Warehouse Operations Manager

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Warehouse Operations Manager is a critical leadership role responsible for the end-to-end performance of our warehouse and distribution function. This individual will own the full operational lifecycle — from inbound receiving and inventory management through outbound fulfillment and final delivery accuracy. With a current 10,000 sq. ft. facility and a significant expansion into a new building planned within the year, this role requires a proven leader who can scale operations, build and develop high-performing teams, and drive measurable improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and safety.

The ideal candidate will bring a strategic mindset paired with hands-on operational expertise. They will play a key role in supporting an active ERP implementation, embedding data-driven practices into daily workflows, and positioning the warehouse as a competitive advantage for the organization.

This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who wants to own more than a function — they want to build something. You will have direct access to executive leadership, the authority to make real operational changes, and the rare opportunity to design and stand up an entirely new facility. If you thrive in environments where your decisions matter, your teams look to you for guidance, and your results are visible at every level of the organization, this role is for you..

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Operations Leadership

• Direct all daily warehouse activities, including shipping, receiving, put-away, picking, packing, and last-mile handoff.

• Develop and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that drive consistency, accuracy, and throughput across all shifts.

• Monitor real-time operational performance against productivity targets, SLA commitments, and order accuracy benchmarks; intervene proactively when gaps are identified.

• Oversee the physical flow of goods to ensure compliance with inbound/outbound accuracy standards and damage-free handling protocols.

Team Development & Culture

• Establish clear performance expectations, conduct structured reviews, and implement improvement plans that foster accountability and growth.

• Cultivate a culture of safety, ownership, and continuous improvement, modeling leadership behaviors that elevate team morale and retention.

• Manage shift scheduling, labor planning, and cross-training to ensure adequate coverage during peak periods, seasonal surges, and the upcoming facility expansion.

Safety & Compliance

• Serve as the primary point of accountability for OSHA compliance, maintaining a safe, inspection-ready work environment at all times.

• Lead safety training, toolbox talks, and incident investigations; track near-misses and implement corrective actions promptly.

• Ensure all equipment (forklifts, pallet jacks, conveyors, etc.) is certified, inspected, and operated in accordance with manufacturer and regulatory standards.

• Maintain proper documentation for safety audits, equipment maintenance logs, and regulatory filings.

Inventory & Systems Management

• Own inventory accuracy across all storage locations — managing cycle counts, reconciliation processes, and shrinkage reduction initiatives.

• Serve as an operational champion for the company's ERP implementation, partnering with IT and leadership to configure workflows, validate data integrity, and train the team on system use.

• Leverage WMS/ERP data to generate actionable insights on inventory turns, fill rates, labor productivity, and fulfillment cycle times.

• Manage demand forecasting inputs to support procurement planning and prevent stockouts or overstock conditions.

Facility, Equipment & Layout Optimization

• Continuously evaluate and optimize warehouse layout for storage density, pick path efficiency, and workflow ergonomics.

• Lead planning and execution of the upcoming facility expansion — including layout design, equipment procurement, team transition planning, and go-live coordination.

• Manage preventive maintenance schedules and vendor relationships for all warehouse equipment and infrastructure.

Financial & Cross-Functional Accountability

• Develop and manage the warehouse operating budget, including labor, equipment, supplies, and third-party services; track actuals vs. plan and report variances with corrective actions.

• Collaborate with Sales, Customer Service, Procurement, and Finance to align warehouse capacity and service levels with business demand.

• Partner with external clients, carriers, and 3PL providers to ensure seamless inbound and outbound coordination and high client satisfaction.

• Report operational KPIs to the CEO and COO on a regular cadence, translating warehouse data into business-level insights and recommendations.

REQUIREMENTS

Experience

• 5+ years of progressive warehouse, distribution, or fulfillment leadership experience, with direct accountability for team performance and operational outcomes.

• Demonstrated experience managing a warehouse through a period of significant growth, facility transition, or technology change.

• Hands-on experience with ERP system implementation, configuration, and ongoing management in a warehouse or distribution environment.

• Track record of building and developing teams across multiple skill levels and functions.

Technical Skills

• Deep knowledge of warehouse operations principles, including receiving, storage methodologies, picking strategies, and shipping workflows.

• Proficiency with WMS and ERP platforms; ability to configure, troubleshoot, and train others on system use.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret operational data, build reports, and drive decisions from metrics.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) or Google Workspace equivalents.

Leadership & Competencies

• Proven ability to lead with authority and influence — communicating clearly across frontline staff, peers, and executive leadership.

• Strong problem-solving instincts with the ability to triage competing priorities, adapt to fast-changing conditions, and make sound decisions under pressure.

• Customer-service orientation with a clear understanding of how warehouse performance directly impacts client satisfaction and business reputation.

• Commitment to safety as a non-negotiable cultural value, not simply a compliance obligation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement certification or methodology experience is a plus but not required.

• Familiarity with OSHA regulations.

• Prior experience building a warehouse team from an early or mid-growth stage.