Director of Operations

Position Summary: 

We are seeking a high-impact, execution-driven Director of Operations to lead and transform Ethnix Group’s warehouse, logistics, fulfillment, and 3PL operations across all business units and locations. This role will own the company’s operational infrastructure, driving efficiency, scalability, and service excellence while building the systems and processes required to support Ethnix’s growth as a full-service distribution, 3PL, and ecommerce fulfillment partner.

The Director of Operations will oversee warehouse management, transportation, route optimization, inventory control, technology implementation, and fulfillment operations. This leader will be responsible for shaping, building, and standardizing every aspect of Ethnix’s operational backbone, ensuring the company can seamlessly onboard new brands and customers, fulfill orders ranging from full truckload (FTL) pickups/deliveries to unit-level retail/ecommerce shipments, and deliver a best-in-class experience that drives customer retention and revenue growth.

 Essential Duties and Responsibilities. Other duties may be assigned. 

• Own and lead the full scope of Ethnix Group’s operations, including warehouse management, transportation, logistics, inventory control, 3PL services, and ecommerce fulfillment across all locations and business units.
• Design, build, and implement scalable operational systems and SOPs that position Ethnix as a premier distribution and fulfillment partner for current and future customers.
• Develop and execute the company’s 3PL services strategy, including warehousing, pick-and-pack, order fulfillment (FTL, case-level, and unit-level ecommerce), storage, and value-added services for external brands and customers.
• Lead route optimization initiatives to maximize fleet utilization, reduce cost per delivery, improve on-time delivery rates, and support expansion into new territories.
• Drive technology implementation across operations, including WMS (Warehouse Management System) upgrades, TMS (Transportation Management System) deployment, barcode/scanning infrastructure, and ecommerce integration platforms.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs including perfect order rate, picking accuracy, on-time delivery, dock door utilization, space utilization, warehouse productivity, receiving cycle time, fleet asset utilization, and cost-to-serve metrics.
• Build and lead the operational onboarding process for new brands and customers, ensuring seamless integration of storage, inventory management, order fulfillment, and shipping logistics.
• Manage and optimize all warehouse operations including receiving, put-away, storage, picking, packing, shipping, and cross-dock activities across temperature-controlled and ambient environments.
• Oversee the transportation department, including fleet management, driver operations, delivery scheduling, DOT compliance, and carrier relationship management.
• Partner cross-functionally with Commercial, Finance, HR, IT, and Customer Success teams to ensure operational plans are aligned with commercial goals and fully resourced.
• Lead, coach, and develop the operations leadership team including Warehouse Managers, Transportation Supervisors, Inventory Coordinators, and Fulfillment Leads while building a strong internal talent pipeline.
• Develop and manage operational budgets, capital expenditure plans, and cost optimization initiatives with full ownership of operational P&L performance.
• Ensure full compliance with OSHA, DOT, FDA, food safety (SQF/GMP), and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations across all facilities and transportation operations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using industry methodologies to eliminate waste, reduce errors, and increase throughput.
• Own operational reporting and analytics, providing clear visibility on performance, trends, capacity planning, and strategic recommendations to the CEO and leadership team.
• Evaluate, negotiate, and manage relationships with third-party carriers, equipment vendors, technology providers, and service partners.
• Lead facility planning and expansion efforts, including layout optimization, capacity modeling, and capital investment recommendations to support growth.
• Must be able to meet predictable attendance and punctuality expectations and physical demands of the position complying with Ethnix Group’s policies and performance expectations.

Organizational Responsibilities:

Follows established policies and procedures by monitoring and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and operational processes related to area(s) of responsibility and reporting violations or infractions to appropriate individual(s).

Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Company, warehouse, and departmental policies, procedures, and standards by immediately reporting any mechanical or electrical equipment malfunctions, employee/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to appropriate individual(s).

Identifies areas for improvement and offers suggestions to improve the site's efficiency, profitability, and productivity.

Keeps abreast of current changes in technology, logistics tools, processes, and standards within the industry and area(s) of responsibility by attending internal and external training programs and by accessing other sources of information, and applies knowledge and practices to area(s) of responsibility.

Work Hours (may vary by state or location):

This position is full time exempt. Hours of operation vary by site and shift. Must be available to work on weekends when scheduled and must be able to perform the essential job functions unaccompanied.

Language Ability: 

Demonstrated ability to read, write, and communicate effectively to comprehend and complete documents, and answer questions in English. Ability to write routine reports, SOPs, and correspondence as needed. Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. 

Math Ability: 

Demonstrated mathematical skills necessary to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers, decimals, and fractions, and calculate percentages. Ability to interpret operational data, cost analyses, and financial reports.

Reasoning Ability: 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to assess client needs and offer appropriate logistics solutions. 

• Capacity to adapt to shifting priorities and work independently. 

Computer Skills: 

• Proficient in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as HighJump - Korber
• Experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and route optimization tools (SAMSARA)
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills including pivot tables, dashboards, and operational reporting
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP)
• Familiarity with ecommerce fulfillment platforms and integration tools (Shopify, ShipStation, or similar)
• Comfortable using Microsoft 365, Outlook, and Teams for cross-department communication
• Able to build executive presentations (PowerPoint or similar) for operational reviews

Certificates and Licenses: 

• Current valid driver’s license is required. 
• Forklift certification preferred.
• OSHA 30-Hour certification preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

This job has significant supervisory responsibilities. The Director of Operations will directly manage the Operations and Logistics department. This role is expected to build, develop, and retain a high-performing operations team.

Work Environment: 

The work environmental characteristics described here are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.

This role may require time spent in various work environments, including:

• Office Settings: Work is typically performed in a shared office space, which in some locations may be adjacent to or integrated with active warehouse and cross-dock operations. While climate-controlled, noise levels may fluctuate due to nearby equipment or team activity. Employees have access to standard office tools including computers, phones, and collaborative spaces.
• Warehouse Operations: Incumbents may work in temperature-controlled areas, such as coolers and freezers, as well as non-climate-controlled sections of the warehouse where airflow and temperature may fluctuate throughout the day. Some areas are not air-conditioned, and temperatures can vary widely based on the season. Work includes regular exposure to powered industrial equipment including stand-up forklifts, order pickers, turret trucks, and mobile carts. The environment may be loud and requires use of safety gear including steel-toe shoes and visibility vests.
• Truck Yard and Loading Areas: Exposure to outdoor elements including high heat (often exceeding 90°F), rain, cold, odors, and variable terrain. Work may occur inside trailers, which can intensify temperature exposure depending on the season. Caution is required due to frequent vehicle movement and loading operations.
• Transportation Team: Time may be spent in and around active delivery vehicles and docks. Includes exposure to weather fluctuations and traffic environments, with emphasis on safe vehicle operation and awareness of surroundings.
• Sales Field Work: Sales employees may travel to client sites, stores, or promotional events. Work is a mix of indoor and outdoor settings and may require standing for extended periods, lifting materials, and navigating a variety of business environments.

This position requires adaptability, situational awareness, and consistent use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) where applicable.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, type, handle or feel objects, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms, climb, stoop, and squat. The employee is intermittently required to sit. Incumbents must be able to physically access all exterior and interior parts of the warehouse and amenities.

 Must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, or maneuver weights of up to fifty (50) pounds independently and one hundred  (100) pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Understanding of Job Essentials:

ETHNIX Group  is a drug free, harassment free workplace. All candidates must pass an extensive background check. Ethnix Group is an equal opportunity employer and does not tolerate harassment, discrimination or retaliation.

I understand that all pre-employment screening activities are conducted in compliance with federal and state employment laws. Background checks are completed during the post- offer stage of the employment process in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act requirements.

I also fully understand the content of this job description, have had the opportunity to ask questions regarding this job description, and have had the job duties and responsibilities, requisites, and physical demands and working conditions explained to me. I am capable of performing the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation. If I need accommodation, I will ask the hiring manager for it.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

Ethnix Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Qualifications: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

Education/Experience: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (MBA or Master’s preferred).
• 8 years of progressive operations leadership experience in food & beverage distribution, FMCG, 3PL, or warehouse/fulfillment operations.
• Proven success building and scaling 3PL or multi-client fulfillment operations from the ground up.
• Deep understanding of warehouse management, transportation logistics, route optimization, and inventory control in a distribution environment.
• Demonstrated experience with ecommerce fulfillment operations including unit-level picking, packing, and shipping.
• Track record of implementing WMS, TMS, and other operational technology platforms that drive measurable efficiency gains.
• Strong P&L ownership experience with proven ability to manage budgets, reduce costs, and improve margins.
• Experience with food safety regulations (SQF, GMP), OSHA compliance, and DOT transportation requirements.
• Proven leadership of large, multi-shift warehouse and transportation teams across multiple locations.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with an execution-first attitude and ability to build operational infrastructure in a high-growth environment.