Job SummaryThe
Director of Operations - Distribution is a strategic leader responsible for overseeing all aspects of distribution center operations, with a specific focus on supporting eCommerce and direct-to-consumer fulfillment channels. This role combines advanced technology integration, financial acumen, data-driven insights, and strong leadership to ensure seamless operations, cost-effectiveness, and exceptional customer service.
The Director will develop and implement distribution strategies that align with the unique demands of eCommerce and direct fulfillment, leveraging automation and robotics (including Autonomous Mobile Robots) to enhance scalability, speed, and accuracy. A critical aspect of this role is building and leading a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement to achieve operational excellence.
This position requires a balance of technical expertise, business and financial proficiency, and a people-first mindset to meet the growing demands of a dynamic and customer-focused distribution ecosystem. The Director will collaborate with cross-functional teams and executive leadership to drive measurable results and position the company as an industry leader.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSTo perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function.
Leadership and Team Development- Provide visionary leadership to a diverse team of managers, supervisors, and associates, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and engagement.
- Develop and implement performance expectations for team members at all levels. Provide consistent feedback, coaching, and mentoring to support professional growth and operational success.
- Build a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages innovation, proactive problem-solving, and shared responsibility for meeting performance goals.
- Lead recruitment efforts, ensuring the hiring of top talent and managing the onboarding process to integrate new hires into the team effectively.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and establish clear, measurable goals tied to individual and team success. Address performance challenges promptly and provide solutions-oriented coaching.
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement by empowering team members to identify inefficiencies, propose solutions, and take ownership of process enhancements.
Operations and Technology Integration- Develop and implement distribution plans tailored to the unique requirements of eCommerce and direct-to-consumer fulfillment, focusing on meeting customer expectations for speed, accuracy, and reliability.
- Leverage advanced technologies, including Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), warehouse management systems (WMS), and robotic process automation (RPA), to optimize workflows and improve operational efficiency.
- Initiate and oversee major projects such as facility layout changes, capital equipment installation, and technology deployments, ensuring alignment with budgetary goals and operational needs.
Strategic and Financial Oversight- Drive the development of long- and short-term distribution strategies that align operational activities with overall business objectives, focusing on scalability, efficiency, and profitability.
- Use data analytics and business intelligence tools to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), identify opportunities for cost reduction, and improve service levels.
- Manage departmental budgets and conduct financial analyses, ensuring all operations remain within budget while achieving desired outcomes.
Performance Culture and Continuous Improvement- Establish a performance-driven culture by implementing standardized operating procedures (SOPs) and key benchmarks for operational excellence.
- Encourage team members to take ownership of their roles, fostering a proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
- Regularly review team performance metrics, celebrating successes and identifying areas for improvement. Lead initiatives to address gaps and enhance overall productivity and morale.
Collaboration and Communication- Act as a key liaison between operational teams and executive leadership, ensuring alignment between distribution strategies, business goals, and customer demands.
- Communicate effectively with cross-functional teams, including IT, marketing, and customer service, to ensure seamless coordination of eCommerce and direct fulfillment activities.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESAn individual qualified for this job must be able to:
- Demonstrate expertise in eCommerce fulfillment, direct-to-consumer distribution, and omnichannel logistics.
- Lead and inspire teams of all sizes to achieve operational excellence, fostering a high-performance culture and promoting professional development.
- Apply advanced technologies, including AMRs, AGVs, and automation software, to enhance operational efficiency.
- Utilize strong business and financial acumen to manage budgets, analyze financial performance, and align decisions with organizational goals.
- Solve complex problems using data analytics, predictive modeling, and innovative thinking.
- Communicate effectively across all levels of the organization, from executives to frontline employees, ensuring clear understanding and alignment of objectives.
MINIMUM EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, AND CERTIFICATIONSAn individual qualified for this job must have and maintain the following qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in logistics, supply chain management, robotics, business administration, or a related discipline; or a satisfactory combination of education and experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
- At least 15 years of experience in operations management, with proven expertise in leading high-performing teams, managing eCommerce and direct fulfillment operations, and deploying advanced technologies.
- Hands-on experience with warehouse management systems (WMS), robotic process automation (RPA), and AI-driven tools for eCommerce fulfillment.
- Strong financial and analytical skills, including experience with cost optimization, budget management, and performance metrics.
- Proficiency in ERP, WMS, and business intelligence platforms, with the successful completion of training on company-specific systems.
