DC Operations Manager

Description

Position Overview:

The DC Operations Manager (DCOM) provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for their assigned distribution center (DC). As the senior-most leader onsite, the DCOM sets the vision and performance standards for the facility, ensuring all daily functions, from inbound receiving to outbound shipping, are executed efficiently, safely, and in alignment with company culture, core values, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The DCOM will play a critical role in driving continuous improvement, managing financial and operational metrics, and leading a high-performance team in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. This role is integral to supporting DMA’s rapid expansion and delivering on customer expectations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Facility Oversight:

• Provide overall direction and leadership for the assigned distribution center (DC).
• Establish and enforce clear performance goals and operational standards across all departments.
• Lead the execution of operational strategies in alignment with organizational growth, capacity planning, and customer service objectives.
• Foster a positive and performance-driven culture that supports DMA’s mission and values.
• Ensure alignment of all operational teams to meet customer order volumes and on-time delivery metrics.

2. Operations Management:

• Oversee all aspects of warehouse operations including receiving, inventory control, order picking, packing, shipping, and logistics coordination.
• Maintain operational excellence across small parcel, LTL, and TL shipping functions.
• Manage workload balancing and operational flow to support seasonal surges, new product rollouts, and fluctuating volume demand.
• Ensure compliance with all SOPs, safety standards, and regulatory requirements across all functional areas.

3. Financial & KPI Management:

• Develop and manage the annual facility budget, including labor, equipment, supplies, and capital projects.
• Monitor and report on key performance indicators (KPIs), identifying and implementing strategies for improvement.
• Use data and metrics to make informed decisions that drive operational efficiency and financial performance.
• Prepare and deliver weekly, monthly, and quarterly operational reports for executive leadership.

4. Team Development & People Leadership:

• Provide direct leadership and coaching to departmental leaders, fostering team development, succession planning, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ensure fair and consistent application of HR policies, including hiring, training, performance management, and corrective action procedures.
• Collaborate with HR to maintain a union-free, engaged, and high-morale workforce.
• Drive employee accountability and performance through structured feedback, appraisals, and corrective action when necessary.

5. Continuous Improvement & Innovation:

• Champion continuous improvement initiatives focused on process optimization, cost reduction, and productivity gains.
• Identify and implement technology solutions that support scalability and real-time operational performance tracking.
• Stay abreast of warehouse distribution trends and innovations; evaluate and recommend tools, equipment, or methods to increase efficiency.

6. Facility Standards & Safety Compliance:

• Ensure a safe and clean working environment through proactive leadership in safety programs, audits, and training.
• Oversee facility maintenance protocols and ensure proper care of equipment and infrastructure.
• Enforce OSHA compliance and company safety procedures, promptly addressing incidents or near misses.

7. Cross-Functional & Executive Collaboration:

• Serve as a key liaison with Supply Chain, IT, HR, and Sales to align fulfillment operations with enterprise goals.
• Participate in company-wide strategic planning, bringing an operations perspective to key initiatives and projects.
• Represent the assigned DC in leadership forums, customer tours, and corporate events.

8. Additional Duties:

• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Reporting Structure:

• Reports directly to the VP of Operations; in the absence of the VP of Operations, this position reports to the Chief Operating Officer (COO).
• Directly supervises Assistant DC Managers and/or DC Supervisors within the assigned DC location.
• Collaborates closely with cross-functional departments such as Supply Chain, Inventory Control, HR, and Safety to ensure alignment and operational excellence.

Requirements

Key Requirements:

• Experience: Minimum 10 years of progressive management experience in high-volume fulfillment, distribution, or warehouse operations. Proven success managing facilities of 250,000+ sq. ft. with multi-channel shipping complexity (small parcel, LTL, TL).
• Skills: Proven ability to lead, coach, and energize teams in high-pressure, high-volume environments. Sharp organizational and analytical skills with a bias for action and fast decision-making. Clear, effective communicator in English—both written and verbal—with a strong track record of managing shifting priorities and delivering results in fast-paced, deadline-driven operations.
• Knowledge: In-depth understanding of modern warehouse operations, including inventory management, capacity planning, and process optimization. Familiar with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), lean principles, labor planning, and performance metrics aligned to operational KPIs. Strong knowledge of safety and compliance standards, including OSHA regulations.
• Technology: Proficiency in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and operational software used for tracking productivity, inventory, and fulfillment performance. Strong competency in Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint), with the ability to interpret data and implement technology solutions that improve operational efficiency, along with the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies as business needs evolve.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Operations Management, or a related field required. A Master’s degree is preferred. Significant relevant management experience may be accepted in lieu of formal education. Additional professional certifications in operations, logistics, or leadership (e.g., Six Sigma, APICS, OSHA) are a plus.

Physical Requirements:

The DC Operations Manager (DCOM) role is primarily facility-based and requires physical presence throughout the distribution center (DC) to effectively lead operations. The physical demands listed below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position:

• Mobility: Ability to move throughout a large, 300,000+ sq. ft. DC, including walking long distances on concrete flooring, climbing stairs, and transitioning between work areas and offices.
• Standing and Walking: Required to stand and walk for extended periods, typically 8 to 10 hours per shift, with the possibility of longer durations based on operational needs.
• Lifting and Carrying: Occasionally may be required to lift, carry, or move boxes, products, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance.
• Posture and Motion: Ability to bend, reach, stoop, and twist as needed while conducting walkthroughs, inspections, or engaging with warehouse staff. May occasionally operate warehouse equipment such as pallet jacks, forklifts, order pickers, ladders, or RF scanners as required.
• Vision and Hearing: Sufficient visual and auditory acuity to safely observe operational activities, read reports and documentation, and effectively communicate in a busy warehouse environment.
• Work Environment: Work is performed in a fast-paced, high-volume DC with exposure to varying indoor temperatures and ambient noise from warehouse machinery and transport vehicles. This facility is not environmentally controlled and requires adaptability to heat and cold conditions.

Travel Requirements:

This position may require approximately 5% travel between DMA's distribution centers, attend training events, and assist with community outreach initiatives.

Equal Opportunity and Accommodation Statement:

DMA Industries, LLC is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are respected, valued, and empowered. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize the importance of accessibility and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process and during employment. If you require assistance or accommodation at any stage of the application or employment process, please inform us so that we may support your needs appropriately.