Warehouse & Logistics Manager

OVERVIEW
The Warehouse & Logistics Manager - Distribution is responsible for the performance of Paterson’s supply distribution operation, including receiving, warehousing, order fulfillment, parcel and freight shipping, and company truck deliveries. Serving restaurants and other foodservice customers, the operation supports recurring next-day replenishment and one-time opening orders throughout northern New Jersey and the New York City area.
This role leads managers and supervisors across day and night shifts to deliver safe, accurate, timely, and cost-effective service. The manager develops people, establishes consistent operating practices, and partners with Sales, Purchasing, IT, and other departments to execute shared business goals and meet the needs of end-user customers and the internal teams that depend on, or provide inputs to, Distribution operations.
This on-site role requires regular visibility across both shifts and schedule flexibility within an operation running around the clock from Monday morning through Friday afternoon. The manager coordinates shared space and resources with Paterson’s Equipment leader, who retains responsibility for Equipment operations across Contract and Distribution and for overall facility management.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Lead daily execution across both shifts, from receiving through delivery. Set clear priorities, maintain effective shift handoffs, and ensure orders are complete, accurate, and ready for scheduled departure.

Manage receiving, putaway, replenishment, picking, checking, loading, FedEx/UPS parcel fulfillment, and other outbound shipping. Plan opening orders and special requests without disrupting recurring next-day service.

Oversee routing, dispatch, drivers, and company truck delivery performance for approximately 15–20 daily routes, roughly half or more serving New York City. Address delivery windows, access constraints, route capacity, and service exceptions; coordinate courier support and third-party freight with the appropriate teams.

Hire, coach, and develop managers and supervisors through regular floor presence, clear expectations, and consistent follow-up. Apply standards fairly, address performance issues promptly, and establish coverage and cross-training plans that sustain service through absences and volume changes.

Set and enforce safe work practices in partnership with EHS. Hold teams accountable for safe material handling, loading, driver practices, incident follow-up, and orderly work areas.

Make standard procedures part of daily work. Verify adherence to picking and checking requirements, special instructions, delivery documentation, and proof-of-delivery procedures; investigate recurring errors and confirm corrective actions work.

Use daily operating reviews and KPIs to manage service, accuracy, productivity, receiving backlogs, overtime, and delivery performance. Translate trends into specific actions with clear owners and follow-up.

Plan staffing and operating expenses against workload, seasonality, and service commitments. Manage labor, overtime, courier use, and other controllable costs while protecting safety and customer service.

Partner with Sales, Purchasing, IT, Inventory Control, Customer Service, and other operations teams to execute shared goals. Align demand, inbound flow, inventory availability, systems, and fulfillment capacity with customer commitments; communicate constraints early, resolve competing priorities, and follow through on agreed actions.

Partner with Inventory Control to resolve inventory discrepancies, investigate recurring errors and losses, and verify that corrective actions prevent recurrence.

Support warehouse layout and workflow changes as Paterson’s Equipment operations transition into separate space. Improve supply distribution capacity and flow in coordination with the Equipment and facility leader.

Work with IT and cross-functional partners to define operational requirements, implement system and process improvements, and ensure employee adoption. Maintain reliable warehouse, routing, and reporting data to support decisions and service commitments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

At least eight years of progressive warehouse, distribution, or logistics experience, including at least five years leading warehouse and distribution teams and direct responsibility for managers or supervisors.

Significant experience in a comparable distribution environment with a broad SKU assortment, each- and case-picking, frequent customer orders, short fulfillment windows, and multi-stop delivery routes. Direct responsibility for next-day order fulfillment is required.

Demonstrated success managing multiple shifts and coordinating warehouse execution with company-operated delivery fleets, routing, dispatch, and parcel shipping.

Experience managing in a unionized environment, applying collective bargaining agreements consistently, and partnering with HR on employee relations and performance management.

A record of improving service, order accuracy, productivity, and cost performance through stronger processes and team development. Able to explain results and how improvements were sustained.

Practical knowledge of warehouse and driver safety requirements, inventory control, labor planning, operating budgets, and root-cause problem solving.

Comfort using ERP/WMS, routing or transportation systems, Excel, and operational reporting tools to make decisions and hold teams accountable.

Strong communication and judgment, with a demonstrated ability to build productive relationships across departments, understand internal and external customer needs, and resolve service issues and competing priorities under time pressure.

A visible, approachable leadership style that earns credibility with employees, builds capable supervisors, and reinforces accountability, collaboration, and reliable execution.

Preferred Experience

Foodservice supply distribution or closely comparable wholesale distribution experience; familiarity with northern New Jersey and New York City delivery operations.

Experience with Epicor Prelude, Descartes, Qlik, Dayforce, or comparable systems, and with implementing warehouse process or technology changes.

Bachelor’s degree in logistics, supply chain, business, or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.