Manager, Warehouse/Distribution

General Purpose

Provide leadership to warehouse/distribution supervisors and employees and manage all daily operational activities to maximize productivity and efficiency. Oversee the activities related to materials movement or handling, receiving, loading, unloading, transporting, stacking, order filling, shipping, and maintaining stock in a warehouse or similar environment. Function as the primary liaison between plant management and other departments including sales, distribution, and customer service to ensure appropriate inventory/product levels are available and delivered accurately and on time. Maintain a firm handle on all aspects of warehouse/distribution operations, inclusive of effective interdepartmental communication between management and warehouse personnel.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate storage and distribution activities to ensure maximum utilization of facilities and meet the needs of the business. Coordinate the work efforts of employees to ensure that all customer expectations, both internal and external, are satisfied, accurate and on time
• Develop, implement, and manage operational procedures for activities, such as verification of incoming and outgoing shipments, handling and disposition of materials, and keeping warehouse inventory current
• Assure products, parts, or supplies are shipped, distributed, or received in an efficient manner
• Evaluate physical condition of warehouse and equipment and ensure condition of warehouse meets all regulatory and safety standards
• Maintain and reconcile inventories as needed; ensure month-end inventories are finished accurately and in a timely manner
• Determine needed quantities of packaging, ingredients, finished products, etc., and communicate those needs to the appropriate area. Anticipate current and future production needs through close communication with sales and production
• Oversee purchasing activities to maintain inventory at planned levels; may prepare, review, and track orders through the purchasing process; supervise orders placed, including inventory purchase orders, price changes and order updates
• Coordinate with outside warehouses, suppliers, and internal/external customers as appropriate
• Follow up on delivery to ensure efficient stock of materials for plant or location success
• Oversee and/or coordinate shipping and receiving activities with all other departments to maximize the overall efficiency of the operation and minimize customer service issues
• Ensure proper procedures are in place and being followed for production efficiency, quality of product, employee safety, and state and federal guidelines
• Ensure all transactions are recorded timely and accurately to reflect a correct inventory position at any time. These include shipments, donations, product loss and damage
• Collaborate in a cross-functional manner as a change agent with all departments within the division or company
• Actively promote and effectively communicate company values, safety policies, loss control targets, and quality assurance standards to department
• Is responsible for expense management and control, including labor and overhead costs utilizing approved methods 
• Manage issues and serve as an escalation point to resolve complex or new issues; remove barriers to employee and workplace success
• Effectively lead union and/or non-union employees to promote positive and productive working relationships. Understand and effectively apply work rules, union contract provisions if applicable, and employment policies
• Provide for the management of assigned employees in daily operations, ensuring effective selection, retention, feedback, disciplinary action, and performance management. Work with Human Resources and plant management to resolve employee grievances. Participate in collective bargaining agreement or other contract related activities and discussions as requested. Actively communicate with employees through shift meetings and informal methods
• Actively promote safe work behaviors and hold self and direct reports accountable for following safety rules and regulations. Conduct accident/injury investigations and send reports of injury to HR in a timely manner to meet reporting standards. May coordinate and/or facilitate plant safety meetings, training, and incentive programs
• Proactively look for ways to increase operational efficiency and contain costs. Review work processes; recommend measures to improve production methods, equipment performance, and quality of product or service; and suggest changes in working conditions to increase efficiency. Think creatively and abstractly to develop alternative possibilities to drive improvement
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in business administration, supply chain and logistics, or related curriculum (or equivalent combination of experience and education)
• 5 to 8 years of experience in a warehouse, cooler, distribution, production, logistics, or related environment coupled with supervisory experience
• Management experience preferred
• Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong team player and leader with the ability to work across multiple functions and disciplines
• Knowledge and understanding of the financial and budgeting functions of an organization
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management
• Able to promote a team environment; able to select, coach, develop, engage, and retain a team of employees
• Able to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs; able to lead others through change
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Able to communicate with various levels of personnel to ensure customers’ needs and requirements are met
• Able to problem solve, multi-task and prioritize work activities
• Able to consider both strategic and practical implications for proposed course of action
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Travel

5%-15% (1-3 times per year)

 

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans