Distribution Manager (Manufacturing)

Job Description – Distribution Manager

Job Summary:

The Distribution Manager is responsible for leading all warehouse and distribution operations across U.S. and Mexico facilities, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of finished goods and materials. This role oversees inventory management, shipping, receiving, and logistics coordination across internal warehouses and the Mexico distribution entity (OMX).

The role is critical in aligning distribution execution with production, planning, and customer service while driving system utilization within IFS Cloud and supporting a scalable, process-driven operation.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Lead day-to-day warehouse operations across U.S. and Mexico distribution locations
• Ensure on-time, in-full (OTIF) delivery across all customer channels
• Execute against production and shipping schedules
• Manage internal warehouses and coordinate with Mexico distribution (OMX) operations
• Oversee third-party logistics providers (3PLs), if applicable

Mexico Warehouse (OMX) Responsibilities

• Support the IFS multi-company structure between OSP1 (manufacturing) and OMX (Mexico distribution)
• Ensure accurate intercompany transactions for inventory transfers
• Oversee inventory flow from U.S. production to Mexico warehouse
• Ensure compliance with import/export and cross-border logistics requirements
• Coordinate local shipping execution to customers within Mexico
• Maintain inventory accuracy and traceability within OMX

Inventory Management & Accuracy

• Maintain high inventory accuracy through cycle counts and audits
• Ensure FIFO/FEFO product rotation and traceability
• Align inventory levels with demand and production schedules

Systems & Process Discipline (IFS Cloud)

• Ensure full utilization of IFS Cloud for all warehouse transactions
• Enforce real-time transaction accuracy
• Support system-driven workflows including labeling and traceability
• Drive consistency across U.S. and Mexico operations

Logistics & Transportation

• Coordinate outbound freight and carrier selection
• Optimize freight cost and routing
• Support inbound material flow coordination

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Promote a safety-first culture
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and regulatory requirements
• Support quality processes including quarantine and nonconformance handling

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop warehouse teams
• Set clear expectations and accountability
• Build a culture of ownership and continuous improvement

Core Competencies:

• Strong focus on safety, compliance, quality, and customer service.
• Strong process orientation with demonstrated success improving distribution efficiency and operational performance
• Proven ability to develop, standardize, and sustain operational processes and procedures.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to use operational data to drive decisions.
• Multi-site distribution leadership
• Demonstrated leadership skills with experience coaching and developing teams in a distribution or warehouse environment.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Business Administration, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 5-10 years of warehouse or distribution operations leadership experience
• Experience managing inventory control, shipping, receiving, transportation, and order fulfillment operations.
• Experience leading cross-functional collaboration between customer service, planning, operations, logistics, and accounting functions.
• Multi-site distribution leadership experience preferred
• ERP/WMS experience required; IFS experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading process improvement and operational efficiency initiatives.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand and walk for extended periods throughout the workday, including walking across large manufacturing areas.
• Ability to use a computer and standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Ability to climb stairs and ladders to access different facility areas if needed.
• Ability to work in varying environmental conditions when entering production, warehouse, or outdoor areas.
• Required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses, steel-toe boots, or hearing protection when in manufacturing or production areas.