Distribution Center Manager

Safety Leadership

• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture throughout the Distribution Center.
• Conduct and coordinate monthly safety training for material handlers.
• Lead weekly safety discussions and communicate safety expectations.
• Perform monthly safety audits and housekeeping inspections.
• Participate on Safety Action Teams and Safety Committees as required.
• Complete incident investigations and corrective actions in a timely manner.
• Monitor environmental and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Coordinate equipment inspections, repairs, and preventative maintenance activities.

Distribution & Shipping Operations

• Supervise, schedule, and direct the daily activities of hourly material handlers.
• Develop staffing schedules to support workload requirements and customer demands.
• Maintain workforce scheduling records including attendance, vacation, overtime, and hours worked.
• Support shipping operations including billing and dispatch activities outside normal business hours when required.
• Ensure compliance with DOT regulations and company shipping procedures.
• Monitor equipment performance and coordinate repairs or replacements as necessary.
• Train employees on new processes, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

Customer Service & Quality Assurance

• Ensure customer requirements and shipment quality standards are consistently met.
• Investigate customer complaints and identify root causes.
• Develop and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Conduct warehouse and inventory inspections to identify and address product damage.
• Champion continuous improvement efforts to enhance customer satisfaction.

Communication & Administration

• Maintain accurate operational records, reports, and inventory documentation.
• Coordinate daily activities among Distribution Center personnel and other operational departments.
• Communicate safety, environmental, and training requirements to employees.
• Provide clear performance expectations and operational direction to employees.

Inventory Management

• Plan and oversee quarterly physical inventories of warehouse stock.
• Reconcile inventory discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Support internal and external audit activities.
• Monitor warehouse capacity and coordinate off-site storage requirements when necessary.
• Manage inventories of operational supplies and coordinate procurement activities as needed.

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop an hourly workforce of material handlers.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct employee coaching, performance management, disciplinary actions, and training.
• Ensure proper staffing levels to support operational requirements.
• Work collaboratively with Load Planners, Logistics personnel, and Supply Chain leadership to achieve shipping and financial objectives.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

Preferred:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Six to eight years of relevant logistics, distribution, warehouse, or transportation experience.

Alternative Qualification:

• Ten to twelve years of progressively responsible experience in logistics, distribution, transportation, warehousing, or manufacturing operations.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong leadership and supervisory skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate an hourly workforce.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Working knowledge of inventory control and warehouse management practices.
• Understanding of transportation and DOT regulations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong customer service orientation and continuous improvement mindset.

Technical Skills

Proficiency with:

• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams)
• SAP (preferred)
• Kronos or equivalent workforce management systems
• Warehouse and transportation management systems
• Yard management software (e.g., YardView)
• Manufacturing and logistics software platforms (e.g., Opti)

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position directly supervises an hourly union workforce of material handlers and is responsible for:

• Employee training and development
• Workforce planning and scheduling
• Performance management
• Corrective action administration
• Complaint investigation and resolution
• Safety compliance and enforcement
• Housekeeping and operational standards

The Distribution Center Supervisor/Manager is expected to provide visible leadership and create an environment where employees can perform safely, efficiently, and effectively.

Work Environment

The work environment includes both office and warehouse settings. The incumbent will be exposed to active industrial operations with a moderate noise level. Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when required.

Physical Requirements

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

The employee is regularly required to:

• Sit, talk, listen, and use a computer.
• Use hands to handle equipment and materials.
• Walk, stand, and occasionally climb stairs.
• Reach, bend, and move throughout warehouse facilities.
• Maintain close, peripheral, and depth perception needed for safe operations.