Distribution Center Outbound Operations Supervisor

About the Role

The Outbound Operations Supervisor is a people leader that drives the successful execution of all pulling and outbound shipping activities. Reporting to the Outbound Operations Manager, this role designs efficient and consistent methods for the outbound team(s) to follow, ensuring freight is properly pulled, sorted, packed, and loaded in a safe, high-quality, and timely manner. The supervisor holds their team to a high standard of operational execution while reinforcing a culture of engagement, empowerment, and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and implement functions of efficient outbound operations by instructing employees, monitoring progress, and troubleshooting as needed.
• Design and maintain the organization of truck yard operations, ensuring efficient trailer organization, housekeeping, maintenance, and safety protocols.
• Develop and enforce consistent, innovative solutions to adhere to all security and safety rules, including picking, sorting, and truck load procedures.
• Maintain awareness of budget planning and enforce cost-saving initiatives and process improvements.
• Provide leadership to warehouse associates, promoting engagement and empowerment to solve problems and make operational decisions.
• Collaborate with other distribution center management to investigate and resolve shipping errors, addressing issues with the team to mitigate future occurrences.
• Schedule team hours to ensure peak period coverage and efficiency.
• Protect company assets by ensuring proper equipment use and maintenance, securing buildings nightly, and monitoring employees to prevent unauthorized merchandise removal.
• Lead efficient and accurate processing of outbound orders, cross/docks, stock orders, special orders, UPS, Will Call, and other miscellaneous orders.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction and implement process improvements to enhance operational efficiency.
• Foster a culture of engagement and empowerment, mentor team members, and facilitate problem-solving and decision-making.
• Oversee the reconciliation of truck loads each night to ensure proper loading of product.
• Design and implement efficient protocols and systems for shuttle truck orders and loading of trucks.
• Ensure the team follows all company and supplier guidelines for factory returns.

Requirements

• High School Diploma, general education degree (GED), or equivalent combination of experience and education.
• 1+ years’ experience within a distribution center or similar environment.
• Ability to comply with all safety requirements pertaining to job functions and general Distribution Center safety requirements.
• Strong interpersonal and organizational skills; detail-oriented.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Capability to use good judgment in carrying out detailed instructions.
• Basic computer skills required.
• Capable of lifting/moving heavy items up to 60 lbs.
• Must be forklift and pallet jack certified.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years’ experience within a distribution center or similar environment.
• 1+ year’s proven experience in a managerial role and/or leading teams.
• Experience with Lean Six Sigma methodologies and tools.
• Diverse experience, especially within automotive or retail distribution centers.
• Proven experience performing quality functions (inspection, control, assurance, audits).
• Proficiency in using relevant tools and technology (MS Office, Promapp, Power BI, Visio, etc.).
• Customer-centric spirit and task-execution focus.
• Enthusiasm for data, analysis, and providing actionable insights.
• Passion for solving complex challenges.
• Comfort influencing others, leading teams, managing stakeholders, and securing leadership buy-in.
• Test-and-learn mentality and agile approach to improving team processes.

Leadership

• Embodies values: serve, perform, influence, respect, innovate, team.
• Effectively communicates by motivating and inspiring others through clear and proactive communication.
• Delivers results and drives customer success by committing to outcomes and centering decisions on the customer.
• Makes balanced decisions and thinks strategically as a forward thinker.
• Develops high-performing teams through inclusive leadership, talent development, ongoing feedback, and building trust.

Physical Demands

• Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift and carry objects of varying weights, typically 25 to 50 pounds or more.
• Pushing and Pulling: Capability to push and pull carts, pallet jacks, or other equipment loaded with materials over extended distances or up ramps.
• Standing and Walking: Willingness and ability to stand and walk for extended periods, often for the duration of a shift.
• Bending and Stooping: Capacity to bend, stoop, squat, and reach to retrieve items from shelves, bins, or storage racks at various heights and angles.
• Climbing: Ability to climb ladders or stairs to access elevated storage areas, including open floor mezzanines, while following safety protocols.
• Operating Equipment: Proficiency in operating warehouse equipment such as forklifts, pallet jacks, and order pickers; must pass certification or training programs.
• Manual Dexterity: Ability to handle small objects, operate machinery controls, and perform tasks requiring precision and accuracy (e.g., picking, packing, labeling).
• Repetitive Motion: Willingness and ability to perform repetitive tasks safely and maintain productivity throughout the shift.
• Physical Endurance: Stamina and endurance to work in a fast-paced environment, including long hours, weekends, or overtime during peak periods.
• Safety Awareness: Commitment to following safety protocols to prevent workplace accidents and injuries.

Working Environment

Position operates in a warehouse setting with continuous exposure to industrial noise (e.g., forklifts, conveyors, machinery, and loading activities), bright overhead lighting, and varying temperatures due to limited climate control. Employees regularly work around moving equipment and mechanical operations and must remain alert to audible and visual safety signals in a fast-paced environment.