The Director of Operations is responsible for leading and optimizing all fulfillment center operations across multiple warehouse locations. This role oversees warehouse operations, inventory management, shipping, receiving, staffing, safety, productivity, quality, and customer fulfillment performance, providing strategic leadership to ensure operational excellence, customer satisfaction, profitability, and scalable growth.

This position plays a critical leadership role in ensuring operational efficiency, food safety compliance, and scalable growth within a fast-paced fulfillment and distribution environment. We are a hands-on leadership team - this role is as much on the floor as it is in the office, and the right candidate leads by example, not from behind a desk.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Lead day-to-day warehouse and fulfillment operations across multiple facilities in a fast-paced environment
• Develop and execute operational strategies to improve productivity, efficiency, and service levels
• Ensure all customer orders are fulfilled accurately and on time
• Monitor workflow, labor utilization, staffing levels, and operational capacity planning
• Find, review, and implement automation and process improvements to drive efficiency
• Partner with HR, safety, inventory, transportation, maintenance, and senior leadership

Performance & KPI Management

• Establish, monitor, and analyze operational KPIs including order accuracy, on-time shipment performance, inventory accuracy, labor productivity, overtime utilization, OSHA/safety metrics, temp labor usage, turnover rates, and client service levels
• Develop corrective action plans and lead continuous improvement projects

Leadership & Employee Development

• Lead, coach, and develop warehouse managers, supervisors, inventory teams, and operational staff
• Conduct performance reviews and succession planning
• Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, safety, and continuous improvement
• Support recruiting, onboarding, retention, and workforce planning strategies

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, GMP, food safety, sanitation, and company safety standards
• Maintain food-grade storage and handling standards where applicable, including SQF certifications
• Promote a strong safety culture focused on preventing injuries and unsafe behaviors
• Oversee incident investigations, corrective actions, and safety accountability measures

Inventory & Fulfillment Management

• Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counts, audits, and accurate control processes
• Oversee receiving, storage, picking, packing, shipping, and returns processes
• Monitor freezer/cooler operations and product storage compliance
• Optimize warehouse layout, storage utilization, and workflow efficiency via WMS

Client & Customer Experience

• Maintain high service levels and customer satisfaction
• Partner with customers to meet service expectations and resolve escalated fulfillment issues
• Support onboarding and implementation of new clients and operational transitions

Financial & Strategic Responsibilities

• Manage operational budgets, labor costs, and expense controls
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and operational efficiencies
• Support forecasting, staffing plans, capital expenditures, and growth planning
• Assist with strategic planning for warehouse expansion and operational scalability

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Supply Chain, Business, or related field preferred
• 7+ years of leadership experience in warehouse, fulfillment, distribution, or supply chain operations
• Multi-site management experience preferred
• Experience in food distribution, cold storage, or e-commerce fulfillment strongly preferred
• Strong knowledge of OSHA, food safety, GMP, and warehouse compliance standards
• Experience managing KPIs, labor planning, and process improvement initiatives
• Proficiency with WMS systems, Microsoft Office, and operational reporting tools
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

Preferred Skills

• Lean Manufacturing or Continuous Improvement experience
• Experience working with temp staffing agencies
• Bilingual Spanish preferred but not required

Physical & Work Environment

• Combination of office and warehouse environment, including freezer and cooler conditions
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds
• Ability to travel between warehouse locations as needed

Additional Expectations

This is a working leadership role. Our leadership team is present, engaged, and active on the floor - not managing from a distance. The Director of Operations is expected to be visible, accessible, and willing to roll up their sleeves alongside the team when the operation demands it.

Employees may be assigned to receiving, inventory, picking, packing, shipping, quality, sanitation, freezer/cooler operations, or other warehouse functions as needed to meet operational requirements. Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned, including work outside the primary scope of the position, to support business operations and customer requirements.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary and commensurate with experience
• We believe in taking care of our employees both professionally and personally. Our competitive benefits package includes comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, HSA/FSA options, Life and Disability Insurance, a 401(k) retirement plan, and additional programs designed to support your health, financial security, and overall well-being. Plus, we're always looking for new ways to invest in our team
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• A dynamic and supportive work environment focused on innovation and improvement