Distribution Supervisor

About the role

The Distribution Warehouse Supervisor plays a crucial role in Thorlabs' mission to advance science through efficient and accurate warehouse operations. Reporting to the Warehouse Manager, this position oversees various functional areas including Freight, Bulk Storage, and RMA Receiving.

Responsibilities

• Ensure all receiving, distribution, and shipping activities follow Thorlabs procedures and quality standards.
• Perform regular checks of workflows, accuracy, and output quality; resolve issues quickly and effectively.
• Allocate labor and adjust staffing to maintain optimal productivity and meet daily commitments.
• Partner with Bulk Distribution, Ship Complete, Autostore, and RMA Receiving teams to meet daily targets.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and throughput.
• Update and adapt operational processes based on changing business needs, volume fluctuations, or technology enhancements.

Bulk Storage & Large Freight Items

• Oversee the handling and storage of bulk, heavy, or oversized freight items.
• Ensure proper equipment is used for receiving and transporting large materials (forklifts, pallet jacks, crate movers).
• Maintain organized bulk locations and perform routine cycle counts and inventory accuracy checks.

Freight Forwarding & Logistics Coordination

• Cook up coordination inbound and outbound freight with third-party carriers and freight forwarders.
• Request rate quotations, schedule pickups, arrange shipments, and ensure proper documentation.
• Monitor freight costs and collaborate with the logistics department to improve cost efficiency and transit performance.

RMA Receiving

• Supervise the RMA receiving team to ensure timely and accurate processing of returned merchandise.
• Maintain strict documentation, quality inspection procedures, and routing of RMAs to relevant internal teams.

Autostore Operations

• Cook up receiving, putaway, replenishment, and picking activities related to Autostore inventory.
• Monitor Autostore system alerts, slotting efficiency, and cycle count accuracy.
• Cook up collaboration with IT/Automation teams to report technical issues or opportunities for optimization.

Team Leadership & Supervision

• Supervise employees within assigned groups, including daily direction, coaching, and workflow prioritization.
• Ensure all new and current employees receive proper training and maintain required training documentation.
• Build and develop a high-performing team by fostering engagement, communication, and accountability.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and training of new staff to maintain adequate operational coverage.
• Support performance management, including evaluations, corrective actions, and development plans in partnership with HR and management.
• Foster a positive, collaborative work environment and address conflicts in a timely, constructive manner.
• Ensure compliance with attendance policies and all workplace behavior standards.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in Warehouse, Distribution, or Logistics operations.
• Prior supervisory or team-lead experience strongly preferred (experience in Freight or RMA is a plus).
• Experience with warehouse automation systems (e.g., Autostore) preferred.
• Associate’s degree in supply chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred or equivalent of 7+ years of experience working in the Logistic industry with a High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Familiarity with a variety of computer software applications including Microsoft Outlook and Excel, and experience with shipping software D365 or Warehouse Management Systems.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team-building abilities.
• Excellent organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic math skills and computer proficiency.
• Preferred proficiency in: o Microsoft Excel o Microsoft PowerPoint o Microsoft Word o Microsoft Dynamics 365
• Knowledge of general industrial and warehouse safety standards.
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.

Qualifications

• Physical Activities: Work may be active, could stand for long durations and/or perform repetitious work at times. The employee may lift or move objects up to 50 pounds. Noise level is generally moderate but may rise during peak operations.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in Warehouse, Distribution, or Logistics operations. Prior supervisory or team-lead experience strongly preferred (experience in Freight or RMA is a plus). Experience with warehouse automation systems (e.g., Autostore) preferred. Associate’s degree in supply chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred or equivalent of 7+ years of experience working in the Logistic industry with a High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Specialized Knowledge and Skills: Familiarity with a variety of computer software applications including Microsoft Outlook and Excel, and experience with shipping software D365 or Warehouse Management Systems. Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team-building abilities. Excellent organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Basic math skills and computer proficiency. Preferred proficiency in: o Microsoft Excel o Microsoft PowerPoint o Microsoft Word o Microsoft Dynamics 365. Knowledge of general industrial and warehouse safety standards. Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Company paid life insurance
• A generous PTO package
• A 401(k) plan
• Tuition reimbursement