Distribution Manager

This job will start in the Kalihi area but will eventually move to our new warehouse location being built in Kapolei.

SUMMARY: The Distributions Manager is responsible for overseeing all operational activities within the Distribution Center including order fulfillment receiving, picking, packing, shipping, delivery, and fleet management. This role demands a highly visible, hands-on leader who maintains a consistent daily presence on the floor, actively engages with the team, and takes full ownership of operational performance, compliance, and team development. Working cross-functionally with all areas of the company, this position ensures accurate, timely and compliant delivery of products while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration and trust.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Adheres to and exemplifies behaviors aligned with company core values:
  • We Work with Passion & Purpose (Ho’ohana)
  • We Choose to Do What is Right (Pono)
  • We Work Together (Laulima)
  • We Care (Malama)
  • We Take Ownership & Responsibility (Kuleana)
• Fosters a sense of teamwork and collaboration among team members by building an employee culture that is aligned with HCC values and operating principles. Ensures all employees are treated consistently, fairly, ethically, and respectfully
• Ensures that all activity is in accordance with applicable laws, regulations as well as in accordance with Honolulu Cookie Company’s culture, policies, and procedures. Fosters a safety-first culture through awareness, training, and accountability
• Works cross-functionally with various departments to solve issues that occur and ensures products and procedures meet or exceed the established quality standards
• Maintains a visible, accessible and engaged daily presence on the warehouse floor and across operational areas; practice management by walking around to proactively identify issues, support staff and demonstrate leadership availability
• Conducts regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports and structured weekly team meetings to ensure staff feel heard, supported and informed. Operates with an open-door philosophy; actively solicits feedback from team members at all levels and takes prompt, documented action on concerns raised
• Creates a positive and safe work environment through real-time observation and specific, constructive, and actionable feedback. Models inclusive leadership with ownership of team growth and development.
• Partners with HR on hiring, onboarding, training, evaluating, and developing team members and carrying out disciplinary action, coaching, and counseling
• Develops goals and objectives with team leaders; provides training, feedback, and direction to maintain performance expectations and ensures team members understand how their roles connect to business objectives
• Responds to urgent operational issues immediately; prioritizes rapid resolution to maintain team trust, operational continuity and customer commitments
• Provides the Director of Warehouse Operations with regular operational status updates (daily/weekly cadence as defined) covering performance metrics, escalations and team concerns
• Maintains a high level of communication and collaboration; ensures that teams are kept informed and coordinated across functions
• Oversee financial stewardship of distribution center, including budgeting for expenses and labor, maintaining inventory levels, managing discrepancies, reducing waste, and preventing fraud
• Monitors and improves business application tools to ensure its smooth operations (StarShip, Acumatica, WMS-Mobe3 & YellowDog)
• Leads logistics planning for seasonal promotions and periods of high demand; engages with shipping partners, customs officials, and logistics providers to ensure efficient and compliant transport of products
• Partners with the Warehouse Control Manager and Inventory Manager to identify, communicate and resolve inventory discrepancies and system variances in a timely manner
• Supports Order Fulfillment, Delivery and Logistics employees in troubleshooting issues, correcting fulfillment errors and proactively implementing preventative measures
• Works with Director of Warehouse Operations in forecasting requirements for the Distribution Center including preparing annual budgets and scheduling expenditures
• Maintains physical condition of warehouse by planning and implementing new design layouts, inspecting equipment, and issuing work orders for repair and requisitions for replacement
• Analyzes process workflows, staffing levels, space requirements, equipment layouts, policies and procedures to identify opportunities that reduce costs, increase efficiency and improve customer service. Submits proposed changes to Director of Warehouse Operations for review and approval prior to implementation; communicates and trains all affected teams on approved changes
• Oversees the company’s delivery fleet, including scheduling, utilization tracking and ensuring all vehicles are operational and properly maintained through a documented preventive maintenance program
• Ensures full compliance with all DOT regulations, including driver licensing/endorsements, vehicle inspections, hours-of-service requirements, and registration/insurance documentation. Maintains a tracking system with proactive alerts to prevent any lapse in compliance
• Conducts regular fleet audits to verify that all licenses, permits, inspections, and certifications are current; immediately addresses and escalates any compliance gaps
• Use of the maintenance van or personal vehicle to load and carry heavy materials between warehouses/worksites
• Manages special projects and performs other duties as assigned

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Represents the company brand image and shares Aloha to all customers, business partners, and co-workers at all levels throughout the company
• 5 years of people management experience with a demonstrated track record of hand-on team leadership, employee development and building high-trust teams
• Strong understanding of fulfillment, distribution, and logistical processes and systems
• Experience with ERP, WMS systems, and 3PL Shipping systems a plus
• Working knowledge of OSHA, DOT, IATA and 49CFR regulations with demonstrated experience maintaining fleet/vehicle compliance including vehicle utilization optimization
• Proven ability to manage through urgency, respond to critical issues in real time and follow structured escalation protocols\
• Strong communication skills including the ability to influence across job levels; proficient in MS Office

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Able to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. on a continuous basis throughout the workday
• Frequent lifting, pushing, pulling, twisting, grasping, bending, stooping, and squatting and some repetitive motions
• Regularly stand and walk throughout the scheduled work shift and use hands and arms to finger, handle, feel, carry, and reach
• Physically capable with good vision and hearing with the ability to detect specific noises, proper equipment operation. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Work in a fast-paced, multi-faceted manufacturing environment with varying conditions
• Work flexible hours as required, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours