Operations Manager at Veterinary Service in Saint Joseph, MN

Under the general direction of the Director of Operations, the Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing shipping, receiving, inventory, fleet, and distribution operations for the primary warehouse while supporting seven satellite locations. The role partners closely with Purchasing and Sales to ensure efficient, accurate, safe, and compliant operations across the network. Essential job functions and duties include, but are not limited, to:

Leadership & Management

• Lead, develop, and support shipping, receiving, and delivery fleet personnel
  • Coaching, training, performance management, and discipline
• Maintain an active leadership role on the company management team
• Establish and enforce standardized operating procedures across all locations

Operations, Process Improvement & Metrics

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, service levels, scalability, and cost control
• Design, monitor, and report on key operational metrics including shipping performance, fleet utilization, inventory accuracy, and route efficiency
• Analyze data to identify trends, risks, and cost-reduction opportunities

Inventory Management & Accuracy

• Oversee inventory control practices to maintain high inventory accuracy
• Monitor inventory levels as supply and demand change
• Partner with Purchasing and Sales to proactively address in-stock, low-stock, and over-stock risks
• Support cycle counts, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions
• Recommend improvements to warehouse layout, slotting, and organization

Shipping, Fleet & Route Management

• Manage incoming freight, outbound shipping, and company-owned delivery fleet operations
• Lead route planning and scheduling to balance efficiency, cost, compliance, and customer service
• Create load sheets and ensure proper delivery documentation
• Ensure compliance with truck weight limits, skid counts, and delivery requirements

Compliance, Safety & Equipment

• Ensure compliance with all applicable transportation and hazardous materials regulations
• Obtain and maintain 49 CFR Hazardous Materials certification (if not already certified)
• Ensure proper hazmat training, documentation, and procedures across all locations
• Oversee fleet maintenance, inspections, and repairs
• Arrange maintenance for forklifts and warehouse equipment
• Promote safe work practices and regulatory compliance

Culture & Professional Conduct

• Foster a positive, accountable, and professional work environment
• Communicate effectively and model strong leadership behaviors
• Follow company policies and procedures and consistently strive to exceed expectation

QUALIFICATIONS

The employee must have demonstrated experience and/or education as outlined below in order to satisfactorily perform the essential job duties and responsibilities. Qualifications may include, but are not limited to:

Education & Experience

• 2–4 years of distribution warehouse or operations management experience required

Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred

• Experience with Netsuite ERP preferred
• US DOT Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR) certification preferred

Communication & Language Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from vendors, customers, managers, and team members
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business reports, data, and correspondence

Mathematical & Analytical Skills

• Strong working knowledge of basic and intermediate math, including whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, and volume calculations
• Ability to analyze figures related to inventory, freight, routing, and costs with a high level of accuracy

Technical Skills & Other Abilities

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Ability to prioritize, organize, and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Working knowledge of, or interest in, livestock or production-based agriculture is a plus
• Strong problem-solving skills with a continuous improvement mindset

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, and use hands for handling objects and data entry
• Required to talk and hear clearly
• Vision requirements include close and distance vision
• Occasionally required to lift and/or move objects up to 25 pounds, and occasionally up to 50 pounds at waist level

Tools & Equipment Used

• Computer, phone, copier, and other standard office equipment
• Forklift, box knife, push cart, hand jack, two-wheel cart, and tape gun

Work Environment

• Warehouse and office environment with exposure to varying hot and cold temperatures
• Noise level is typically moderate

Required Protective Equipment

• Closed-toe shoes or boots
• Gloves when handling sharp or abrasive materials