Director of Operations

The Operations Director is responsible for all inbound, outbound, transportation and office activities for the assigned distribution center. This position has site accountability for the location, which includes safety and security. This also includes full cost center responsibility, with annual operating budget and cost containment goals. The Director is also responsible for process design and improvement utilizing Lean techniques. This is a three-level position, differentiated by the size of the location.



Position Responsibilities

Direct operations of the assigned distribution center, which includes warehouse, delivery and office functions. Lead and pro-actively manage operational excellence within the distribution center. Responsible for the overall performance of a safe, efficient and economical facility operation and asset optimization.
Provide leadership and voice of the company for the assigned distribution center. Communicate operations strategy, announcements, policy changes, financial status, etc., to all associates working in the distribution center. Facilitate change consistent with company strategy and corporate objectives.
Develop, implement and maintain the annual operating budget, ensuring that operations are managed within the established guidelines. Establish system controls to ensure that service level and operational performance commitments are met within prescribed cost. Achieve continuous reduction in "total delivered cost" with continuous improvement in service performance. Provide guidance in the identification and implementation of cost effective process improvements to improve cost structure. Accountable for financial results as reported on the FCR.
Ensure maximum utilization and protection of assets including: physical inventory, facility, material handling equipment and fleet. Implement building physical and technology initiatives, along with safety/loss prevention corporate guidelines. Review, approve and submit requests for capital investments for improvements.
Responsible for all facility cost negotiations with local contracts and vendors. Utilize corporate negotiated rates with service providers to realize company-wide savings.
Ensure the location is operated in compliance with all federal and local statutes, including DOT and OSHA regulations.
Responsible for consistently providing timely, accurate and professional customer service to customers and channels of business. Provide rapid response to business needs at the highest level of service and the lowest possible "total delivered" cost. Establish customer service standards for internal and external customers. Implement a consistent and measurable order process that delivers continual improvements in customer satisfaction.
Collaborate with Sales force for assigned area, including providing office space as needed. Ensure operational support is in-line with customer expectations across all channels.
Lead continual improvement in operational performance. Participate and effectively implement "best practice" processes. Implement programs to achieve continuous improvement in operations performance utilizing Lean techniques. Drive Lean thinking throughout the organization, setting the example of "Leader as Teacher". Drive a culture where status quo is continuously challenged in light of business objectives.
Develop and maintain a productive team environment that supports the corporate goal of achievement of operational excellence. Direct and develop future leaders through clear expectations, ongoing training and performance management. Create an atmosphere of internal growth, learning and communication to foster associate satisfaction, while providing fair and consistent leadership of corporate strategic initiatives and human resource policy and procedure.
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor's Degree required, ideally with a focus on Engineering and/or Business, or equivalent experience, Masters preferred Minimum 5 years operations management experience with measurable and demonstrable achievements in the implementation of strategic plans and process improvements/objectives of a major operation Knowledge of customer service processes and systems, and developments in market and competitive conditions Ability to conceptualize, design and apply "best practices" and alternative approaches Excellent communication and presentation skills to employees and customers Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing using the English language Proven ability to recruit, train and motivate personnel to balance staffing strengths with profitability and growth Intermediate skills in Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Project