Distribution Logistics Manager

Description

Why Choose Us?

Taylor Company, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is a dynamic global organization with a rich history of pioneering innovation and operating at the leading edge of manufacturing commercial foodservice equipment. Founded in 1926 and headquartered in Rockton, Illinois, the organization operates through distributorships in 125+ countries world-wide, providing business solutions for major foodservice operations. Taylor Company is a division of Middleby Corporation.

Be a part of the team that is a leader in the food service industry. Free ice cream every day might be enticing but Taylor company is much more than ice cream! Taylor Company encourages employees to be the best they can be. Our business offers our employees the tools to learn and advance in their careers. With on site training and succession plans, Taylor sets up employees for success.

Competitive salary with bonus opportunity, plus full benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance; Short Term and Long Term Disability, tuition reimbursement, parental leave, 401k match, and other optional benefit coverages.

BASIC FUNCTION

The Distribution Logistics Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for the organization’s distribution, logistics, warehousing, inventory, shipping and receiving, and material flow functions. This role is accountable for building a high-performing organization that delivers safe, reliable, efficient, and cost-effective material and product flow in support of business and customer requirements.

The Manager translates business objectives into operational priorities, establishes performance expectations, develops leaders and teams, and drives continuous improvement across Distribution. The role partners closely with Manufacturing, Purchasing, Customer Service, Parts, Quality, Finance, and other functions to optimize material availability, inventory performance, capacity, service, and overall operational efficiency.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Distribution & Operational Leadership

• Provide overall leadership and direction for distribution, logistics, warehousing, inventory, shipping, receiving, and material flow operations.
• Establish operational priorities, resource requirements, and performance expectations aligned with business and customer needs.
• Oversee capacity, workflow, staffing, facilities, equipment, and material flow to support current and future business requirements.
• Monitor key performance indicators and lead actions to address operational constraints, service issues, and performance gaps.
• Develop and implement strategies that improve productivity, service, quality, cost, capacity, and utilization.

Inventory & Material Management

• Provide leadership and accountability for inventory accuracy, material control, replenishment, and overall inventory performance.
• Establish effective systems and processes for inventory management, material availability, and efficient material flow.
• Partner cross-functionally to address inventory risks, shortages, excess and obsolete inventory, and other material constraints.
• Drive improvements in warehouse utilization, material presentation, storage, and handling.

Leadership & Organizational Development

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, leads, and employees to build a capable, accountable, and high-performing organization.
• Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and accountability across the Distribution organization.
• Develop leadership capability, workforce plans, and succession strategies to support organizational growth.
• Foster a culture of safety, teamwork, continuous improvement, and operational ownership.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead strategic and cross-functional improvement initiatives that enhance operational performance and scalability.
• Champion Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies to reduce waste, improve flow, increase capacity, and optimize resources.
• Identify and prioritize opportunities for process, technology, facility, and organizational improvements.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Provide leadership for a safe, organized, and compliant distribution environment.
• Establish and reinforce standards that support employee safety, product quality, operational consistency, and customer requirements.
• Proactively address operational risks and ensure appropriate corrective actions are implemented.

Cross-Functional & Business Partnership

• Serve as a key operational partner to Manufacturing, Purchasing, Customer Service, Parts, Quality, Finance, and other functions.
• Communicate operational performance, risks, resource requirements, and strategic opportunities to senior leadership.
• Support development and execution of distribution and logistics strategies aligned with broader organizational objectives.
• Evaluate and recommend investments in people, processes, systems, equipment, and facilities to support business growth and performance.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

Accountability includes measurable performance across:

• Distribution and inventory performance
• Material availability and flow
• Customer service and shipment performance
• Labor and operational productivity
• Warehouse capacity and utilization
• Operating cost and efficiency
• Safety and quality performance
• Continuous improvement and waste reduction
• Leadership development and organizational effectiveness

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education

Associate degree, technical degree, certification program requiring approximately two years to complete, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Experience

Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in materials management, distribution, logistics, warehousing, inventory management, manufacturing operations, or a related field, including demonstrated leadership or management experience.

Knowledge & Skills

• Distribution, logistics, warehouse, and inventory management
• Operational planning and performance management
• Workforce and capacity planning
• Continuous improvement and Lean principles
• Data-driven problem solving and decision-making
• Cross-functional leadership and collaboration
• Employee and leadership development
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Leadership Competencies

• Leads through others and builds organizational capability
• Establishes accountability and ownership
• Aligns operational execution with business objectives
• Makes effective, data-informed decisions
• Develops leaders and high-performing teams
• Builds strong cross-functional partnerships
• Drives continuous improvement and organizational change
• Maintains a strong focus on safety, quality, service, and business performance