Director of Operations & Workforce Development

Director of Operations & Workforce Development

Posted Friday 23 January 2026 at 5:00 am

Simon & Schuster was named to Forbes magazine list of America's Best Mid-Size Employers 2022. Simon & Schuster is a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages, and in all printed, digital and audio formats. Its distinguished roster of authors includes many of the world's most popular and widely recognized writers, and winners of the most prestigious literary honors and awards.

It is home to numerous well-known imprints and divisions such as Simon & Schuster, Scribner, Atria Books, Gallery Books, Pocket Books, Adams Media, Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing and Simon & Schuster Audio and international companies in Australia, Canada, India and the United Kingdom, and proudly brings the works of its authors to readers in more than 200 countries and territories.

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As a senior leader at our Tennessee Distribution Center, the Director of Operations & Workforce Development is responsible for driving operational excellence while building a high-performing, engaged workforce. Equal parts operator and culture builder, this leader ensures our facility runs with precision, safety, and consistency, while fostering an environment where people can grow, contribute, and thrive. The role spans daily execution, long-term planning, and a deep commitment to developing people, systems, and culture in alignment with company strategy.

• Direct day-to-day operational activities across departments to ensure efficiency, quality, and cost control
• Design and refine processes that support scalable growth and continuous improvement
• Establish clear performance metrics and drive accountability across teams
• Lead cross-functional initiatives that enhance throughput, reduce waste, and optimize workflow
• Collaborate with finance on budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation
• Proactively identify and address operational risks and opportunities
• Ensure full compliance with safety protocols, quality standards, and regulatory requirements

• Build and maintain a culture of ownership, inclusion, and mutual respect, where every team member understands how their work drives our mission
• Partner with our talent development team to strengthen recruitment, onboarding, and workforce planning at the facility level
• Lead initiatives that build capabilities across the organization, from entry-level roles to frontline leaders
• Champion safety and wellness, ensuring a secure and supportive environment for all employees
• Promote continuous learning, skill-building, and opportunities for growth and advancement
• Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on operational and workforce strategies
• Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing team of managers and team leaders
• Support organizational change and transformation initiatives as we scale
• Model our values and leadership principles in daily operations and decision-making
• Promote innovation, collaboration, and operational discipline

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Organizational Leadership, or related field
• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in operations and people development roles
• Experience managing large teams and complex organizational and business functions
• Deep familiarity with safety, compliance and employment regulations
• Proven ability to build and lead effective teams in a high-velocity environment
• Strong strategic thinking and execution mindset
• Excellent leadership, communication, coaching and relationship-building skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Adept at solving complex problems and managing competing priorities
• High level of integrity and discretion when handling sensitive matters

Simon & Schuster US is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet. At Simon & Schuster US, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do. From employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe…