What are the responsibilities and job description for the Distribution Center - Inbound Manager 1st Shift position at Books A Million?
Company Description
Books-A-Million, Inc. is the second-largest book retailer in the United States, with more than 200 stores across 32 states and an established e-commerce presence at BooksAMillion.com. The company also operates 2nd & Charles, a new and used bookstore known for its pop-culture focus and buy, sell, and trade model, with over 40 locations in 18 states. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Books-A-Million began in Florence, Alabama, in 1917 and has grown into a nationally recognized retail brand with more than a century of history. The company continues to expand its retail footprint across both brands through ongoing store growth initiatives.
American Wholesale Book Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Books-A-Million, supports all Books-A-Million brands through its enterprise distribution and supply chain operation. Located in Florence, Alabama, American Wholesale Book Company is responsible for end-to-end fulfillment and distribution for Books-A-Million’s retail and e-commerce channels. As part of its continued growth and modernization, the company is enhancing its warehouse management systems and evaluating additional automation initiatives to improve efficiency, scalability, and service levels. This Manager of Inbound Operations position is based at the American Wholesale Book Company distribution center in Florence, supporting retail and e-commerce operations.
Job Description
As a manager in Inbound operations, leaders will influence their team through a strong emphasis on safety, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, accountability, and results by creating a positive work environment and providing real-time observations and specific, constructive feedback. Leaders will also ensure operational plans are executed and budgeted goals are achieved. The Inbound operations manager has a sound grasp of all distribution center operations by proactively building a sound understanding of the roles, processes, and challenges of all other DC functional areas. The Inbound operations Manager demonstrates behavior that supports AWBC’s core values. The Inbound operations Manager reports directly to the Senior Manager of Inbound Operations.
Roles And Responsibilities
Books-A-Million, Inc. is the second-largest book retailer in the United States, with more than 200 stores across 32 states and an established e-commerce presence at BooksAMillion.com. The company also operates 2nd & Charles, a new and used bookstore known for its pop-culture focus and buy, sell, and trade model, with over 40 locations in 18 states. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, Books-A-Million began in Florence, Alabama, in 1917 and has grown into a nationally recognized retail brand with more than a century of history. The company continues to expand its retail footprint across both brands through ongoing store growth initiatives.
American Wholesale Book Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of Books-A-Million, supports all Books-A-Million brands through its enterprise distribution and supply chain operation. Located in Florence, Alabama, American Wholesale Book Company is responsible for end-to-end fulfillment and distribution for Books-A-Million’s retail and e-commerce channels. As part of its continued growth and modernization, the company is enhancing its warehouse management systems and evaluating additional automation initiatives to improve efficiency, scalability, and service levels. This Manager of Inbound Operations position is based at the American Wholesale Book Company distribution center in Florence, supporting retail and e-commerce operations.
Job Description
As a manager in Inbound operations, leaders will influence their team through a strong emphasis on safety, leadership, problem-solving, teamwork, accountability, and results by creating a positive work environment and providing real-time observations and specific, constructive feedback. Leaders will also ensure operational plans are executed and budgeted goals are achieved. The Inbound operations manager has a sound grasp of all distribution center operations by proactively building a sound understanding of the roles, processes, and challenges of all other DC functional areas. The Inbound operations Manager demonstrates behavior that supports AWBC’s core values. The Inbound operations Manager reports directly to the Senior Manager of Inbound Operations.
Roles And Responsibilities
- Managing and meeting departmental goals
- Leading up to 45 direct reports
- Training and mentoring associates
- Ensure accurate and timely delivery of daily productivity metrics to support operational reporting
- Maintain accurate labor reporting through daily review and approval of employee timekeeping records
- Participating in required daily, weekly, and monthly meetings
- Participate in interviews and selection of qualified hourly associates
- Lead associates to achieve departmental performance goals
- Performing other duties as assigned
- Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred; equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience will be considered
- Strong analytical and organizational skills with the ability to prioritize effectively
- Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, develop, and coach a diverse workforce ranging from highly tenured to newly hired associates
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively across all experience levels and with internal and external stakeholders
- Strategic thinker with strong planning skills and the ability to lead and manage change in a dynamic environment
- Demonstrated ability to quickly adapt to new systems, processes, and operational changes
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)
- Ability to work in a fast-paced distribution center environment with frequent walking, standing, and occasional sitting
- Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation
- Ability to climb stairs, bend, stoop, kneel, and reach as required to support operational activities
- Ability to work extended hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as business needs dictate
- Ability to work in environments with varying temperatures, including hot and cold conditions
- Ability to safely work around powered industrial equipment (e.g., forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyors)
- Ability to visually monitor operations and read screens, reports, and safety signage
- Ability to communicate effectively in a noisy distribution center environment
- Exposure to moving machinery, dust, and typical distribution center conditions
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan with company match
- Generous paid time off, including vacation and holidays
- BAM discounts, pet insurance, and access to the Associate Assistance Fund
- Free counseling sessions covering mental health, financial, legal, and other personal needs