Director of Operations

Ethnix Group•Smyrna, TN

12d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a high-impact, execution-driven Director of Operations to lead and transform Ethnix Group’s warehouse, logistics, fulfillment, and 3PL operations across all business units and locations. This role will own the company’s operational infrastructure, driving efficiency, scalability, and service excellence while building the systems and processes required to support Ethnix’s growth as a full-service distribution, 3PL, and ecommerce fulfillment partner. The Director of Operations will oversee warehouse management, transportation, route optimization, inventory control, technology implementation, and fulfillment operations. This leader will be responsible for shaping, building, and standardizing every aspect of Ethnix’s operational backbone, ensuring the company can seamlessly onboard new brands and customers, fulfill orders ranging from full truckload (FTL) pickups/deliveries to unit-level retail/ecommerce shipments, and deliver a best-in-class experience that drives customer retention and revenue growth.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or related field (MBA or Master’s preferred).
8+ years of progressive operations leadership experience in food & beverage distribution, FMCG, 3PL, or warehouse/fulfillment operations.
Proven success building and scaling 3PL or multi-client fulfillment operations from the ground up.
Deep understanding of warehouse management, transportation logistics, route optimization, and inventory control in a distribution environment.
Demonstrated experience with ecommerce fulfillment operations including unit-level picking, packing, and shipping.
Track record of implementing WMS, TMS, and other operational technology platforms that drive measurable efficiency gains.
Strong P&L ownership experience with proven ability to manage budgets, reduce costs, and improve margins.
Experience with food safety regulations (SQF, GMP), OSHA compliance, and DOT transportation requirements.
Proven leadership of large, multi-shift warehouse and transportation teams across multiple locations.
Entrepreneurial mindset with an execution-first attitude and ability to build operational infrastructure in a high-growth environment.
Must be able to meet predictable attendance and punctuality expectations and physical demands of the position complying with Ethnix Group’s policies and performance expectations.
Demonstrated ability to read, write, and communicate effectively to comprehend and complete documents, and answer questions in English.
Demonstrated mathematical skills necessary to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers, decimals, and fractions, and calculate percentages.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficient in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as HighJump - Korber
Experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and route optimization tools (SAMSARA)
Strong Excel and data analysis skills including pivot tables, dashboards, and operational reporting
Experience with ERP systems (SAP)
Familiarity with ecommerce fulfillment platforms and integration tools (Shopify, ShipStation, or similar)
Comfortable using Microsoft 365, Outlook, and Teams for cross-department communication
Able to build executive presentations (PowerPoint or similar) for operational reviews
Current valid driver’s license is required.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, type, handle or feel objects, talk, and hear. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms, climb, stoop, and squat. The employee is intermittently required to sit. Incumbents must be able to physically access all exterior and interior parts of the warehouse and amenities. Must be able to push, pull, lift, carry, or maneuver weights of up to fifty (50) pounds independently and one hundred (100) pounds with assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

MBA or Master’s preferred.
Bilingual (Spanish/English) strongly preferred.
Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
Forklift certification preferred.
OSHA 30-Hour certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Own and lead the full scope of Ethnix Group’s operations, including warehouse management, transportation, logistics, inventory control, 3PL services, and ecommerce fulfillment across all locations and business units.
Design, build, and implement scalable operational systems and SOPs that position Ethnix as a premier distribution and fulfillment partner for current and future customers.
Develop and execute the company’s 3PL services strategy, including warehousing, pick-and-pack, order fulfillment (FTL, case-level, and unit-level ecommerce), storage, and value-added services for external brands and customers.
Lead route optimization initiatives to maximize fleet utilization, reduce cost per delivery, improve on-time delivery rates, and support expansion into new territories.
Drive technology implementation across operations, including WMS (Warehouse Management System) upgrades, TMS (Transportation Management System) deployment, barcode/scanning infrastructure, and ecommerce integration platforms.
Establish and monitor operational KPIs including perfect order rate, picking accuracy, on-time delivery, dock door utilization, space utilization, warehouse productivity, receiving cycle time, fleet asset utilization, and cost-to-serve metrics.
Build and lead the operational onboarding process for new brands and customers, ensuring seamless integration of storage, inventory management, order fulfillment, and shipping logistics.
Manage and optimize all warehouse operations including receiving, put-away, storage, picking, packing, shipping, and cross-dock activities across temperature-controlled and ambient environments.
Oversee the transportation department, including fleet management, driver operations, delivery scheduling, DOT compliance, and carrier relationship management.
Partner cross-functionally with Commercial, Finance, HR, IT, and Customer Success teams to ensure operational plans are aligned with commercial goals and fully resourced.
Lead, coach, and develop the operations leadership team including Warehouse Managers, Transportation Supervisors, Inventory Coordinators, and Fulfillment Leads while building a strong internal talent pipeline.
Develop and manage operational budgets, capital expenditure plans, and cost optimization initiatives with full ownership of operational P&L performance.
Ensure full compliance with OSHA, DOT, FDA, food safety (SQF/GMP), and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations across all facilities and transportation operations.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives using industry methodologies to eliminate waste, reduce errors, and increase throughput.
Own operational reporting and analytics, providing clear visibility on performance, trends, capacity planning, and strategic recommendations to the CEO and leadership team.
Evaluate, negotiate, and manage relationships with third-party carriers, equipment vendors, technology providers, and service partners.
Lead facility planning and expansion efforts, including layout optimization, capacity modeling, and capital investment recommendations to support growth.
Must be able to meet predictable attendance and punctuality expectations and physical demands of the position complying with Ethnix Group’s policies and performance expectations.
Follows established policies and procedures by monitoring and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, organizational standards, and operational processes related to area(s) of responsibility and reporting violations or infractions to appropriate individual(s).
Practices proper safety techniques in accordance with Company, warehouse, and departmental policies, procedures, and standards by immediately reporting any mechanical or electrical equipment malfunctions, employee/visitor injuries or accidents, or other safety issues to appropriate individual(s).
Identifies areas for improvement and offers suggestions to improve the site's efficiency, profitability, and productivity.
Keeps abreast of current changes in technology, logistics tools, processes, and standards within the industry and area(s) of responsibility by attending internal and external training programs and by accessing other sources of information, and applies knowledge and practices to area(s) of responsibility.
This position is full time exempt. Hours of operation vary by site and shift. Must be available to work on weekends when scheduled and must be able to perform the essential job functions unaccompanied.
Demonstrated ability to read, write, and communicate effectively to comprehend and complete documents, and answer questions in English. Ability to write routine reports, SOPs, and correspondence as needed.
Demonstrated mathematical skills necessary to add, subtract, multiply, and divide numbers, decimals, and fractions, and calculate percentages. Ability to interpret operational data, cost analyses, and financial reports.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Ability to assess client needs and offer appropriate logistics solutions. Capacity to adapt to shifting priorities and work independently.
Proficient in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) such as HighJump - Korber
Experience with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and route optimization tools (SAMSARA)
Strong Excel and data analysis skills including pivot tables, dashboards, and operational reporting
Experience with ERP systems (SAP)
Familiarity with ecommerce fulfillment platforms and integration tools (Shopify, ShipStation, or similar)
Comfortable using Microsoft 365, Outlook, and Teams for cross-department communication
Able to build executive presentations (PowerPoint or similar) for operational reviews
Current valid driver’s license is required.
Forklift certification preferred.
OSHA 30-Hour certification preferred.
This job has significant supervisory responsibilities. The Director of Operations will directly manage the Operations and Logistics department. This role is expected to build, develop, and retain a high-performing operations team.