Full Job Description
The Distribution Manager of Planning & Fulfillment will play a critical role in executing strategic distribution initiatives that support the transformation of the distribution network into a balanced, cost-effective, and high-performing operation. This position will also provide operational leadership for the West Jefferson distribution centers as well as supporting the Springwell operation and 3PL centers where applicable, ensuring consistent execution and high service levels. The role will lead complex, cross-functional, and enterprise-wide initiatives focused on driving efficiency in both distribution and inventory management. As a hands-on leader, the Manager will leverage end-to-end supply chain expertise, advanced analytics, and best practices in change and transition management to achieve business objectives. A strong emphasis will be placed on enhancing customer service and the overall customer experience.
POSITION LOCATION: Deerfield, IL
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Distribution & 3PL Leadership
- Lead operational performance of Geodis West Jefferson Retail 3PL and support the Springwell operation.
- Serve as subject matter expert to manage financial performance, reduce discrepancies, strengthen customer satisfaction, and identify best-in-class opportunities.
- Drive continuous improvement across all distribution channels.
- Oversee material flow from manufacturing/suppliers through distribution centers to end customers.
- Own key metrics including accuracy, on time fulfillment, cost, and inventory control.
- Lead daily, monthly, and quarterly business reviews with partners.
- Conduct quarterly audits to ensure compliance and improvement.
- Ensure safety and service execution align with FBIN standards.
- Foster a positive and collaborative work atmosphere.
- Address inventory risks including obsolete, excess, damaged, or mislabeled materials.
- Support new product launches, productivity initiatives, and product transitions.
- Maintain customer requirements, documentation, and system records.
- Resolve SAP master-data issues (weights, dimensions, routing, cubing).
• Strategic Planning & Network Optimization
- Support senior-leadership strategic and operational plan development.
- Identify operational efficiencies through supply-chain insights.
- Deep dive service-related issues and drive DC performance across the network
- Enhance Customer Buying Agreement processes and support customer service excellence.
- Collaborate across supply chains, suppliers, and customers to drive solutions.
- Lead change-management activities by assessing impacts and driving execution.
- Manage performance dashboards including DC Daily, REVREC, and Quarter-End Ship Down.
- Deliver training on new systems, TMS, routing tools, and vendor portals.
- Develop strong, forward-thinking leaders across operations.
- Maintain OS&D Receiving Site standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Engineering or a related discipline is required. An advanced degree is desirable.
- Minimum of 10 years of relevant supply chain/manufacturing experience in roles of increasing responsibility inclusive of a minimum of 5 years of experience leading large scale, highly complex cross-functional strategic initiatives following a formal project management methodology (including tools and techniques) and/or Six Sigma DMAIC discipline is required.
- Experience in supply chain end-to-end processes including demand planning, supply planning, scheduling, capacity management, and/or logistics is required. A minimum of 3 years in a lead role is preferred.
- Experience operating in an ERP environment (SAP preferred) is preferred.
- Supply Chain and Six Sigma expertise gained through training, certification, and/or industry associations is preferred (e.g., APICS, Six Sigma, Lean Six Sigma, PMP).
- Skillful in building valued partnerships with stakeholders, communicating and influencing effectively across all levels of an organization, leading change, collaborating and working cross-functionally, facilitating workshops, applying emotional intelligence, and employing analytics.
- Ability to travel up to 25%.
Additional Information
Fortune Brands believes in fair and equitable pay. A reasonable estimate of the base salary range for this role is Hiring Pay Range: $90,000 USD - $143,000 USD. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location. In addition to base salary, employees will participate in either an annual bonus plan based on company and individual performance, or a role-based sales incentive plan.
At Fortune Brands, we support the overall health and wellness of our associates by offering comprehensive, competitive benefits that prioritize all aspects of wellbeing and provide flexibility for our teammates' unique needs. This includes robust health plans, a market-leading 401(k) program with a company contribution, product discounts, flexible time off benefits, adoption benefits, and more. We offer numerous ERGs (Employee Resource Groups) to foster a sense of belonging for all associates.
