Warehouse Manager - Industrial Distribution

General Summary:
The Warehouse Manager is a hands-on leader responsible for overseeing and optimizing all aspects of warehouse operations across central and branch locations, along with a complete understanding of the following warehouse disciplines: Receiving, Inventory Management, Order Fulfillment, Quality Control, Shipping and Logistics, Transportation Management, Safety and Compliance, and Staff Development. This role is critical to ensuring operational excellence, system integrity, and customer satisfaction.

Essential Job Functions:

• Manages the day-to-day warehouse operational processes and tasks including receiving, stocking, picking, packing, quality control, shipping, logistics, transportation, delivery, inventory control, and cycle counting.
• Creates procedures and processes which clearly define the workflow and tasks required to fulfill department objectives and reviews them to ensure optimum customer service levels and on-time shipping performance.
• Responsible and accountable for the accuracy of inventory counts, the control of the movement of all inventory material into and out of all warehouses, and accuracy and integrity in all warehouse operations.
• Develops and manages warehouse record keeping systems and ensures integrity of all inventory documentation.
• Serves as the department Warehouse Management System Champion and continuously identifies, recommends, and implements process automation opportunities.
• Manages department staff through counseling, coaching, advocating and mentoring, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Completes performance reviews for direct reports and approves performance reviews of all other warehouse staff.
• Guides Supervisors in hiring, training and reviewing warehouse staff, utilizing KPI metrics to monitor, measure and adjust performance accordingly.
• Monitors warehouse trends and best practices, makes recommendations and informs senior management as necessary.
• Ensures smooth and efficient transitions between all shifts and optimizes labor allocation to meet operational demand.
• Designs, manages, and maintains delivery schedules and driver performance programs to guarantee on-time delivery to customers and branches.
• Leads and refines Vendor Managed Inventory and crib programs to provide best-in-class customer service and reduce operational inefficiencies.
• Responsible for maintaining compliance with all Federal and State warehouse discipline-related laws, Quality Management System standards, OSHA safety requirements, the Associate Manual, and Mission Statement of Exotic.
• Ensures warehouse areas, warehouse equipment and vehicles are appropriately maintained and kept clean according to established standards.
• Measures and reports monthly department KPIs and results to senior management.
• Prepares and executes department business plans and initiatives to improve department performance and company viability.
• Manages warehouse operational budget and ensures cost-effective resource allocation.
• Maintains relationships with transportation partners and logistics providers to ensure optimal service delivery.

• Responsible to support the vision and long-term strategy for area of responsibility and makes recommendations to meet the corporate objectives.
• Maintains relationships with other department management to ensure teams are aligned and working towards corporate goals.
• Trains and enforces policies, rules and procedures of corporation to facilitate continuous improvement.
• Provides and supports a positive work environment that promotes safety, efficiency, and employee engagement.
• Participates in corporate on-boarding and orientation programs.
• Inspires, supports, and motivates warehouse staff, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Responsible for continuous effort at the development, training, auditing and improvement of procedures in the department's responsibilities.
• Identifies, recommends and pursues professional skills and educational development opportunities for self and staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned or requested.

• Bachelor’s degree in supply chain management, Logistics, Business Administration or related field – will consider equivalent work experience.
• Seven (7) years of progressive operational work experience in warehousing and distribution operations.
• Two (2) years of previous leadership and supervisory experience.
• Proven track record of pioneering, developing and successfully implementing operational improvements.
• Advanced proficiency with computer systems including Microsoft Office programs, Warehouse Management Systems, Transportation Management Systems, and inventory control software.
• Functional knowledge of conveyor systems, carousel storage systems, and handheld radio frequency equipment.
• Excellent research and problem-solving skills with ability to analyze operational data and metrics.
• Advanced detail orientation and accuracy in inventory management and documentation.
• Advanced organizational skills required to prioritize, plan and coordinate work activities and resources in area of responsibility.
• Motivation and ability to handle multiple disciplines in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Strong leadership and team development skills required to provide full support of company initiatives and staff growth.
• Advanced analytical skills needed to identify root causes of problems, generate alternatives, draw logical conclusions and decide on appropriate course of action after careful examination of relevant information and consideration of critical business issues.
• Advanced communication and interpersonal skills necessary to effectively communicate with associates, customers, business partners and management team. Demonstrated teamwork approach with superiors, peers and subordinates utilizing skills in oral communication, active listening, written and oral directions and cooperating with and assisting others when needed.
• Physical ability to bend, lift and carry weight to industry standards.

• Valid Driver's License and experience operating forklifts and other warehouse equipment.

• Normal industrial distribution environment with regular (up to 100% of work time) exposure to noise, dust, warehouse equipment and supplies.
• Physical dexterity needed to bend, stretch, lift and reach in warehouse operations.
• Ability to sit or stand for extensive periods throughout the day.
• Ability to perform warehouse oversight tasks using standard warehouse and office equipment.
• Ability to use a keyboard and computer for reporting and system management.

This document is intended to describe the essential job functions and the knowledge, skills and abilities required.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of supplemental duties, responsibilities or non-essential functions.  (Nor is it intended to reflect accommodations made under the Americans with Disabilities Act or other return-to-work programs).