Director, DC Operations

Director, Distribution Center Operations

Location: Atlanta, GA | Category: Distribution Centers | Full-Time, On-Site

About This Opportunity

This is a rare, high-impact opportunity to build and lead a flagship Distribution Center from the ground up. This facility will process higher throughput than any DC in our current network, powered by AutoStore goods-to-person (G2P) technology and state-of-the-art bin/slotting automation. The Director of DC Operations will be a foundational leader — shaping how this facility runs, setting operating standards, and influencing how future DCs across the network are designed and led.

Our Core Values

Every Worldpac leader is expected to embody and model our three Core Values. For a Director building a new team and culture from day one, these values are the foundation.

???? Be Nice

Treat every person with respect, patience, and professionalism. Listen carefully, support without being asked, and communicate with transparency.

⭐ Aspire to Greatness

Go beyond the minimum. Challenge "good enough" and continuously raise the bar on quality, reliability, and the experience delivered to customers and the field.

???? Work Hard & Get Things Done

Own the outcome. Follow through with urgency, communicate proactively when issues arise, and close the loop when work is complete.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction, coordination, and full accountability for all Distribution Center operations.
• Lead the greenfield site launch — including facility buildout coordination, team hiring, onboarding, and ramp-up activities through go-live and steady-state operations.
• Oversee deployment, optimization, and ongoing performance of AutoStore G2P automation and bin/slotting technology.
• Develop and maintain labor standards; use them to build and manage labor models that align staffing to volume and throughput targets.
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing leadership team; foster a culture of engagement and continuous improvement consistent with Worldpac's Core Values.
• Champion safety across all operations — manage safety programs, conduct audits, investigate incidents, and ensure a safety-first environment.
• Establish operational standards, workflows, and KPIs for a high-volume, automation-enabled DC; monitor and communicate results to senior leadership.
• Manage expenses and payroll to budget; identify cost efficiency opportunities.
• Negotiate and administer labor contracts as applicable.
• Protect company assets through inventory controls and security measures.
• Contribute to network-wide operational best practices and future DC design standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Requirements

• Minimum 7 years of progressive leadership in distribution, fulfillment, or warehouse operations, including experience with high-volume DCs (1M+ units/year).
• Hands-on experience with goods-to-person (G2P) automation systems, specifically AutoStore or comparable platforms (e.g., Knapp, Swisslog, Dematic).
• Demonstrated experience leading a greenfield DC or major facility launch, from buildout and hiring through go-live and ramp-up.
• Experience developing labor standards and using them to build data-driven labor models and staffing plans.
• Strong WMS knowledge; experience with AS/400 a plus.
• Financial acumen: P&L ownership, budget management, labor cost analysis.
• Proven ability to build and develop multi-level leadership teams in start-up or transformation environments.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies; LSSBB preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; comfort with BI tools (Power BI, Tableau) for KPI and operational reporting.
• Strong communication skills; ability to present performance data and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Experience managing automation OEM vendor relationships and SLAs.
• OSHA 30-hour General Industry certification preferred; familiarity with safety standards in robotic/automated environments.
• Experience with labor relations and union contract administration a plus.
• Must be eligible to work in the United States and able to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• Willingness to work overtime, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Education

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Certifications & Licenses

• Willingness to obtain powered equipment certification.
• Lean / Six Sigma certification a plus (Green Belt or higher).
• OSHA 30-hour General Industry certification preferred.

Physical Demands

Regularly required to stand, walk, use hands, reach, talk, and listen. Frequently required to stoop, kneel, and crouch; occasionally required to sit, climb, or balance. Must be able to regularly lift up to 25 lbs., frequently lift up to 50 lbs., and occasionally lift up to 100 lbs. Requires close and distance vision. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

Work Environment

Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts, including automated robotics systems. Occasionally exposed to elevated areas, fumes or airborne particles, and caustic chemicals. Noise levels are generally high. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.