourly associates.
• Build a culture focused on accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular performance discussions, coaching sessions, and development planning.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, training, and retention of warehouse personnel.
• Promote employee engagement through recognition, communication, and leadership visibility.

KPI Management

Monitor and improve warehouse performance including:

• Productivity (UPH)
• Order Accuracy
• Fill Rate
• On-Time Shipping
• Ready-to-Load Performance
• Inventory Accuracy
• Cycle Count Compliance
• Safety Metrics
• Labor Efficiency
• Overtime Management
• Attendance and Turnover

Analyze performance trends and develop action plans to achieve operational targets.

Process Development & Continuous Improvement

• Develop, document, and standardize warehouse operating procedures.
• Lead Kaizen and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner with Engineering, Inventory Control, Transportation, and Supply Chain teams to improve workflows.
• Support implementation and optimization of Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Identify waste and opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and cost.

Inventory & Quality

• Ensure inventory integrity through cycle counts, root cause analysis, and corrective actions.
• Maintain strong quality control standards throughout warehouse operations.
• Investigate operational errors and implement preventive actions.

Safety & Compliance

• Maintain a safe work environment by ensuring compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety standards.
• Conduct safety observations, incident investigations, and corrective action follow-up.
• Promote a culture where safety is the responsibility of every team member.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Transportation, Inventory Control, Engineering, Human Resources, and Supply Chain leadership to achieve business objectives.
• Communicate operational performance, challenges, and improvement initiatives to senior leadership.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, Operations Management, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience).
• 3+ years of warehouse leadership experience.
• Experience in retail distribution, breakpack fulfillment, eCommerce, or high-volume order fulfillment.
• Strong understanding of warehouse KPIs and labor management.
• Experience with Warehouse Management Systems (WMS).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.

Preferred

• Experience launching or stabilizing a new distribution center.
• Lean Manufacturing or Lean Warehousing experience.
• Continuous Improvement or Kaizen experience.
• Power BI or operational reporting experience.

Leadership Competencies

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong servant leadership
• Accountability and ownership
• Excellent communication skills
• Coaching and talent development
• Data-driven decision making
• Problem-solving and root cause analysis
• Adaptability in changing environments
• Customer-first mindset
• Continuous improvement mentality
• Ability to build trust and lead through change

Success Measures

Success in this role will be measured by:

• Safe operation with continuous improvement in safety metrics.
• Achievement of productivity and labor efficiency goals.
• High order accuracy and inventory integrity.
• Improvement in customer service and on-time shipment performance.
• Development and engagement of warehouse managers, supervisors and associates.
• Standardization and documentation of operational processes.
• Successful implementation of continuous improvement initiatives.
• Creation of a high-performance culture focused on accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Work Environment

This position operates within a fast-paced retail distribution center supporting fast pace operation. The Warehouse Operations Manager should expect to spend significant time on the warehouse floor coaching associates, monitoring operations, solving problems, and leading by example.

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