Operations Manager
1 day ago
Jacksonville
The Operations Manager is responsible for managing, directing, and organizing the assigned warehouse and distribution center locations. This role is accountable for the safe, efficient, and cost-effective management of all distribution center operations, including inbound receiving, storage, order fulfillment, outbound shipping, inventory control, and workforce management. Core Responsibilities: • Maintains operations by initiating, coordinating and enforcing programs, operational, and personnel policies and procedures., • Develops and implements best practices for increased labor productivity and operational efficiency., • Manage expenses to meet and exceed P&L budget goals., • Drive KPIs set forth by senior management; develop dashboards and scorecards to track and report performance metrics including accuracy, on-time shipment, and cost-per-unit., • Interview, hire, and train employees; plan, assign, and direct work; appraise performance; reward and discipline employees; address complaints and resolve problems., • Complies with federal, state, and local warehousing, material handling, and shipping requirements including OSHA, DOT, and hazardous materials regulations., • Safeguards warehouse operations and contents by establishing and monitoring security procedures and protocols. Distribution Center Operations: • Oversee all inbound and outbound logistics operations including scheduling, management, carrier coordination, and freight claims resolution., • Direct order fulfillment operations — pick, pack, and ship — ensuring accuracy rates meet or exceed established targets (e.g., 99.5%+ order accuracy)., • Manage inventory control programs including cycle counts, annual physical inventory, shrinkage investigation, and reconciliation with ERP/WMS records., • Lead WMS (Warehouse Management System) utilization, system configuration improvements, and staff training to maximize operational data integrity., • Develop and execute slotting strategies to optimize warehouse layout, SKU velocity positioning, and space utilization., • Partner with transportation and carrier teams to ensure on-time delivery performance; identify opportunities to reduce freight costs., • Coordinate with procurement, demand planning, and customer service teams to align inbound receipts with outbound fulfillment needs., • Manage reverse logistics and returns processing workflows, ensuring timely disposition of returned merchandise., • Ensure proper handling and storage of all product categories including temperature-sensitive, oversize, and high-value items., • Oversee seasonal surge planning, labor flex staffing, and peak-season readiness to maintain service levels during high-volume periods. Safety & Compliance: • Champion a safety-first culture; lead safety committee participation, incident investigations, root cause analysis, and corrective action programs., • Ensure compliance with OSHA standards; conduct regular safety audits and maintain all required safety documentation and training records., • Manage and enforce powered industrial equipment (PIE) certification programs for forklifts, order pickers, and reach trucks., • Maintain all required DOT, FDA, or other regulatory compliance documentation relevant to distributed product categories., • Coordinate with Risk Management on workers' compensation cases, light duty assignments, and return-to-work programs. People Leadership & Development: • Build and maintain a high-performance team culture through consistent coaching, performance feedback, and recognition programs., • Develop and execute training plans for warehouse associates, leads, and supervisors to build skills in safety, quality, and operational procedures., • Manage supervisor and lead structures within the distribution center; define clear accountability at each level of the organization., • Participate in workforce planning, succession planning, and talent development in partnership with Human Resources., • Administer progressive discipline processes in alignment with company policy and employment law; partner with HR on complex employee relations matters. Continuous Improvement & Technology: • Lead Lean/Six Sigma or continuous improvement initiatives to eliminate waste, reduce cycle times, and improve operational throughput., • Analyze operational data to identify root causes of inefficiencies and drive corrective action., • Evaluate and recommend automation and technology investments (conveyor systems, scanning, robotics, WMS upgrades) to improve productivity., • Develop and maintain SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for all major distribution center functions., • Benchmark performance against industry standards and develop roadmaps for operational improvement. Requirements: • Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or related field; equivalent experience considered., • 5+ years of progressive experience in distribution center, warehouse, or logistics operations management., • Proven track record of managing large hourly workforces (50+ associates) in a fast-paced distribution environment., • Experience with WMS (Warehouse Management Systems); familiarity with ERP systems (NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, or similar) preferred., • Strong understanding of inbound/outbound logistics, inventory management, and supply chain principles., • Excels in time management, multi-tasking, and balancing multiple priorities simultaneously., • Demonstrates ability to follow directions and adjust to changing business priorities; rotates to other department functions as needed., • Strong attention to detail with a commitment to accuracy and data integrity., • Proficient personal computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite., • Ability to work effectively under tight timelines in a dynamic, high-volume environment., • Excellent problem-solving skills with a data-driven decision-making approach., • Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across functions and leadership levels., • OSHA 30-hour certification preferred; Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt or higher a plus., • Certified in or ability to obtain forklift/PIE operator certification. Other Job Demands: • Some overtime and Saturdays are required; flexibility to support peak periods, off-shifts, and weekend operations as needed., • Willing and able to work in a hot and cold warehouse environment., • Occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 75 lbs., • Extended periods standing / walking / bending / stooping / kneeling on concrete floors., • Must have the ability to safely and efficiently operate powered equipment, including pallet jacks and forklift trucks., • Ability to be on-call or respond to facility needs outside of normal business hours. EOE