POSITION SUMMARY

The Manager Trainee works closely with the Manager / Assistant Manager to oversee various segments of inbound, inventory, safety and outbound operations, including receiving, picking, packing, consolidating, shipping, inventory control, returns and safety/maintenance. This role is challenged to develop new tools and resources that increase productivity and support the growth of our business. This position will build and maintain extensive knowledge of the various procedures and operations protocols while developing and implementing improvements that increase efficiencies and customer satisfaction. The Manager Trainee supports training needs in relevant areas and maintains a high level of proficiency among current employees.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Candidate will rotate through all departments and shifts to learn all aspects of distribution center operations.

• Support the management of day-to-day decisions regarding the input, movement, process, and output of operations to ensure increased quality, inventory accuracy and service.
• Monitor daily, weekly, and monthly metrics for assigned departments; identify and resolve operating issues as needed, including support of corrective actions and progressive discipline process.
• Provide clear and frequent communication to all teams regarding department productivity, Company policies and procedures.
• Actively engage in “MBWA” or managing by walking around and serve as a role model of Company culture.
• Support staffing needs for assigned departments to ensure operating metrics are met consistently; may include the coordination of shift change bids and related programs.
• Interact with employees regularly to promote a high level of engagement and ensure all safety regulations / rules are followed.
• Participate in weekly and monthly manager meetings to share information including metrics review, areas of improvement, employee relations issues, and updates on quarterly initiatives and related projects.
• Maintain a high level of operating knowledge and positive employee relations by working at minimum one day each month with each department and/or shift.
• Analyze opportunities for improvement including productivity growth, cost reduction, damage mitigation, and increased process efficiency.
• Serve as a back-up when a department line manager is absent.
• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in operations management
• Associate degree in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Experience working in a distribution environment preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Proficiency with MS Office required (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills required.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to explain technical and complex concepts in a simple and concise way to ensure ease of understanding.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to quickly adapt as business needs change; ability to address difficult situations with diplomacy and emotional intelligence.
• Customer service-oriented attitude with a demonstrated desire to exceed expectations.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is performed while standing and/or walking, up to and including 12 hours/day
• Requires the ability to communicate effectively using speech, vision, and hearing
• Requires the regular use of hands for simple grasping and fine manipulations
• Requires regular bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, and reaching
• Requires the ability to regularly lift / carry 50-75lbs. and push / pull up to 150lbs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and vehicles. Occasional activities may involve exposure to marked changes in temperature and humidity, and exposure to dust, fumes and gases. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The passage of employees through the work area is average and normal.