Distribution Manager

About Kinetic Brands

Unconventional brands for unconventional people.

Kinetic is a full-stack brand incubator owning a portfolio of digital brands. The brands we build are the opposite of basic. Each brand has a distinct identity, memorable product, and cult following. Through our full-stack infrastructure (meaning we manage everything in-house–including fulfillment, supply chain, R&D, marketing, and development), we can go first to market with any brand concept and create something truly bespoke that stands out even in the most crowded of industries.

About the Role

As the Distribution Manager at Kinetic Brands, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the efficient and effective distribution of our products to consumers. You will oversee daily Distribution operations, ensuring accurate, timely, cost-effective, and high-quality order fulfillment. This role manages DTC fulfillment, shipping and receiving, inventory flow, package quality, and team performance within a fast-paced nail polish and beauty products environment.

The ideal candidate has strong ERP/WMS experience, extensive knowledge of shipping carriers and rate shopping, expertise in hazardous materials shipping, and proven leadership skills. This individual must be organized, solutions-oriented, adaptable, and committed to operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and customer satisfaction.

You will

Distribution and DTC Fulfillment

• Oversee daily picking, packing, shipping, receiving, and inventory movement.
• Ensure DTC orders are processed accurately and shipped within established deadlines and customer SLAs.
• Plan staffing, workflow, and capacity for daily operations, product launches, and high-volume sales.
• Monitor productivity, backlogs, order accuracy, and shipping performance.
• Coordinate with Manufacturing, Inventory, and other departments to support business needs.

ERP/WMS Systems

• Manage and optimize ERP/WMS systems for order processing, inventory control, picking, packing, and shipping.
• Troubleshoot system issues and work with internal teams and software providers to resolve problems.
• Ensure employees follow system procedures and are properly trained on system updates and process changes.
• Identify opportunities to improve workflows, reporting, and system performance.

Shipping, Carrier Management, and Rate Shopping

• Maintain relationships with parcel and freight carriers.
• Compare carrier rates, service levels, and delivery times to select the most cost-effective shipping options.
• Monitor carrier performance, shipping costs, claims, and service issues.
• Identify opportunities to reduce shipping expenses while maintaining delivery standards and customer satisfaction.

Hazardous Materials Compliance

• Maintain extensive knowledge of hazardous materials shipping requirements applicable to nail polish and nail care products.
• Ensure regulated shipments are properly classified, packaged, labeled, documented, and shipped in accordance with applicable regulations and carrier requirements.
• Ensure employees receive required training and follow approved hazardous materials procedures.
• Maintain accurate compliance documentation and stay informed of applicable shipping restrictions.

Package Quality and Quality Control

• Establish and maintain packaging standards to ensure orders are packed securely, accurately, and professionally.
• Ensure packaging materials, shipping labels, and packing methods meet product protection, carrier, and hazardous materials requirements.
• Monitor package quality to prevent damage, leaks, incorrect contents, improper labeling, and shipping errors.
• Investigate recurring packaging issues, customer complaints, and damaged shipments; implement corrective actions to prevent repeat occurrences.
• Train employees on proper packing procedures and conduct quality checks to maintain consistent standards.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and develop Distribution supervisors, leads, senior associates, and associates, along with the Inventory Manager and Assistant Manager of Manufacturing, using a POD structure.
• Foster a positive, accountable, and collaborative work environment.
• Set performance expectations, provide coaching, and address performance concerns.
• Promote teamwork, cross-training, safety, continuous improvement, and strong communication.

Inventory, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement

• Partner with Inventory and Manufacturing to maintain inventory accuracy and product availability.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and efficient warehouse with clear SOPs and properly equipped workstations.
• Track key performance indicators, including order accuracy, on-time shipping, package quality, labor productivity, overtime, shipping costs, and inventory accuracy.
• Lead root-cause investigations and implement process improvements.
• Prepare for product launches and peak periods through capacity planning, readiness reviews, and contingency planning.

You have

• Significant experience managing Distribution, warehouse, logistics, or fulfillment operations, preferably in a high-volume DTC environment.
• Strong working knowledge of ERP and WMS systems.
• Extensive knowledge of shipping carriers, service options, and rate-shopping practices.
• Extensive knowledge of hazardous materials shipping, preferably involving nail polish, cosmetics, or other regulated products.
• Experience implementing packaging standards and quality-control procedures.
• Proven ability to lead large teams, develop employees, and maintain accountability.
• Strong communication, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with product launches, promotional sales, and high-volume fulfillment preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus

Measures of Success

• Accurate, timely, and efficient order fulfillment.
• Consistent package quality and reduced shipping damage and errors.
• Compliance with hazardous materials shipping requirements.
• Reduced shipping costs through effective rate shopping and carrier management.
• Improved productivity, inventory accuracy, and operational performance.
• A well-trained, accountable team and a safe, organized Distribution department.
• Successful preparation for product launches and high-volume sales.

Perks

• Healthcare You Can Count On – Competitive medical, dental, and vision plans to keep you covered when it matters most.
• Unlimited PTO – Take the time you need—we trust you (plus, we require a minimum!).
• Paid Parental Leave – 12 weeks paid + 4 weeks eased return to work. Family first!
• 401k Match – We match 4% to help grow your future.
• Monthly Home Office Stipend – We cover part of your phone or internet bill.
• Employee Discounts – Big savings on our products, just for you!

Work environment

• This role is required to be onsite at our Passaic, NJ warehouse 5 days a week
• Employees will be required to wear appropriate safety gear

Physical demands

• Employees will be occasionally required to stand (for extended periods) while performing job duties
• Employees can move or lift objects up to 50 lbs

Kinetic Brands is an equal opportunity employer — we believe being successful is directly tied to creating a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive environment.