Distribution Operations Manager

Location: Columbiana, OH (on-site)

Pay: $120,000-$135,000 (Compensation can vary depending on experience)

Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, 401K, PTO

General Overview

For over 50 years, our organization has served as a premier single-source distributor supporting retailers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. As we continue to grow rapidly, we are seeking an experienced and passionate warehouse distribution and transportation professional. This senior management role requires a leader who can motivate teams with accountability, integrity, and innovation.

The position is responsible for the safety, productivity, and efficiency of all union employees (3 shifts) and non-union supervisors. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 10 years of experience in warehouse management, equipment repair, and vehicle maintenance. This role will also partner with cross-functional teams, including Inventory Management, Sales, Finance, and Purchasing, to deliver best-in-class service to over 1,200 convenience store and drug chain customers.

Responsibilities

• Drive process improvements and cost-reduction initiatives in support of organizational growth and new business opportunities.
• Optimize distribution center performance by implementing new systems and enhancing standard procedures to improve customer service, safety, efficiency, accuracy, and product integrity.
• Partner and communicate promptly with HR regarding employee policy violations to ensure safety and reduce organizational risk.
• Collaborate with HR to recruit, hire, and train new associates; mentor team members and support their ongoing development by providing tools for individual and team success.
• Work with Purchasing and Inventory Management to develop operational best practices and system improvements through workflow analysis, space planning, and equipment layout.
• Determine product handling and storage requirements; develop, implement, enforce, and evaluate policies and procedures for receiving, equipment utilization, inventory management, and shipping.
• Lead warehouse and driver meetings; conduct daily and weekly update meetings with supervisors, leads, and internal teams.
• Partner with HR to develop job descriptions and annual review forms for union and non-union supervisors.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and legal counsel to develop and negotiate the collective bargaining agreement (CBA).
  
  

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in warehouse management, equipment repair, and vehicle maintenance.
• Exceptional leadership skills with a proven ability to build strong teams and a collaborative culture.
• 5–7 years of experience in distribution management working directly with union employees.
• Proficiency in MS Office 365 required; experience with AS400 and ProCat Distribution & Logistics systems is a plus.
• Experience with food service product handling preferred.
• Working knowledge of OSHA, EEOC, and other regulatory requirements.
• Strong organizational, time management, customer service, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
  
  

Reporting Structure

This position reports directly to the President.