Distribution Center Supervisor

JOB SUMMARY:

The Distribution Center Supervisor is responsible for assisting the Inbound and Outbound Distribution Center Manager and other Distribution Center Managers by overseeing the efficient processing of received goods. While providing leadership for the team, the goal is to ensure that productivity and quality metrics are consistently met through collaboration and quality checks, while providing training and guidance where needed. The Distribution Center Supervisor will play a critical role in building a positive work culture, driving employee involvement, and supporting change management efforts within the retail organization.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

Assists Managers with issuing work assignments to associates within the departments

Assists Managers with training associates on current work procedures and ensuring compliance with current SOPs within the departments

Responsible for meeting all expected KPIs for your area

Answers questions from associates. Escalates issues to other Supervisors and Managers

Assists Managers with monitoring production rates and quality for each associate

Assists Supervisors and Managers with monitoring workflow and backlog and takes appropriate action to remedy any concerns

Handles special projects and assignments as needed

Performs other duties as may be assigned

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Proficiency or working knowledge of and experience with Lean and Kaizen principles

Work assignment and labor planning

Shift coordination and workload balancing

Prioritization of tasks in fast-paced environments

Monitoring attendance and productivity

Tracking productivity, accuracy, and quality metrics

Conducting quality checks and audits

Identifying performance gaps and implementing corrective actions

Managing workflow, backlog, and throughput

On-the-job training and coaching

SOP enforcement and documentation adherence

Ensuring safety and compliance with company policies

Cross-training associates to improve flexibility

Identifying operational bottlenecks

Escalating issues appropriately to managers

Supporting continuous improvement initiatives

Handling special projects and operational changes

Inbound receiving, put-away, and outbound shipping processes

Inventory control basics

Order fulfillment and staging

Understanding warehouse layout and material flow

Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)

Basic data entry and report interpretation

Productivity and quality tracking tools

Familiarity with scanners, RF devices, or barcode systems

Knowledge of warehouse safety standards

Understanding of material handling equipment (e.g., pallet jacks, conveyors, forklift certification a plus)

Ergonomic and hazard awareness

Clear verbal communication with associates and managers

Ability to explain procedures and expectations

Active listening and responding to associate questions

Professional written communication for reports and documentation

Leading by example on the floor

Providing constructive feedback

Motivating associates to meet productivity and quality goals

Supporting new hires and underperforming associates

Managing interpersonal conflicts calmly and fairly

Maintaining professionalism under pressure

Building trust and credibility with associates

Adapting leadership style to different personalities

Holding associates accountable to standards

Taking responsibility for department results

Supporting management decisions and initiatives

Demonstrating reliability and consistency

Strong organizational skills

Time management and adaptability

Attention to detail

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Dependability and strong work ethic

Willingness to learn and improve processes

Ability to read and understand documents such as general correspondence, department reports, and office procedures.

Ability to speak effectively with employees of the company.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

High school diploma, GED, two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand. The employee must frequently use their hands to handle or feel objects and must be able to speak and hear clearly.

The employee may occasionally need to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.

The employee must be able to reach up to a height of six feet and down to six inches to place merchandise.

The employee must be able to read and understand messages on scanners and pick modules.

The employee must be able to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified. Equal employment opportunities are provided to all employees and applicants for employment. Discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. is prohibited.