Manager, Distribution (Outbound)

Job Summary

The Outbound Operations Manager is responsible for leading all order fulfillment and shipping activities within the distribution center. This role ensures accurate, on-time delivery of customer orders while optimizing labor, processes, and transportation coordination.

This position is directly responsible for driving strong OTIF (On-Time, In-Full) performance and delivering a high level of customer service.

Duties and Responsibilities

Order Fulfillment & Shipping

• Oversee all outbound processes including picking, packing, staging, and loading.
• Ensure accurate and on-time shipment of all customer orders in support of OTIF performance.
• Manage wave planning, order prioritization, and throughput across fulfillment operations.
• Coordinate dock scheduling and carrier loading to maximize efficiency and minimize delays.

Transportation & Execution

• Partner with transportation teams to coordinate carrier scheduling and load planning.
• Optimize trailer utilization, routing execution, and shipment consolidation.
• Ensure compliance with customer routing guides and shipping requirements.

Performance & Service

• Monitor and improve key outbound KPIs, including:
• OTIF (On-Time, In-Full)
• On-Time Shipment Rate
• Order Accuracy
• Pick/Pack Productivity
• Dock-to-Load Cycle Time
• Identify service gaps and implement corrective actions to improve performance.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, leads, and hourly associates within outbound operations.
• Drive a high-performance culture focused on accountability, quality, and service.
• Manage labor planning, staffing, and scheduling to meet daily and peak shipping demands.

Safety & Compliance

• Champion safety across all outbound and dock operations.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA standards and company safety policies.
• Lead safety training, audits, and incident response.

Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to increase throughput and reduce cost per unit.
• Optimize picking strategies, packing processes, and dock flow.
• Support peak season planning and execution to meet service and OTIF requirements.
• Other duties as deemed necessary.
   

Qualification Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in warehouse, fulfillment, or distribution operations, with leadership experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of order fulfillment, shipping, and transportation coordination.
• Experience with WMS/ERP systems (SAP preferred).
• Proven ability to lead teams in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Work Environment

• Warehouse environment with exposure to moving equipment and variable temperatures.
• Requires standing, walking, and occasional lifting (up to 50 lbs).
• Must be available for extended hours and peak shipping periods as needed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the Logistics function within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong knowledge of the consumer products industry.
• Knowledge of Third-Party Logistics (3PL) warehouse operations.
• Proficiency using a Personal Computer (PC) to include Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Proficiency using Enterprise Resource Planning (i.e., SAP, WMS).
• Leadership skills and the ability to inspire direct and indirect reports.
• Strong negotiation skills and the ability to negotiate both reasonable and favorable contract terms for the Company.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing in English.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain professional relationships with persons within and outside the Company of varying personality types.
• Good organizational skills and the ability to maintain information in a logical and well-thought-out manner.
• Ability to travel within the United States and internationally.
• Ability to lead and motivate a team of direct reports in pursuit of a common goal.
• Ability to maintain regular and predictable attendance.
• Ability to work in a constant state of alertness.

Physical Requirements

Represents the appropriate physical requirements of the job in the course of the work.