You will lead 1st shift inbound operations (receiving, put-away/stocking, cycle counting, and crating) with a Lean mindset. Drives standard work, visual controls, and rapid problem solving to achieve safety, quality, inventory and on-time delivery (OTD) KPIs. Manages a team of colleagues and partners cross-functionally, and promotes a data-driven, continuous improvement culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily Management & Standard Work

• Conduct gemba walks, daily huddles, and enforce standard work; maintain visual controls and tier boards; monitor plan vs. actuals and take real-time corrective actions.

• Inbound Receiving, Put-away & Crating

• Ensure safe, accurate receipts against POs; proper inspection, labeling, batching, and dock-to-stock transfer; implement efficient put-away/slotting (FIFO); oversee crating operations and packaging requirements.

• Lean Process Improvement & Problem Solving

• Lead root-cause analysis (5 Whys, fishbone), PDCA cycles, and Kaizen events; remove bottlenecks, shorten dock-to-stock times, reduce damages, and standardize processes.

• Inventory Control & Cycle Counting

• Own cycle-count program; schedule counts, investigate discrepancies, implement corrective actions; maintain ERP/WMS accuracy and documentation.

• Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Enforce 5S, PPE, forklift safety; lead safety briefings/audits; ensure OSHA compliance and customer-specific quality standards.

• Colleague Leadership & Development

• Hire, onboard, train, coach, and develop receiving clerks, stockers, cycle counters, and crating specialists; staff to workload; manage attendance and performance; conduct reviews.

• Data, Reporting & Accountability

• Monitor and achieve established KPIs; produce concise reports; drive continuous improvement; train teams on changes as needed.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Procurement, Quality, Shipping, and Production to resolve issues, implement process changes, and ensure proper training.
  

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of Receiving, Stocking, Cycle Counting, and Crating teams.

• Oversee safety, performance management, coaching, scheduling; coordinate payroll costs/headcount planning with the Distribution Manager.

Requirements

• Education: Associate/Bachelor’s in Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations Management, or related field preferred. In the absence of a 2-year degree in an appropriate field of study, formal certification a total of eight (8) to ten (10) years of related experience is required.

• Experience: 3–5 years in distribution operations with progressive responsibility; prior supervisory/leadership experience strongly preferred.

• Technical: Proficiency with WMS/ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Manhattan, SAP EWM) and basic data analysis; MS Office (Excel/Outlook/Word).

• Certifications: 49 CFR, IATA & IMDG. (You are required to obtain this certification within the first 90 days if you do not already have it.)
  

Skills & Competencies

• Lean Problem Solving: Root-cause analysis, PDCA, sustainable countermeasures.

• Leadership & Coaching: Talent development, performance management, mentorship.

• Planning & Organization: Workload planning, resource allocation, prioritization.

• Analytical Thinking: Data-driven decisions and data integrity. Communication: Clear, concise cross-functional collaboration; training and change management.

• Safety & Quality Mindset: Commitment to safe operations and high-quality standards.

• Adaptability: Thrives in a fast-paced, evolving distribution environment.

Technology & Tools

• WMS/ERP, barcode/RFID scanning, inventory management software

• Excel and reporting dashboards