Reverse Logistics Manager

The Reverse Logistics Manager oversees daily operations in a reverse logistics and returns processing environment, directly supervising a team responsible for receiving, inspecting, grading, and routing returned merchandise across multiple disposition channels.

About the role

This is a floor-first leadership position requiring daily hands-on presence, active coaching of associates, and a bias for solving problems at the source. The role owns P&L performance for the assigned area, with accountability for staffing, cost control, safety, service, and key performance indicators (KPIs). The manager ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies while fostering a strong culture of safety and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily receipt, scanning, and processing of store returns and recyclable items from 300+ retail locations, including individual items, bulk, and boxed return inbound formats while maintaining a strong focus on KPIs and quality.
• Utilize forecasting tools to align labor, capacity, and resources with current and anticipated volume.
• Monitor, analyze, and act on operational performance data (productivity, quality, utilization) to drive continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external customers, and third-party providers/carriers.
• Participate in leadership meetings, customer visits, and third-party audits; proactively identify business opportunities and process improvements.
• Recruit, hire, train, and develop distribution and/or transportation team members; ensure appropriate staffing and coverage.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and motivation for a team including a lead associate, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and collaboration.
• Conduct performance reviews, ongoing coaching conversations, and salary recommendations.
• Promote open, transparent communication and ensure associates understand goals, expectations, and priorities.
• Administer training, qualification, and safety programs to ensure regulatory and company policy compliance.
• Communicate and enforce policies, procedures, and standard work within assigned areas.
• Ensure the physical condition of the facility and work areas supports a clean, safe, and healthy working environment.
• Maintain financial accuracy of all returns activity—reconcile reported versus actual quantities and resolve vendor discrepancies with supporting documentation.
• Identify and implement initiatives that reduce cost-to-serve while maintaining or improving service levels.
• Implement Lean principles and methodologies to streamline processes, eliminate waste, and improve safety, quality, and productivity.
• Lead cross-functional teams in problem-solving and process-improvement initiatives; standardize best practices across the operation.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support business needs and organizational objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience; Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or Distribution Management preferred.
• Minimum 3 years of experience, with preference for a leadership role in Distribution, Transportation, and/or Operations.
• Experience in reverse logistics, returns processing, or vendor reconciliation strongly preferred; candidates from traditional inbound or outbound environments with returns lane exposure will be considered.
• Tech proficiency required: independently navigate multiple vendor portals, manage system logins, and generate accurate activity reports across platforms.
• Powered industrial truck experience preferred.
• Comfortable working in a non-climate-controlled environment with continuous floor presence throughout the shift.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams.
• Deep knowledge of warehouse and/or transportation operations, procedures, and best practices.
• Proven, sound decision-making skills in a fast-paced, metrics-driven environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate employees to achieve operational, safety, and service goals.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams).
• English language skills required; Spanish is a plus.

Skills

• Self-motivated, proactive, and accountable.
• Collaborative team player who builds strong relationships across functions and levels.
• Able to set clear expectations, monitor progress, and hold self and others accountable for results.
• Effective at leading through change and providing timely, candid coaching and feedback to associates.
• Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to adjust priorities to meet evolving business needs.
• Comfortable meeting with customers and clients to build strong partnerships, understand their needs, and identify opportunities to grow the business.
• Strong financial acumen, with the ability to forecast the business, interpret results, and adjust plans and resources based on changing conditions.

Pay

Salary range: $58,500 – $80,500 per year. All state and local minimum wages will be complied with, resulting in a possible adjustment to the salary range displayed.

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 7:00 AM or 8:00 AM start, 10–12 hours per day.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Opportunities for career growth and advancement within the organization.
• Eligibility to participate in an incentive program, paid in accordance with the Incentive Plan terms and conditions.