Distribution Manager

The Distribution Manager is responsible for leading all warehousing, inventory, transportation, and distribution activities within the facility. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of products while maintaining exceptional service levels for healthcare customers. The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership experience, a continuous improvement mindset, and a passion for developing high-performing teams.

Key Responsibilities

Distribution & Logistics Leadership

• Lead and oversee all distribution center operations, including receiving, warehousing, inventory control, transportation, and customer deliveries.

• Manage inbound and outbound logistics activities to ensure timely and accurate fulfillment of customer requirements.

• Optimize transportation routes, fleet utilization, and delivery schedules to maximize efficiency and service levels.

• Support route supervisors and drivers to ensure daily operational success and customer satisfaction.

• Coordinate logistics activities across multiple healthcare customers and service locations.

Inventory & Warehouse Management

• Develop and maintain best-in-class inventory management practices, including loaner kit management and inventory control procedures.

• Conduct and oversee physical inventories, cycle counts, and inventory reconciliations.

• Ensure ERP system inventory accuracy and proper documentation of inventory adjustments and write-offs.

• Maintain warehouse organization and storage practices that support safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.

• Oversee chemical storage processes and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and safety standards.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop distribution center personnel through training, mentoring, and performance management.

• Drive employee engagement and accountability while fostering a positive, team-oriented culture.

• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and retention efforts for distribution center staff.

• Establish clear performance expectations and provide ongoing feedback to support employee growth and development.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, service quality, cost reduction, and operational efficiency.

• Analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational data to identify improvement opportunities and implement corrective actions.

• Lead Cost Improvement Projects (CIP) and process optimization initiatives.

• Support New Product Introductions (NPI) from a logistics and distribution perspective.

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Operations, Sales, Quality, Finance, and Customer Service teams to ensure seamless execution of business objectives.

Safety, Compliance & Sustainability

• Champion a strong Environmental, Health & Safety (EHS) culture throughout the distribution operation.

• Ensure compliance with all company policies, regulatory requirements, transportation standards, and workplace safety procedures.

• Manage subcontractor and vendor relationships, holding partners accountable for performance, safety, and cost expectations.

• Lead sustainability initiatives and support environmentally responsible distribution practices.

Financial Management

• Provide logistical and financial oversight to support operational and strategic goals.

• Assist in annual budget planning and manage distribution-related expenses effectively.

• Monitor operational costs and identify opportunities to improve profitability and efficiency.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Business, Finance, or a related field.

• Minimum of 8 years of progressive leadership experience in distribution, warehousing, transportation, or supply chain operations.

• Proven success managing warehouse and distribution teams in a high-volume operational environment.

• Strong knowledge of inventory control, transportation management, and warehouse operations.

• Experience with ERP systems and advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills strongly preferred.

• Valid driver's license with the ability to travel locally as needed.

• Forklift operating experience and/or certification.

• Knowledge of chemical storage requirements and workplace safety standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in healthcare, laundry services, linen processing, distribution, or service logistics environments.

• Lean Six Sigma certification or other continuous improvement training.

• Experience with transportation routing software, fleet management systems, and logistics analytics tools.

• Knowledge of sustainability initiatives and green logistics practices.

• Master's degree in a related field.