Start-Up Operations Manager, DTC Launch

About the role

Exol is seeking an experienced operations manager to lead day-to-day execution for highly automated fulfillment sites during pre-launch, go-live, and stabilization. The role requires a manager with deep experience in e-commerce, or DTC, fulfillment and 3PL operations who can manage large-scale teams while project managing their business unit.

Responsibilities

• Operational Capability Testing: Execute Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) and integrated operational capability testing alongside engineering to validate that high-density robotics and automated picking systems meet DTC requirements.

• DTC Business Ownership: Serve as the primary operational owner for DTC warehouse functions during launch, managing high-velocity workflows from receiving and put-away to individual unit picking, packing, and carrier-sorted shipping.

• Playbook Development: Support the creation and refinement of the launch playbook by documenting lessons learned and standardizing work processes for future site replicability.

• Large-Scale Team Leadership: Oversee the day-to-day execution of warehouse operations, directing large teams of hourly associates and frontline leaders to achieve high-volume throughput targets.

• System Validation: Validate WMS/WES functionality and monitor real-time system transactions to troubleshoot order-flow bottlenecks and ensure inventory accuracy.

• Safety Leadership: Drive organizational safety protocols by enforcing OSHA compliance and conducting audits to ensure employees follow proper guidelines in a fast-moving start-up environment.

• Project Management: Manage business-specific launch priorities, including labor planning, shift balancing, and coordinating with cross-functional partners in IT, Supply Chain, and Automation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Logistics, Business, Engineering, or equivalent experience preferred.

• Minimum 8 years of experience in 3PL warehouse or distribution center operations, specifically in high-volume DTC or e-commerce fulfillment.

• Advanced exposure to automated warehouse environments—specifically AutoStore or similar robotic goods-to-person systems—and direct experience with WMS/WES platforms.

• Working knowledge of OSHA standards and experience driving safety protocols (e.g., LOTO and fall protection) with vendors and employees.

• Demonstrated ability to drive launch-critical KPIs, including units per hour (UPH), order accuracy, OEE, and cost-per-unit.

• Strong ability to respond quickly to operational constraints and implement corrective actions in real time.

Preferred

• Project Management: Proven experience project managing business units through ramp-up or peak environments.

• Automation Testing: Hands-on experience with operational testing and acceptance protocols for complex automated fulfillment systems.

• Process Improvement: Experience identifying inefficiencies and implementing Lean improvements or standard work.