OverviewThe Director of Distribution Operations is responsible for leading Cavender's centralized Wilmer distribution and fulfillment facility while shaping the long-term strategy for retail distribution, e-commerce, omni-channel fulfillment, transportation, and facility capabilities. This role operates beyond day-to-day execution, combining engineering and design expertise, operational leadership, financial discipline, and strategic judgment to build a scalable, high-performing distribution network. The Director will lead through major transitions, including facility design, automation, consolidation, and operational change, and will serve as a trusted senior leader capable of representing Distribution/Fulfillment Operations in complex business decisions. This leader partners cross-functionally with Distribution, E-commerce, Merchandising, IT, Store Operations, Finance, and other business leaders to deliver seamless product flow, strong financial performance, and exceptional customer experience.
Duties and Responsibilities - Support the "Cavender's Culture" and drive the Mission, Vision, Values and Brand
- Lead all operations within the Wilmer distribution center, including receiving, inventory management, retail and e-commerce fulfillment, shipping, returns, and related customer service interfaces.
- Develop and execute the operating strategy for retail distribution, e-commerce, and omni-channel fulfillment, including store shipping and other evolving fulfillment methods.
- Lead the design, installation, startup, and optimization of new or expanded distribution facilities, including automation, material handling systems, and supporting technology.
- Lead large teams through facility, process, technology, and organizational transitions while maintaining service, safety, accountability, and employee engagement.
- Own transportation strategy and carrier performance across LTL, FTL, parcel, store shipping, and other outbound transportation channels.
- Drive operational performance through KPIs and analytics, including order accuracy, fulfillment speed, inventory accuracy, labor productivity, transportation performance, cost, and service levels.
- Build financial models and data-backed business cases to guide labor, freight, capital, automation, and process decisions; manage budgets and operating costs with an ownership mindset.
- Create scalable operating systems, SOPs, training, and management routines that improve consistency, efficiency, and readiness for future growth.
- Lead, coach, and develop managers, supervisors, and leads, building a strong leadership pipeline and preparing high-potential team members for increased responsibility.
- Partner cross-functionally with E-commerce, Merchandising, IT, Store Operations, Finance, Customer Service, and other leaders to solve complex issues and improve end-to-end product flow.
- Oversee inventory control processes, including cycle counts, audits, shrinkage prevention, system accuracy, and continuous improvement of inventory integrity.
- Ensure compliance with safety standards, company policies, operational procedures, and applicable transportation and facility requirements.
- Maintain strong relationships with vendors, carriers, automation partners, and third-party service providers; hold partners accountable for performance and results.
- Provide senior leadership with clear reporting, recommendations, risk assessment, and strategic options, and exercise sound judgment in ambiguous or high-impact situations.
Qualifications and Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Engineering required; Industrial Engineering strongly preferred.
- 7+ years of progressive experience in distribution, fulfillment, logistics, or related operations, with at least 3+ years leading managers and large teams.
- Direct experience with retail distribution, e-commerce, and omni-channel fulfillment, including store shipping or ship-from-store operations.
- Experience designing, installing, launching, or significantly expanding distribution facilities with automation and material handling systems.
- Proven success leading large teams through major operational, facility, technology, or organizational transitions.
- Strong transportation experience across LTL, FTL, parcel shipping, and store shipping, including carrier management and cost/service optimization.
- Demonstrated record of increasing responsibility and scope within an organization, reflecting sustained performance, trust, and readiness for broader leadership.
- Strong financial and analytical skills, with the ability to build models, evaluate tradeoffs, and make data-backed recommendations and business cases.
- Strong understanding of inventory control, logistics, WMS/OMS, ERP systems, outbound shipping platforms, and distribution technology.
- Calm, steady decision-making in ambiguity, with strong problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional leadership skills.
- Ability to work flexible schedules, including extended hours during peak seasons, facility launches, or major transitions.
Preferred Skills - Experience with lean, continuous improvement, network optimization, or engineered labor/process design.
- A builder mindset with a track record of creating systems, SOPs, training, and operating disciplines rather than only maintaining existing processes.
- Collaborative, values-driven leadership that earns trust across departments and develops strong supervisors, managers, and future leaders.
- Curiosity about the "why" behind processes and business decisions, with the ability to challenge assumptions constructively and identify better ways to operate.
- Ownership mentality and strong business judgment, including the ability to evaluate decisions through a P&L and enterprise-wide lens.
- Demonstrated history of sustained impact, organizational growth, and stability in prior roles.
