Warehouse Distribution Manager

How you will make history here...

The Manager, Distribution & Logistics is responsible for leading all warehouse, distribution, shipping, receiving, inventory control, and logistics operations for the facility. This position oversees the storage and movement of ingredients, packaging, and finished goods while ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations that support customer service and production requirements. The Manager, Distribution & Logistics is responsible for inventory accuracy, warehouse utilization, transportation coordination, shipping performance, and receiving operations.

The role provides leadership to salaried and hourly employees and works closely with Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Procurement, Sales, and Transportation partners to ensure materials and finished goods are received, stored, and distributed efficiently. The incumbent drives continuous improvement initiatives, develops employee capability, promotes employee engagement, and ensures compliance with all Company policies, food safety requirements, and regulatory standards.

What you will do...

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead and develop salaried and hourly employees across warehousing, shipping, receiving, inventory control, and logistics functions.
• Establish clear expectations, provide coaching and feedback, and ensure accountability for results.
• Recruit, select, onboard, and develop employees to build organizational capability and succession strength.
• Foster a culture of engagement, teamwork, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure employees receive appropriate training to safely and effectively perform their responsibilities.

Warehousing & Distribution Operations

• Manage and direct all warehousing, shipping, and receiving activities.
• Ensure efficient movement of products and materials between the manufacturing facility, offsite warehouses, and customer distribution network.
• Oversee inbound receipts of ingredients, packaging materials, and finished goods from external suppliers and locations.
• Ensure timely, accurate, and cost-effective outbound distribution of finished products.
• Develop and maintain warehouse storage strategies that optimize space utilization and inventory flow.
• Create and manage warehouse floor plans to support inventory management and FIFO practices.
• Manage contracts and relationships with external storage warehouse providers and logistics partners.

Inventory Management

• Maintain accurate inventory controls for ingredients, packaging materials, work-in-process, and finished goods.
• Develop inventory tracking, reporting, reconciliation, and troubleshooting processes to ensure inventory accuracy.
• Lead inventory reduction initiatives that improve cash flow while maintaining operational and customer service requirements.
• Monitor inventory performance metrics and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure compliance with inventory procedures and controls across all warehouse operations.

Transportation & Logistics

• Oversee third-party transportation providers responsible for inbound and outbound freight activities.
• Ensure transportation partners meet safety, service, cost, and performance expectations.
• Optimize transportation and logistics processes to improve service levels and reduce operating costs.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure efficient movement of products and materials.

Financial & Business Management

• Develop and manage annual departmental budgets and operating plans.
• Monitor operating expenses and identify opportunities to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Prepare and analyze operational reports related to productivity, inventory performance, shipping accuracy, and warehouse efficiency.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives that drive measurable business results and strengthen the Company's competitive position.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with Production, Procurement, Quality, Sales, Finance, and Supply Chain teams to support operational objectives.
• Coordinate receiving and shipping activities to support production schedules and customer requirements.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders regarding inventory, warehouse, transportation, and distribution issues.
• Support business initiatives and projects that improve operational effectiveness.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Promote and enforce Company safety policies, food safety requirements, GMPs, HACCP standards, and quality systems.
• Maintain positive employee relations and ensure consistent application of Company policies and procedures.
• Lead corrective actions and continuous improvement efforts related to safety, quality, and compliance.

Scope & Complexity

• Responsible for all warehousing, shipping, receiving, inventory control, and logistics operations.
• Accountable for inventory accuracy, warehouse utilization, transportation performance, and material flow.
• Manages relationships with third-party warehouse and transportation providers.
• Responsible for departmental budgets, performance objectives, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Leads multiple teams while partnering cross-functionally to achieve business objectives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong knowledge of warehousing, distribution, inventory management, transportation, and logistics operations.
• Comprehensive understanding of supply chain principles and inventory control practices.
• Working knowledge of SAP transactions related to purchasing, shipping, receiving, and warehouse operations.
• Strong leadership, coaching, and employee development skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, HACCP requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and food manufacturing standards.

Who you will work with...

• Direct reports; 50+
• Reporting into Manufacturing Site Director

What you will bring to the table... (Must Have)

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in warehousing, distribution, logistics, supply chain, or manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing warehousing, shipping, receiving, inventory control, and logistics operations.
• Experience leading salaried and hourly employees in a manufacturing, warehouse, or distribution environment.
• Proven ability to drive improvements in safety, quality, inventory accuracy, customer service, productivity, and cost performance.
• Working knowledge of SAP or equivalent ERP systems and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of OSHA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP requirements, and food safety standards.

It would be great if you have... (Nice to Have)

• Bachelor's Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of leadership experience in warehousing, distribution, logistics, manufacturing, or supply chain operations.
• Experience within a food manufacturing, consumer packaged goods (CPG), or other highly regulated manufacturing environment.
• Professional certifications such as APICS/ASCM CPIM, CSCP, CLTD, Lean, or Six Sigma.
• Experience managing third-party logistics providers, transportation carriers, and external warehouse operations.
• Experience developing and managing departmental budgets and capital projects.
• Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement initiatives that deliver measurable operational and financial results.