Director of Distribution Operations

Director of Distribution OperationsThe Director of Distribution Operations is responsible for leading Cavender's centralized Wilmer distribution and fulfillment facility while shaping the long-term strategy for retail distribution, e-commerce, omni-channel fulfillment, transportation, and facility capabilities. This role operates beyond day-to-day execution, combining engineering and design expertise, operational leadership, financial discipline, and strategic judgment to build a scalable, high-performing distribution network. The Director will lead through major transitions, including facility design, automation, consolidation, and operational change, and will serve as a trusted senior leader capable of representing Distribution/Fulfillment Operations in complex business decisions. This leader partners cross-functionally with Distribution, E-commerce, Merchandising, IT, Store Operations, Finance, and other business leaders to deliver seamless product flow, strong financial performance, and exceptional customer experience.Duties and Responsibilities:Support the "Cavender's Culture" and drive the Mission, Vision, Values and BrandLead all operations within the Wilmer distribution center, including receiving, inventory management, retail and e-commerce fulfillment, shipping, returns, and related customer service interfacesDevelop and execute the operating strategy for retail distribution, e-commerce, and omni-channel fulfillment, including store shipping and other evolving fulfillment methodsLead the design, installation, startup, and optimization of new or expanded distribution facilities, including automation, material handling systems, and supporting technologyLead large teams through facility, process, technology, and organizational transitions while maintaining service, safety, accountability, and employee engagementOwn transportation strategy and carrier performance across LTL, FTL, parcel, store shipping, and other outbound transportation channelsDrive operational performance through KPIs and analytics, including order accuracy, fulfillment speed, inventory accuracy, labor productivity, transportation performance, cost, and service levelsBuild financial models and data-backed business cases to guide labor, freight, capital, automation, and process decisions; manage budgets and operating costs with an ownership mindsetCreate scalable operating systems, SOPs, training, and management routines that improve consistency, efficiency, and readiness for future growthLead, coach, and develop managers, supervisors, and leads, building a strong leadership pipeline and preparing high-potential team members for increased responsibilityPartner cross-functionally with E-commerce, Merchandising, IT, Store Operations, Finance, Customer Service, and other leaders to solve complex issues and improve end-to-end product flowOversee inventory control processes, including cycle counts, audits, shrinkage prevention, system accuracy, and continuous improvement of inventory integrityEnsure compliance with safety standards, company policies, operational procedures, and applicable transportation and facility requirementsMaintain strong relationships with vendors, carriers, automation partners, and third-party service providers; hold partners accountable for performance and resultsProvide senior leadership with clear reporting, recommendations, risk assessment, and strategic options, and exercise sound judgment in ambiguous or high-impact situationsQualifications and Requirements:Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; Industrial Engineering strongly preferred7+ years of progressive experience in distribution, fulfillment, logistics, or related operations, with at least 3+ years leading managers and large teamsDirect experience with retail distribution, e-commerce, and omni-channel fulfillment, including store shipping or ship-from-store operationsExperience designing, installing, launching, or significantly expanding distribution facilities with automation and material handling systemsProven success leading large teams through major operational, facility, technology, or organizational transitionsStrong transportation experience across LTL, FTL, parcel shipping, and store shipping, including carrier management and cost/service optimizationDemonstrated record of increasing responsibility and scope within an organization, reflecting sustained performance, trust, and readiness for broader leadershipStrong financial and analytical skills, with the ability to build models, evaluate tradeoffs, and make data-backed recommendations and business casesStrong understanding of inventory control, logistics, WMS/OMS, ERP systems, outbound shipping platforms, and distribution technologyCalm, steady decision-making in ambiguity, with strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional leadership skillsAbility to work flexible schedules, including extended hours during peak seasons, facility launches, or major transitionsPreferred Skills:Experience with lean, continuous improvement, network optimization, or engineered labor/process designA builder mindset with a track record of creating systems, SOPs, training, and operating disciplines rather than only maintaining existing processesCollaborative, values-driven leadership that earns trust across departments and develops strong supervisors, managers, and future leadersCuriosity about the "why" behind processes and business decisions, with the ability to challenge assumptions constructively and identify better ways to operateOwnership mentality and strong business judgment, including the ability to evaluate decisions through a P&L and enterprise-wide lensDemonstrated history of sustained impact, organizational growth, and stability in prior rolesCavander's is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, military status, national origin, sex, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, genetic information, or any other personal characteristic protected under federal, state, or local law. Cavender's will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with a disability upon request. If you have a disability and need assistance completing the application, please call Customer Service at View phone number on click.appcast.io or visit your nearest Cavender's store.