Director, Distribution Systems and Transformation
Overview
At KeHE, we’re obsessed with creating solutions, unboxing potential, and serving others - and it all starts with you. As an employee-owned distributor of natural and organic, specialty, and fresh products, we’re committed to making a positive impact and scaling our success together. With a culture that fosters development and opportunity, you’ll be embarking on a career that’s moving forward. When you join KeHE, you’re becoming part of a team that is a force for good.
Primary Responsibilities
Lead end-to-end implementation and deployment of Warehouse Management System (WMS) capabilities across KeHE's distribution network.
Own business readiness, operational readiness, and deployment planning for large-scale warehouse transformation initiatives.
Serve as the primary leader for Build, System Integration Testing (SIT), User Acceptance Testing (UAT), Operational Readiness Testing (ORT), Cutover Planning, Hypercare, and Go-Live activities.
Establish testing strategies, governance models, defect management processes, and deployment readiness criteria.
Cook up cross-functional execution across Operations, Supply Chain, IT, Vendors, System Integrators, and Distribution Centers.
Identify and mitigate implementation risks while ensuring delivery against business objectives, budget, and schedule commitments.
Develop deployment playbooks and standardized implementation methodologies for future warehouse deployments.
Lead future-state process design across all warehouse functions including: Inbound Planning, Pre-Receiving, Receiving, ASN Processing, Crossdock, Replenishment, Slotting, Inventory Control, Cycle Counting, Wave Planning, Order Release, Picking, Pack Operations, Shipping, Yard Management, Returns Processing, Value Added Services.
Drive process standardization and best practices across KeHE's distribution network.
Partner with Distribution Center leadership to identify process improvements that increase throughput, inventory accuracy, service levels, and labor productivity.
Translate operational requirements into scalable system capabilities.
Lead Change Management, Training & Adoption efforts to ensure successful adoption of new operational systems and processes.
Develop change management strategies, communication plans, stakeholder engagement plans, and adoption metrics.
Coach business leaders, supervisors, super users, and operational teams on system capabilities and future-state business processes.
Build Centers of Excellence and super-user communities to sustain long-term operational excellence.
Drive post-deployment stabilization and continuous improvement initiatives.
Develop a deep understanding of distribution center layouts, process flows, and material handling strategies.
Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Automation teams to optimize warehouse design and operational execution.
Support integration and deployment of automation technologies including: Conveyor Systems like Sortation Systems, ASRS, Warehouse Control Systems (WCS), Warehouse Execution Systems (WES).
Ensure operational processes, automation technologies, and system capabilities work together to achieve business objectives.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Multiple end-to-end WMS implementations, including Build, SIT, UAT, Cutover, Go-Live, and Hypercare.
Deep understanding of warehouse operations, inventory management, labor management, automation, and fulfillment execution.
Experience with Manhattan Active WMS strongly preferred.
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams through complex organizational change.
Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
Experience supporting brownfield warehouse deployments preferred.
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, or related field; Advanced degree a plus.
10+ years of distribution center operations, warehouse systems, or supply chain technology experience.
5+ years leading large-scale warehouse transformation initiatives.
5+ years leading teams.
Physical Requirements
These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Requisition ID 2026-29526 Equal Employer Opportunity Statement KeHE Distributors provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits all forms of discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, religion or faith, sex, gender, age, ancestry, national origin, mental or physical disability or medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training as well as the administration of all Human Resources and Talent Acquisition processes.