General Manager - Distribution Operations
Salary: $110,000-$130,000 + Bonus EligiblePosition SummaryE.A. Sween is seeking a General Manager to lead all aspects of a distribution center operation, including warehousing, transportation, customer relationships, financial performance, food safety, and employee development.
This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, achieving financial goals, developing high-performing teams, and ensuring exceptional service to customers. The General Manager serves as the senior site leader and plays a critical role in executing company strategy while building a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Key ResponsibilitiesOperations Leadership- Lead all distribution center and transportation operations.
- Ensure achievement of key performance indicators including service, quality, safety, delivery performance, inventory accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
- Oversee fleet operations, warehouse processes, and cold-chain management.
- Drive operational improvements through process optimization, automation, and technology integration.
- Partner with Engineering, Operations, and Support Teams to implement innovative solutions.
- Maintain compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
Financial Management- Develop and manage annual operating and labor budgets.
- Deliver site performance against financial objectives.
- Identify opportunities to improve productivity and reduce costs.
- Manage capital expenditures and maximize return on investments.
Customer & Business Partnerships- Build and maintain strong customer relationships.
- Serve as the primary operational contact for customers, suppliers, and vendor partners.
- Identify and execute supply chain improvements that benefit both customers and E.A. Sween.
- Collaborate with customers to implement operational changes and business initiatives.
Team Leadership & Development- Lead, coach, and develop managers and frontline leaders.
- Partner with Human Resources to attract, retain, and develop talent.
- Create succession plans and support leadership development programs.
- Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
- Provide clear communication and alignment with company goals and strategic initiatives.
Continuous Improvement- Champion Lean and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Utilize data and performance metrics to drive decision-making.
- Lead cross-functional projects that improve operational efficiency and employee experience.
- Support organizational growth and transformation initiatives.
Safety, Quality & Compliance- Lead a culture focused on employee safety and regulatory compliance.
- Ensure compliance with HACCP, FSMA, DOT, and company quality standards.
- Maintain audit readiness and support successful customer and regulatory inspections.
- Act as a site leader for emergency response and after-hours facility support.
QualificationsRequired- Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in distribution, logistics, supply chain, manufacturing, or transportation operations.
- Experience managing large teams through multiple levels of leadership.
- Strong financial and operational management experience.
- Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement initiatives.
- Experience managing KPIs and operational performance metrics.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
Preferred- Lean Six Sigma certification.
- CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution) certification.
- Experience managing delivery fleets.
- Experience with automated warehouse systems and material handling equipment.
- ERP, WMS, and inventory management system experience.
- Bilingual skills are a plus.
Physical & Work Environment Requirements- Primarily office-based with regular time spent in warehouse and operational environments.
- Ability to lift up to 25 pounds regularly and up to 30 pounds occasionally.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, reach, push, and pull as needed.
- Must be available to support a 24/7 operation, including occasional nights and weekends.
- Ability to travel up to 25%.
What Makes Someone Successful at E.A. Sween- Values people and builds strong teams.
- Leads with safety as a top priority.
- Drives results through accountability and collaboration.
- Embraces change and continuous improvement.
- Makes thoughtful, data-driven decisions.
- Communicates openly and respectfully.
- Delivers exceptional service to customers and employees.
- Creates a positive and engaging work environment.
BenefitsE.A. Sween offers a competitive compensation package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), paid time off, career development opportunities, and a collaborative culture focused on employee growth and success.
