Role overview

About the role

The Shipping Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day distribution center operations for a book publishing organization. This role ensures the efficient, accurate, and cost-effective receipt, storage, picking, packing, and shipment of finished books and related products. The Shipping Manager leads frontline supervisors and staff, drives continuous improvement, and ensures service level commitments to customers, retailers, and internal stakeholders are met—especially during peak publishing seasons.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily warehouse and fulfillment operations, including inbound receiving, put-away, inventory control, order fulfillment, shipping, and returns processing
• Ensure operational readiness to support new title releases, seasonal surges, and promotional campaigns
• Monitor productivity, throughput, and accuracy to meet service level agreements (SLAs)
• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and hourly staff in a fast-paced distribution environment
• Oversee staffing plans, scheduling, training, and performance management
• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and control costs
• Leverage Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies where applicable
• Partner with IT and Supply Chain teams to optimize warehouse management systems (WMS) and reporting tools
• Ensure accurate inventory management, cycle counts, and reconciliation
• Minimize shrink, damages, and mis-shipments
• Maintain high standards for order accuracy and product quality
• Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, company policies, and labor standards
• Lead safety initiatives and training to maintain a safe working environment
• Support audits and ensure adherence to internal controls
• Collaborate with Publishing Operations, Sales, Customer Service, and Transportation teams to resolve issues and improve service
• Communicate operational performance, risks, and improvement plans to leadership

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field, or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of experience in distribution center or warehouse operations, with at least 2 years in a management role
• Experience managing high-volume fulfillment operations, preferably in publishing, media, or consumer products
• Strong people leadership and team-building skills
• Proficiency with warehouse management systems (WMS) and operational reporting
• Ability to work flexible hours, including peak seasons, evenings, or weekends as needed

Preferred Experience

• Experience in book publishing or returns-heavy distribution environments
• Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement frameworks
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into action

Key Competencies

• Operational excellence and execution focus
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving and decision-making
• Change management and adaptability
• Results-driven mindset with attention to detail

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision
• 401(k) plan
• Life insurance coverage
• Disability benefits
• Tuition assistance program
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Broad Based Ownership program