Distribution Center Manager

First Supply, a fifth-generation family-owned company, has served the Upper Midwest for over 125 years. Guided by our Employee Value Proposition, Where Tradition Meets Innovation, we foster a workplace where people learn, grow, and contribute to a company that values its heritage while embracing progress. Our teams take pride in supporting customers and communities, creating meaningful work and rewarding careers every day.

The Distribution Center Manager is responsible for managing the logistics, inventory, and personnel to ensure the timely and accurate receipt, storage, and shipment of products. Oversees all distribution functions, including order processing, picking, packaging, shipping, and receiving. Is accountable for delivering performance in safety, quality, on time and accurate delivery, expense management, while coaching and managing the talent of their team. The Distribution Center Manager is tasked with optimizing processes, reducing costs, and enhancing overall performance.

Coordinates and manages the logistics and transportation activities of the distribution center. This involves overseeing the receipt, storage, and shipment of products.
• Implements and maintains inventory control systems to ensure accurate tracking of stock levels, minimize losses, and prevent overstock or lack of stock.
• Leads and manages a team of warehouse staff, including supervisors, team leaders, and warehouse workers. Provides training, development, guidance, and performance feedback.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement to enhance efficiency and productivity. Implements best practices and streamline workflows within the distribution center.
• Stays abreast of industry trends, innovations, and best practices, implementing new strategies and technologies to stay competitive.
• Leverages warehouse management systems and technology to optimize operations, track inventory, and improve overall efficiency.
• Assists in the creation of the DC1 annual budget. Ensures efficient labor and operations costs to achieve monthly and annual budget/plan as assigned by the Company.
• Works with external vendors to ensure preventative maintenance and repairs are complete on equipment as needed.
• Leads daily and weekly meetings with staff to identify and address issues and communicate messages and relevant changes from other parts of the Company.
• Supports and reinforces company safety initiatives to ensure compliance with all OSHA and DOT requirements.
• Monitors KPI's such as quality, overall costs, daily inbound and/or outbound performance, backlog and inventory accuracy and uses experience and judgement to achieve operational goals.

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or relevant field preferred.
• 7 years leadership experience in distribution or a related field required.
• Experience using a Warehouse Management System with Radio Frequency functionality required.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively and apply experience and knowledge to make sound business decisions.
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office products.
• Proven track record with maintaining operational safety.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire direct and indirect reports in pursuit of a common goal.
• Must be able to embrace and manage change.
• Ability to prioritize tasks based on timeframe, need and scope.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Understand Lean concepts and experience with continuous improvement activities preferred.

First Supply, family-owned and operated for over 125 years, offers its employees a great benefits package including; medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, PTO, company paid holidays, on demand pay, education assistance, adoption assistance, and more!

About First Supply

First Supply is a leading main channel wholesale distributor, providing industrial customers and building contractors with an extensive line of products and services. We offer a wide range of manufacturer product lines across the plumbing, heating, air conditioning, builder, waterworks, pump/well & septic, industrial, and municipal markets. Headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, First Supply has more than 700 employees across 29 operating facilities serving Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan.

First Supply also owns and operates 18 Kitchen & Bath Stores across five Midwestern states under the Gerhard's Kitchen, Bath & Lighting and KOHLER Signature Store by First Supply brands. Gerhard's is the largest, most versatile kitchen and bath store in the Upper Midwest, offering a wide variety of styles-from contemporary to traditional-along with unmatched service. The KOHLER Signature Stores are immersive kitchen and bath showrooms that provide a distinguished experience where designers and homeowners can get hands-on with hundreds of exclusive KOHLER products.

With a 128-year legacy and a people-first culture, First Supply is committed to building a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and inspired to grow their careers. That commitment has earned national recognition, including a spot on USA Today's 2024 Top Workplaces in the USA, as well as honors as a Woman-Led Top Workplace and an Industry Top Workplace for Distribution.

First Supply LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.