Distribution Operations Business Process Manager

Key Responsibilities End-to-End Distribution Process Ownership

• Own and govern distribution operations processes, including:
  • Inbound receiving, unloading, and put-away
  • Storage, slotting, and replenishment
  • Order picking, packing, and staging
  • Cross-docking and flow-through operations
  • Outbound shipping and dock operations
  • DC-level returns and reverse logistics
• Define distribution process standards, SOPs, policies, and KPIs.
• Act as final decision-maker for distribution process design, changes, and prioritization.

• Design, document, and maintain end-to-end DC process flows and work instructions.
• Drive standardization across regional and global distribution centers while enabling local execution requirements.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, labor, and internal control standards.
• Support distribution network design and capacity planning initiatives.

• Monitor distribution performance using KPIs such as:
  • Order cycle time & OTIF
  • DC productivity (units/lines per labor hour)
  • Dock-to-stock & dock-to-ship time
  • Inventory accuracy & order quality
  • Throughput, space utilization, and labor cost
• Identify bottlenecks, constraints, and service risks through data analysis and on-site observation.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, 5S, and Kaizen.
• Drive improvements in throughput, labor efficiency, and service reliability.

• Serve as business owner for distribution systems, primarily WMS and related execution tools.
• Partner with IT and engineering to define business requirements for system enhancements and integrations.
• Support automation and material handling initiatives (e.g., conveyors, sorters, AS/RS, AMRs).
• Ensure operational readiness and process stability during system implementations and go-lives.

• Collaborate closely with DC leadership, operations managers, engineering, IT, HR, safety, and transportation teams.
• Act as escalation point for distribution process issues and execution gaps.
• Lead change management, training, and adoption for new processes, systems, and operating models.
• Enable best-practice sharing and continuous capability building across the DC network.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, Industrial Engineering, or Operations Management.
• Lean / Six Sigma certification preferred.

• 8–12 years of experience in distribution center or logistics operations.
• Proven experience leading end-to-end DC processes in high-volume, multi-shift environments.
• Experience across multiple DCs or regions preferred.

• Strong end-to-end understanding of distribution operations.
• Expertise in DC productivity, labor management, and capacity planning.
• Hands-on experience with WMS (SAP EWM, Manhattan, Blue Yonder, or similar).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to influence and lead cross-functional teams without direct authority.
• Comfortable balancing strategic design with hands-on operational engagement.

• Order Cycle Time & OTIF
• DC Productivity (Units/Lines per Hour)
• Dock-to-Stock & Dock-to-Ship
• Inventory Accuracy & Order Quality
• Labor Cost per Unit
• Safety Incidents & Process Compliance

• Ownership and accountability
• Customer and service orientation
• Continuous improvement mindset
• Safety-first leadership
• Data-driven decision making