Manager Distribution Operations

Ahold Delhaize USA

$92K — $138K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3-5 years of leadership experience in distribution or manufacturing
  • High school diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred
  • In-depth knowledge of distribution shipping practices
  • Proven leadership skills to inspire and develop teams
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Experience in labor planning and productivity management
  • Lean mindset with commitment to continuous improvement

Responsibilities

  • Lead daily shipping operations to meet production, quality, and safety standards
  • Coach and develop supervisors and frontline associates
  • Build engaged teams dedicated to delivering high-quality products
  • Identify and eliminate operational waste and inefficiencies
  • Champion Lean principles and drive continuous improvement
  • Foster a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with safety procedures
  • Collaborate across departments to enhance operational performance

Benefits

  • Opportunity to shape work culture and operations
  • Autonomy in problem-solving and decision-making
  • Support for career growth in leadership
  • Impact on customers, associates, and overall business success
Full Job Description
Category/Area of Expertise: Distribution & Transportation Leadership
Job Requisition: 539461
Address: USA-NC-Butner-1703 East D Street
Store Code: DC 09 Dist Genl & Admin (5165447)

Primary Purpose

Step into a high-impact leadership role at the heart of our distribution network. As Manager, Distribution Operations, you will lead day-to-day shipping operations, inspire and develop frontline leaders, and drive performance across your assigned areas. You'll be responsible for ensuring product moves safely, efficiently, and accurately to our retail partners and customers-while building a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

This role offers the opportunity to shape how work gets done on the floor, influence productivity and cost performance, and play a key role in the success of the entire campus. You'll collaborate across Distribution, Transportation, and Inventory Management to solve real operational challenges and deliver results that matter.

What You'll Do & Deliver

Lead Teams & Drive Performance
  • Own end-to-end operations for assigned shipping areas, ensuring production, quality, safety, and service standards are consistently met.
  • Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and frontline associates through performance planning, feedback, and ongoing skill development.
  • Build highly engaged, motivated, and well-aligned teams that take pride in delivering the best possible product to our customers.
  • Serve as a mentor, coach, and trainer for supervisor trainees progressing through the DLOT curriculum.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
  • Plan labor and staffing to match inbound and outbound volume, ensuring optimal coverage and productivity.
  • Aggressively identify and eliminate waste, inefficiencies, and bottlenecks within your operation.
  • Act as a change agent for Lean principles, driving education, adoption, and sustainability across your areas.
  • Target improvement opportunities and lead teams to enhance throughput, quality, safety, and the working environment.
  • Champion a continuous improvement mindset that empowers associates to contribute ideas and innovation.
Safety, Quality & Accountability
  • Foster a safety-first culture that minimizes accidents and injuries while sustaining compliance with all safety procedures.
  • Hold associates accountable to company policies, quality standards, and performance expectations.
  • Support and administer corrective action when needed, ensuring fairness, consistency, and alignment with company values.
  • Ensure accurate and timely flow of inventory into and out of shipping departments.
Planning, Reporting & Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Distribution, Transportation, and Inventory Management to coordinate daily operations and resolve issues that impact service and flow.
  • Strategically plan, develop, and deliver against budget and operational goals, improving productivity while controlling labor costs.
  • Provide accurate reporting, insights, and recommendations to campus leadership.
  • Recommend process and procedure improvements that increase efficiency, productivity, and cost effectiveness.
What We're Looking For

Experience & Education
  • 3-5 years of experience in a leadership role within distribution, manufacturing, or a fast-paced operational environment
  • High school diploma or equivalent (required); college degree or equivalent experience (preferred)
  • Seasoned knowledge of distribution shipping practices
Skills & Qualifications
  • Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop teams
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
  • Effective verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and shift demands in a fast-paced environment
  • Experience with labor planning, productivity management, and performance accountability
  • Lean mindset with a passion for continuous improvement
  • Ability to articulate and align associates with department and business goals
  • Proficiency in recordkeeping, reporting, and basic operational systems
  • Certified on powered industrial equipment where applicable (or ability to obtain)
Work Environment & Requirements
  • Flexible schedule to support assigned duties
  • Ability to work in environments ranging from -5°F to 90+°F, depending on department
  • Ability to read and understand written and numeric product identifiers
  • Physical presence required in a warehouse environment for extended periods
Why This Role Matters

As Manager, Distribution Operations, you won't just run a shift-you'll shape culture, develop future leaders, and drive measurable performance improvements. You'll have the autonomy to solve problems, the support to grow your leadership career, and the opportunity to make a daily impact on customers, associates, and the business.

Salary:
  • $92,640-138,960, depending on experience

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