NIKE, Inc

Distribution Center Operations Manager

NIKE, Inc • $88K — $105K *
Savannah, GA 31419In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years in operations management within distribution or manufacturing
  • Experience with startup and operational transformation
  • 3PL partnership experience
  • Familiarity with WMS, especially Manhattan WMS
  • Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word
  • Knowledge of Lean or Six Sigma methodologies

Responsibilities

  • Launch and stabilize operations at the Wolf Creek Distribution Center.
  • Collaborate with 3PL and stakeholders to ensure operational readiness.
  • Create and validate standard operating procedures and job instructions.
  • Identify and mitigate risks related to safety and productivity before launch.
  • Coordinate all aspects of operational readiness, including staffing and training.
  • Lead during the operational launch and manage escalations effectively.
  • Drive continuous improvement in operational performance across the facility.

Benefits

  • Inclusive and collaborative company culture.
  • Opportunities for professional development and training.
  • Engagement in continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Exposure to diverse operational processes.
  • Chance to influence and shape the operational strategy.
Full Job Description
Location- Wolf Creek Distribution Center | Atlanta GA

Shift-Multiple Shifts Available

We are looking for an experienced, hands-on Operations Manager to help launch and stabilize the Wolf Creek Distribution Center, a brownfield 3PL operation. You will serve as a key Nike operational leader and partner closely with the 3PL management team to convert facility and process designs into safe, executable, and sustainable daily operations.

You will bring a servant-leadership mindset, strong operational judgment, and the ability to lead through ambiguity and change. You will build trust across Nike, the 3PL provider, and cross-functional partners while creating a positive, inclusive, and accountable culture focused on safety, service, quality, productivity, and financial performance.

Leadership Scope

This role is part of the Wolf Creek DC leadership team and is expected to provide operational coverage aligned with a 24/7, four-shift model. The Operations Manager will lead through a combination of direct operational ownership, cross-functional influence, and partnership with the 3PL provider. Specific workstream, shift, and people-leadership assignments will be based on the final site operating model.

WHAT YOU WILL WORK ON:

Startup Design and Operational Readiness
  • Partner with the 3PL provider, engineering, systems, facilities, transportation, inventory, and other stakeholders to translate detailed designs into executable operating processes.
  • Participate in process-design reviews and validate operational requirements, labor assumptions, throughput, capacity, constraints, and service expectations.
  • Develop and validate Job Instruction Sheets (JIS), standard work, operating procedures, escalation paths, and management routines across receiving, storage, picking, packing, and shipping.
  • Identify safety, quality, service, productivity, and change-management risks before launch, then drive mitigation plans to closure.
  • Coordinate operational readiness activities, including staffing readiness, training validation, floor readiness, cutover planning, contingency planning, and launch criteria.
  • Provide visible leadership during go-live, actively manage operational issues and escalations, and support rapid stabilization through disciplined problem solving and daily performance management.
  • Help establish a scalable four-shift operating model and consistent Nike-to-3PL alignment across a 24/7 operation.


Operational Performance and Continuous Improvement
  • Advise and improve business processes that receive, store, process, and ship product accurately and on time while optimizing operational results.
  • Use data to set SMART goals, analyze performance, identify root causes, and make decisions that improve safety, service, quality, productivity, cost, and customer experience.
  • Lead multiple cross-functional projects using structured project-management, Lean, and problem-solving methods.
  • Simplify work, reduce errors, improve flexibility, and engage employees and partners at all levels in continuous improvement.
  • Develop and manage departmental plans and budgets, monitor performance to plan, and take action to achieve annual operating targets.


WHO YOU WILL WORK :

3PL Partnership and Governance
  • Co-lead day-to-day operational execution with the 3PL management team while maintaining clear accountability for contractual, service, quality, safety, and financial expectations.
  • Define and reinforce roles, decision rights, communication routines, KPI reviews, escalation protocols, and issue-resolution processes between Nike and the 3PL provider.
  • Assess provider performance using objective data, conduct constructive business reviews, and drive corrective actions and continuous improvement where needed.
  • Ensure the 3PL management team provides consistent, high-quality leadership of associates across shifts.


Leadership and Culture
  • Build a winning, inclusive, and collaborative culture grounded in trust, accountability, respect, and shared ownership with the 3PL partner.
  • Lead through influence in a partner-based model, remove obstacles, clarify priorities, and empower teams to deliver consumer- and customer-focused results.
  • Develop strong interdependent relationships across operations, systems, engineering, facilities, transportation, inventory, finance, HR, and other support functions.
  • Contribute to the broader DC leadership team by shaping site goals, sharing feedback, supporting cross-functional priorities, and helping other areas as needed.


WHAT YOU BRING

  • Bachelor's degree or a combination of relevant education, experience, and training.
  • Minimum of 5 years of operations-management experience in a distribution or manufacturing environment. Two additional years of relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
  • Experience supporting startup, facility transition, major implementation, or operational transformation.
  • 3PL experience working in, or leading through, a partner model to execute supply-chain business needs.
  • Solid understanding of automated distribution systems and experience with WMS-enabled operations.
  • Experience with Manhattan WMS, SAP, Microsoft Excel, and Microsoft Word.
  • Working knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous-improvement methods preferred.
  • Demonstrated project-management capability, including the ability to manage multiple interdependent workstreams and priorities simultaneously.
  • Strong analytical, strategic-planning, decision-making, and structured problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent verbal, written, listening, and presentation skills, with the ability to influence and guide partners at multiple organizational levels.
  • Demonstrated ability to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce, build effective teams, and lead with a servant-leadership mindset.
  • Ability to handle confidential matters professionally and operate effectively under business-driven deadlines.
  • Ability to work flexible hours and shifts, including early, late, weekend, or off-shift coverage when required during testing, launch, and stabilization.


How Success Will Be Measured
  • Safe, compliant, and operationally ready processes validated before go-live.
  • Successful completion of UAT and end-to-end operational testing, with material defects and gaps actively managed to closure.
  • Clear, standardized work and training content that supports consistent execution across shifts.
  • Effective Nike and 3PL governance, operating rhythms, escalation paths, and performance accountability.
  • Stable launch and disciplined post-go-live stabilization against agreed safety, service, quality, productivity, and financial objectives.
  • A collaborative, inclusive culture that engages teams in continuous improvement and shared

About NIKE, Inc

Nike is a sporting goods company that designs, develops, and markets footwear, apparel, equipment, and accessory products. The company offers various categories of shoes including running, training, basketball, soccer, sport-inspired urban shoes, and kids' shoes. It also provides shoes for aquatic activities, baseball, football, cheerleading, golf, lacrosse, outdoor activities, skateboarding, tennis, volleyball, walking, wrestling, and various athletic and recreational uses. In addition, the company offers sports-inspired lifestyle apparel, athletic bags, and accessory items. Further, it provides a line of performance equipment including bags, socks, sports balls, eyewear, timepieces, electronic devices, bats, gloves, protective equipment, golf clubs, and various equipment designed for sports activities under the NIKE brand name, as well as markets apparel with licensed college and professional team and league logos. Additionally, it offers licenses to produce and sell NIKE brand swimwear, children's apparel, training equipment, eyewear, electronic devices, and golf accessories. The company also markets its products under the brand names of Converse, Chuck Taylor, All Star, One Star, Umbro, Jack Purcell, Cole Haan, Bragano, and Hurley. It sells its products to retail accounts through stores, independent distributors, and licensees, as well as through its Website, nikestore.com. As of May 31, 2009, Nike, Inc. operated 338 retail stores in the United States and 336 retail stores internationally. The company was founded in 1964 and is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon.

Nike Careers

Join the dynamic world of Nike, Inc., a global leader in sports apparel and innovation, where your career can flourish in an environment that fosters diversity, leadership, and growth. At Nike, we believe in bringing out the best in our team members through continuous professional development and a culture that celebrates creativity and innovation. Work You’ll Do Become a part of Nike’s mission to inspire and innovate towards a better world. Engage in work that intersects with cutting-edge technology, market-leading strategies, and sustainable practices that define the future of the sports industry. Lead with us at the forefront of the global marketplace, where your skills in leadership, teamwork, and innovation can shine. Nike offers a unique position in the industry, combining deep industry expertise with a relentless pursuit of excellence. Collaborate with a diverse team of professionals who are pioneers in their fields. Nike, Inc. employs over 75,000 passionate and talented individuals worldwide, all dedicated to moving the world of sports forward. Introducing Nike’s Professional Growth and Development Opportunities We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where every team member can succeed. Nike offers a variety of job opportunities, from in-store retail positions to corporate roles in design, marketing, and technology. Do Innovative Work Join us and contribute to our mission of bringing inspiration and innovation to every athlete* in the world. (*If you have a body, you are an athlete.) Deliver targeted solutions and drive innovation through your unique perspective and skills. At Nike, Inc., your work directly contributes to our global impact. Be Part of a Great Team Engage in meaningful work that connects with consumers and impacts millions worldwide. Our team benefits from unparalleled capabilities, a commitment to diversity training, and a culture that encourages professional growth and networking. Future-Proof Your Career Advance your career with Nike’s comprehensive benefits and support systems. We provide extensive training, development programs, and leadership courses to help you reach your full potential. Explore Discover how Nike is leading in sustainable innovation and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sports industry. The Nike Employment Experience Our combined efforts in innovation, culture, and leadership make Nike, Inc. not just a place to work, but a place to grow a rewarding career. Clients and employees alike look to Nike for new strategies and impactful solutions in a rapidly evolving industry. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search for open positions that match your skills and interests. We are always on the lookout for curious, driven, creative, and solution-oriented team players. SEARCH NIKE JOBS Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Nike, Inc.
Learn more about NIKE, Inc
Size
73,300 employees
Market Cap
$184.6 billion
Industry
Retail & Consumer Goods
Net Income
$2.8 billion
Founded
1964
5 Year Trend
+6.3%
Revenue
$38.2 billion
NASDAQ
NKE
* Ladders Estimates

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