DC Operations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Summary

The Operations Manager serves as the second-in-command within the Distribution Center, partnering closely with the DC Manager to drive operational excellence, team performance, and customer fulfillment. This role leads daily warehouse operations across inbound, outbound, inventory control, and/or fulfillment functions, ensuring safety, productivity, quality, and service targets are consistently achieved.

The Operations Manager is a critical leader responsible for developing frontline leadership, executing strategic initiatives, and stepping in to lead the site in the absence of the DC Manager.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily distribution center operations, including receiving, putaway, picking, packing, shipping, and inventory management
• Drive execution against KPIs including productivity, order accuracy, on-time shipping, and cost performance
• Ensure consistent adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and continuous improvement initiatives
• Partner with the DC Manager to implement operational strategies and network priorities

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of supervisors and frontline employees (often 50–150+ associates depending on site)
• Foster a high-performance culture grounded in accountability, engagement, and recognition
• Support succession planning and leadership pipeline development
• Partner with HR on employee relations, performance management, and workforce planning

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a culture of safety-first, ensuring compliance with all OSHA and company safety standards
• Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions
• Ensure alignment with company policies, labor regulations, and operational compliance standards

Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service levels
• Utilize data, metrics, and reporting tools to drive decision-making
• Lead or support Lean, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement initiatives

Customer & Service Excellence

• Ensure customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on time
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders (Transportation, Supply Chain, Customer Service) to resolve service issues
• Maintain a strong focus on both internal and external customer experience

Site Leadership & Backup Coverage

• Act as the primary site leader in the absence of the DC Manager
• Support strategic planning, budgeting, and performance reviews for the facility
• Represent the DC in cross-functional meetings and leadership discussions

Competencies

• Operational execution and business acumen
• Leadership and team development
• Problem-solving and data-driven decision making
• Communication and cross-functional collaboration
• Change leadership and adaptability

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Logistics, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 5–8+ years of progressive distribution/warehouse operations experience
• 3–5+ years of leadership experience managing supervisors or large frontline teams
• Strong knowledge of WMS systems and warehouse operations best practices
• Proven ability to drive metrics, improve processes, and lead teams in a fast-paced environment

Preferred

• Experience in high-volume, multi-shift distribution environments
• Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) certification
• Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification
• Experience with labor planning and workforce management tools
• Multi-site or network-level exposure

Communication & Comprehension

Ability to read, understand, and apply written materials such as policies, procedures, and technical documentation. Able to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, with technical and non‑technical audiences.

Analytical & Numerical Skills

Ability to work with numerical data and perform basic calculations, including percentages, proportions, and comparisons, as needed to support job responsibilities.

Problem‑Solving & Judgment

Ability to analyze practical problems, evaluate relevant information, and determine appropriate solutions in situations with limited standardization. Able to interpret instructions presented in written, verbal, visual, or scheduled formats. Demonstrates effective organization, prioritization, and time‑management skills.

Work Environment

Fast-paced warehouse environment. Ability to work flexible schedules, including nights, weekends, or peak seasons as needed. Regular walking of the facility floor and occasional lifting (as applicable)

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to operate a computer and other office equipment; reach with hands and arms; and communicate verbally and audibly. The employee may occasionally be required to stand or walk and lift up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Travel Requirements

Ability to travel periodically to distribution centers and company locations throughout the United States.