What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Manager position at Empire Abrasives?
Location: Islandia, NY (On-site)
Compensation: $75,000–$90,000 base performance bonus
Schedule: Full-Time | Monday–Friday
JK Tools is a fast-growing, founder-led industrial supply company and the force behind trusted brands like Empire Abrasives. We serve tradespeople, manufacturers, and small businesses across the country with reliable abrasives, tools, and industrial essentials — delivered fast, supported well, and always built for the job.
We’re expanding quickly and building with purpose.
Our Vision:
In the next 10 years, JK Tools will own the largest catalog of industrial supply brands built specifically for small businesses in America.
To get there, we’re building the right team — and right now, we’re hiring an Operations Manager to help us deliver a best-in-class customer experience and support the growth of our internal operations.
We’re looking for a sharp, driven Operations Manager who’s ready to take full ownership of everything that happens after the order is placed. If you're someone who sees inefficiencies and fixes them, can build and lead a team, and knows how to scale a lean warehouse operation with discipline and grit — this might be your role.
This isn’t just about managing the day-to-day. You’ll create policies, build systems, hold people accountable, and drive measurable results. You’ll set KPIs and own them — not just for the warehouse, but for the entire post-purchase experience including inventory, supply chain, purchasing, shipping, and the physical facility. You’ll also be responsible for managing your department’s budget and keeping costs in check.
You’ll work cross-functionally with product development, sales, customer service, and finance — bringing operational clarity to company-wide decisions and helping us scale smart. That includes optimizing shipping and freight strategies, managing supplier performance, improving purchasing flow, and making sure we’re always ready for the next stage of growth.
We’re growing fast and expect to outgrow our current space soon. You’ll be responsible for evaluating our footprint needs and leading the planning and execution of a facility move when the time comes.
- Fulfillment & Shipping – Overseeing daily pick/pack/ship, managing outbound carriers (small parcel and LTL), and ensuring fast and accurate order flow. Handle Amazon FBA replenishment and transition to LTL.
- Receiving & Inventory – Coordinating inbound shipments, maintaining inventory accuracy, and making sure we’re stocked without overbuying
- Purchasing & Supply Chain Support – Partnering with leadership to oversee inventory needs, purchase orders, drive supplier compliance and performance
- Warehouse Operations – Keeping a lean operation running efficiently, implementing systems, and making improvements that stick
- People Management – Hiring, training, and leading a reliable team with strong expectations and accountability. Drive team performance, morale, and retention.
- Facilities & Safety – Ensuring the warehouse and office space is organized, functional, safe, secure and compliant
- Cost & Vendor Management – Managing vendor relationships, reducing freight and material costs, and keeping your department under budget
- Cross-Functional Leadership – Collaborating with other departments to align operations with business goals and help lead strategic projects
- Facility Planning – Owning the logistics of a potential facility move — including planning, layout, and execution
- Has 5 years of experience in warehouse, fulfillment, or operations leadership roles
- Has a strong understanding of inventory flow, shipping logistics, and warehouse management systems
- Is process-minded and loves building efficient, scalable systems
- Is confident managing budgets, vendors, and internal KPIs
- Leads with ownership, sets high standards, and holds teams accountable
- Communicates well and works cross-functionally to solve problems
- Bonus: You’ve led a warehouse move, worked in a high-SKU environment, or built SOPs from scratch
- Competitive base salary performance bonus
- Health insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off and holidays
- A tight-knit team with a no-BS culture built on trust
- Own It – We take responsibility and follow through
- Growth Mindset – We stay curious and push to improve
- Problem Solver – We bring clarity and move things forward
- No Jerks – We work with respect and integrity
- Empire Abrasives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We’re committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment for all team members. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status.