Distribution Center Manager

About the role

Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Distribution Center Manager is a visible, hands-on leader responsible for daily operations and a team of 12–15 hourly employees, with a focus on safety, inbound/outbound execution, inventory accuracy, workforce planning, employee development, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily distribution center operations across receiving, stocking, inventory management, and outbound shipping
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of 12–15 hourly employees while creating clear expectations and accountability
• Champion a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with company policies, OSHA requirements, and applicable regulations
• Maintain greater than 98% on-time performance while adjusting labor and resources to changing customer and operational demands
• Oversee daily cycle counting and inventory control activities to maintain a high level of inventory accuracy
• Coordinate carrier scheduling and ensure timely pickup and delivery of customer orders
• Maintain warehouse organization, housekeeping, product labeling, and operational standards
• Conduct process audits and work observations while providing timely coaching and feedback to employees
• Lead employee training, performance management, documentation, and disciplinary processes in partnership with Human Resources and the Plant Manager
• Investigate inventory discrepancies and operational errors, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions
• Track, analyze, and present key distribution center KPIs, operating performance, labor requirements, and expenses
• Identify and implement process improvements that increase productivity, accuracy, service, and cost efficiency
• Support short- and long-term labor planning, expense control, scheduling, and overall distribution center planning
• Serve as a change agent by promoting communication, process discipline, continuous improvement, and employee engagement
• Maintain a hands-on presence within the operation and step into processes when necessary to support the team and customer needs

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• 3+ years of leadership experience in distribution, fulfillment, manufacturing, or warehouse operations
• Experience managing teams of 12–15 employees in a fast-paced environment
• Strong background in inventory control, cycle counting, and standard work
• Experience with continuous improvement, root cause analysis, and 5S
• Working knowledge of ERP, WMS, TMS, and Microsoft Office
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills
• OSHA knowledge and material handling equipment experience preferred
• Lean Six Sigma experience is a plus

Personal attributes

• Leadership & Accountability: Hands-On Leader, Coach, Decisive, Holds Others Accountable, Leads by Example
• Collaboration & Communication: Clear Communicator, Conflict Resolution, Team Development, Cross-Functional Partner
• Execution & Results: Sense of Urgency, Organized, Customer Focused, Results-Oriented
• Continuous Improvement: Problem Solver, Change Agent, Process Discipline, Root Cause Mindset