Director of Warehouse Development and Automation

Role will be located in Buena Park, CA

Our Client is building a state-of-the-art, 250,000 sq. ft. automated fulfillment and distribution facility designed to set new standards in speed, efficiency, and technology integration. 

We are seeking a hands-on warehouse leader with deep expertise in designing, building, and running world-class distribution centers—someone who has previously launched or managed advanced operations at companies like Amazon, Ship Bob, or Flex port. 

The ideal candidate will lead this project from the ground up — overseeing layout design, automation planning, WMS and ERP integration, staffing, and operational readiness. This is a rare opportunity to create a showcase facility that becomes a benchmark for modern fulfillment excellence. 

Key Responsibilities 

Warehouse Setup & Facility Buildout 

• Lead full greenfield warehouse setup — from site layout, racking, conveyors, robotics, and automation planning to facility commissioning. 
• Design workflows for maximum efficiency, speed, and scalability while ensuring safety and compliance. 
• Collaborate with architects, automation vendors, and general contractors to optimize space utilization and throughput capacity. 
• Develop project timeline, budget, and milestones; ensure on-time delivery and adherence to all operational readiness KPIs. 
• Oversee procurement and installation of MHE (Material Handling Equipment), robotics, AS/RS systems, and smart inventory tracking tools. 

Technology & Systems Integration 

• Oversee the design and implementation of advanced Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), integrated with ERP (e.g., NetSuite, SAP, Oracle, Manhattan). 
• Lead automation roadmap — including barcode/RFID systems, conveyor logic, robotic picking, and AI-driven inventory management. 
• Evaluate and integrate IoT sensors, dashboards, and predictive analytics for real-time operational visibility. 
• Coordinate with IT to ensure seamless system connectivity across platforms (ERP, WMS, TMS, EDI). 

Operations Leadership 

• Build, hire, and train a high-performing operations team across inbound, picking, packing, shipping, and returns. 
• Establish KPIs and SOPs for efficiency, safety, and accuracy. 
• Create a continuous-improvement culture using Lean/Six Sigma principles. 
• Oversee daily warehouse operations post-launch, ensuring best-in-class order fulfillment and inventory accuracy. 

Vendor & Stakeholder Management 

• Partner with automation and WMS solution providers, 3PLs, and logistics vendors for technology and process alignment. 
• Liaise with internal cross-functional teams — Supply Chain, IT, Finance, and Executive Leadership — to deliver on business objectives. 
• Negotiate contracts and oversee vendor performance to ensure high ROI and on-budget project delivery. 

Qualifications & Experience: 

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in supply chain, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, or a related field (Master’s preferred). 
• 10 years of progressive warehouse management experience in large-scale or automated facilities (>200,000 sq. ft.). 
• Proven record of building new facilities from ground up (greenfield projects preferred). 
• Strong background in WMS selection, configuration, and implementation. 
• Familiarity with robotics, conveyor systems, AS/RS, and IoT-enabled warehouses. 
• Demonstrated success managing large teams (30-50 associates) across multiple shifts. 
• Certifications: Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or APICS certification preferred. 

Key Competencies 

• Strategic Planning & Execution 
• WMS / ERP / Automation Integration 
• Warehouse Design & Layout Optimization 
• Leadership & Team Building 
• Process Engineering & Continuous Improvement 
• Safety, Quality & Compliance Management 
• Vendor & Contractor Coordination 
• Budget & Timeline Management 

Performance Metrics 

• Successful completion of warehouse setup within budget and schedule 
• Full operational readiness and WMS go-live 
• Automation uptime and order throughput rates 
• Inventory accuracy (target 99.9% ) 
• Labor productivity and cost optimization 
• Safety performance and zero-incident culture