Director of Operations

Williams-Sonoma•Olive Branch, MS

8h•Onsite

About The Position

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. is a leading retailer in home furnishings with well-known brands like Williams – Sonoma, Pottery Barn, and West Elm. Our Distribution Centers are crucial links in our supply chain, connecting factories to customers globally. The Supply Chain environment is dynamic and rapidly expanding, offering strong opportunities for skill development and advancement. We are recognized for our commitment to sustainability and people-first values, with numerous awards reflecting our progress. Our Supply Chain organization manages over 4,000 full-time associates across 14.5 million square feet of diverse operational space, including large package/furniture distribution centers, small package eCommerce distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and a transportation department. We also have sourcing offices internationally. The Director of Operations position is based in Olive Branch, MS, and involves overseeing integrated distribution and light manufacturing operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or related field, and 8 - 10 years of experience in progressive leadership experience in distribution or logistics
In lieu of a degree, 9-12 years of progressively responsible distribution leadership experience will be considered
Demonstrated success leading people, process, and performance in a complex operation
Experience working with WMS systems and inventory control processes
Experience managing third-party partners and service providers

Nice To Haves

MBA or advanced degree in a related field
Experience leading integrated distribution and light manufacturing / personalization operations
Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement expertise
Experience with automation, advanced systems, or new technology implementation
Background in high-volume retail, big box, or furniture distribution environments
Experience leading through growth, expansion, or network evolution

Responsibilities

Own the Operation. Deliver Results. Lead full facility performance across safety, quality, service, cost, and associate engagement
Set and drive the operating plan — translate strategy into daily execution and measurable outcomes
Hold a high-performance bar — establish clear expectations, inspect performance, and take decisive action to close gaps
Ensure consistent, reliable execution at scale, particularly during peak and high-volume periods
Build and Lead a High-Performing Leadership Team: Develop, coach, and elevate a strong operations leadership team capable of driving execution independently
Create a culture of accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement
Partner with HR to build bench strength, succession plans, and leadership capability across the operation
Drive Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement: Identify and execute opportunities to improve productivity, throughput, and cost structure
Lead process standardization and performance management disciplines across the facility
Champion a culture that challenges the status quo and consistently looks for better ways to operate
Lead Through Change and Innovation: Drive adoption of new technologies, including automation, system enhancements, and data-driven tools
Lead large-scale operational initiatives (facility changes, capital deployment, process redesign)
Ensure the operation continues to evolve to meet future network and customer needs
Operate with Business Acumen: Own and manage the P&L for the facility, understanding the connection between operational decisions and financial outcomes
Evaluate trade-offs and make decisions that balance service, cost, and long-term scalability
Partner with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors and third-party providers, to deliver results
Lead Integrated Distribution + Light Manufacturing Operations: Oversee both traditional distribution flows and light manufacturing / personalization operations (e.g., engraving, monogramming, assembly) within the facility
Ensure seamless integration between production and fulfillment to meet customer-specific customization requirements at scale
Drive throughput, quality, and consistency in personalized product workflows, balancing speed with craftsmanship
Implement process controls and performance standards to support high-mix, variable-demand production environments