Senior Distribution Center Manager

Senior Distribution Center Manager – High-Volume Grocery Distribution

Location: Minooka, IL

A rapidly growing food distribution company is seeking a dynamic, high-capacity leader to run an 800K+ square-foot grocery distribution center. This is a flagship facility with complex operations, multiple departments, and a fast-moving environment that demands strategic thinking, operational excellence, and strong leadership presence.

As the Senior Distribution Center Manager, you will own the day-to-day performance of the entire site. You’ll lead DC Operations, Maintenance, HR, Kitchen, Inventory, Quality, Safety, and all administrative functions (dotted-line), ensuring the building runs with precision, efficiency, and a culture of accountability. This role is central to the company’s continued expansion and offers significant visibility to executive leadership.

Job Purpose

Drive the operational, financial, and cultural success of a major distribution center. You will design and execute operational plans, elevate performance across all departments, and ensure the facility meets aggressive productivity, safety, and quality goals.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Optimize warehouse layout to maximize flow, turnover, and storage efficiency.
• Lead financial reporting and ensure accuracy across all operational metrics.
• Design and implement production planning for the entire facility.
• Coach teams on proper handling, storage, and shipping methods.
• Analyze inventory trends and recommend actions for slow-moving or excess stock.
• Ensure procedural compliance and maintain accurate stock-level records.
• Oversee special and periodic inventories with precision and planning.
• Investigate discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Set work procedures, schedules, and workflow standards for all departments.
• Provide clear direction through written and verbal communication.
• Assign and inspect work for accuracy, neatness, and policy alignment.
• Standardize processes to improve efficiency and consistency.
• Build a strong culture, resolve grievances, and maintain workforce harmony.
• Address errors and complaints with professionalism and urgency.
• Perform additional duties as needed to support the success of the DC.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Lead 4–12 managers who oversee departmental supervisors and 50–100 employees across multiple operational units.
• Drive performance through training, planning, assigning work, evaluating results, rewarding excellence, and enforcing accountability.
• Design and implement management and operational procedures that elevate the entire site.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or 3–5 years of related experience/training (or equivalent combination).
• Bilingual (Spanish) is a plus.

Reasoning & Leadership Ability

• Strong communication skills across all levels of management.
• Proven ability to lead a diverse workforce.
• Excellent organizational skills and deep knowledge of DC operations.
• Team-oriented leadership style with the ability to meet strict deadlines.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift up to 10 lbs.
• Extended periods of computer work.
• Ability to climb stairs within the facility.

Work Environment

• Must be able to work in a large distribution center with varying temperatures.