Manager Distribution Operations

Category/Area of Expertise:
Distribution & Transportation Leadership

Primary Purpose
Step into a high-impact leadership role at the heart of our distribution network. As Manager, Distribution Operations, you will lead day-to-day shipping operations, inspire and develop frontline leaders, and drive performance across your assigned areas. You'll be responsible for ensuring product moves safely, efficiently, and accurately to our retail partners and customers-while building a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.

This role offers the opportunity to shape how work gets done on the floor, influence productivity and cost performance, and play a key role in the success of the entire campus. You'll collaborate across Distribution, Transportation, and Inventory Management to solve real operational challenges and deliver results that matter.

What You'll Do & Deliver
Lead Teams & Drive Performance

• Own end-to-end operations for assigned shipping areas, ensuring production, quality, safety, and service standards are consistently met.
• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and frontline associates through performance planning, feedback, and ongoing skill development.
• Build highly engaged, motivated, and well-aligned teams that take pride in delivering the best possible product to our customers.
• Serve as a mentor, coach, and trainer for supervisor trainees progressing through the DLOT curriculum.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Plan labor and staffing to match inbound and outbound volume, ensuring optimal coverage and productivity.
• Aggressively identify and eliminate waste, inefficiencies, and bottlenecks within your operation.
• Act as a change agent for Lean principles, driving education, adoption, and sustainability across your areas.
• Target improvement opportunities and lead teams to enhance throughput, quality, safety, and the working environment.
• Champion a continuous improvement mindset that empowers associates to contribute ideas and innovation.

Safety, Quality & Accountability

• Foster a safety-first culture that minimizes accidents and injuries while sustaining compliance with all safety procedures.
• Hold associates accountable to company policies, quality standards, and performance expectations.
• Support and administer corrective action when needed, ensuring fairness, consistency, and alignment with company values.
• Ensure accurate and timely flow of inventory into and out of shipping departments.

Planning, Reporting & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Distribution, Transportation, and Inventory Management to coordinate daily operations and resolve issues that impact service and flow.
• Strategically plan, develop, and deliver against budget and operational goals, improving productivity while controlling labor costs.
• Provide accurate reporting, insights, and recommendations to campus leadership.
• Recommend process and procedure improvements that increase efficiency, productivity, and cost effectiveness.

What We're Looking For
Experience & Education

• 3-5 years of experience in a leadership role within distribution, manufacturing, or a fast-paced operational environment
• High school diploma or equivalent (required); college degree or equivalent experience (preferred)
• Seasoned knowledge of distribution shipping practices

Skills & Qualifications

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to inspire, coach, and develop teams
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities
• Effective verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and shift demands in a fast-paced environment
• Experience with labor planning, productivity management, and performance accountability
• Lean mindset with a passion for continuous improvement
• Ability to articulate and align associates with department and business goals
• Proficiency in recordkeeping, reporting, and basic operational systems
• Certified on powered industrial equipment where applicable (or ability to obtain)

Work Environment & Requirements

• Flexible schedule to support assigned duties
• Ability to work in environments ranging from -5°F to 90+°F, depending on department
• Ability to read and understand written and numeric product identifiers
• Physical presence required in a warehouse environment for extended periods

Why This Role Matters
As Manager, Distribution Operations, you won't just run a shift-you'll shape culture, develop future leaders, and drive measurable performance improvements. You'll have the autonomy to solve problems, the support to grow your leadership career, and the opportunity to make a daily impact on customers, associates, and the business.

We are an organization that values diversity and encourages all qualified individuals to apply without regard to sex, race, color, ancestry, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, marital status (including civil unions), military service, veteran status, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, legally recognized disability, domestic violence victim status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Our organization is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, including applicants. If you have a disability and require assistance in the application process, please email recruiting@adusasc.com