Director, Supply Chain, WLM & DC CoE

Walgreens•Deerfield, IL

About The Position

The Director, Warehouse Labor Management (WLM) & Distribution Center Center of Excellence (DC CoE) provides strategic leadership for the network’s warehouse labor management, engineered labor standards, and DC Center of Excellence functions. The role establishes the vision, priorities, governance, and operating model for WLM, including engineered standards governance, labor performance management, standardization, and continuous improvement. The Director leads the DC CoE strategy, governing standard operating procedures (SOPs), deploying standards and best practices across the distribution center network, and maintaining a structured assessment process to measure adherence to approved SOPs. The role partners with DC Operations, EHS, Compliance, Quality, Analytics, Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to translate strategy into sustainable network execution, improve operating consistency, strengthen accountability, and deliver measurable improvements in people, quality, service, and cost. The position provides advanced leadership and advice, addresses technical problems, oversees complex strategic and operational initiatives, and interacts regularly with executives and major stakeholders. It also owns third-party service-provider relationships, plans and manages departmental expense and capital budgets, and develops and mentors staff while fostering engagement, accountability, innovation, collaboration, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree and at least 8 years of experience in a supply chain, logistics, or business role, or a high school diploma/GED and at least 11 years of experience in such a role.
At least 5 years of experience contributing to financial decisions in the workplace.
At least 5 years of direct leadership, indirect leadership, and/or cross-functional team leadership.
Progressive leadership experience in large-scale distribution, logistics, fulfillment, or retail supply chain operations.
Experience with warehouse labor management, engineered labor standards, and productivity improvement programs.
Strong knowledge of labor measurement, performance management, incentive programs, and continuous improvement methodologies.
Experience establishing and governing network-wide operating standards, SOPs, and deployment processes.
Demonstrated success designing governance frameworks, operational assessments, and corrective action programs.
Experience leading leaders and technical teams across multi-site or geographically dispersed operations.
Strong analytical, financial, and business case development skills.
Ability to influence senior leaders and drive cross-functional alignment without direct authority.
Excellent executive communication, change management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Willingness and ability to travel in support of distribution center operations and network initiatives, including up to 10% of the time for business purposes within and outside the state.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
Advanced degree.
Lean, Six Sigma, or Operational Excellence experience.

Responsibilities

Translate strategic goals into actionable tactics and objectives, overseeing processes with a long-term perspective.
Direct the development of innovative approaches, processes, and solutions that support department and division strategies.
Establish the vision, priorities, governance, and operating model for warehouse labor management, including engineered standards governance, labor performance management, standardization, and continuous improvement.
Lead the DC Center of Excellence strategy, including SOP governance, network-wide deployment of standards and best practices, and assessments of distribution center adherence to approved SOPs.
Partner with DC Operations, EHS, Compliance, Quality, Analytics, Engineering, and other cross-functional teams to support sustainable network execution and improvements in people, quality, service, and cost.
Participate in the corporate development of methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for projects, programs, and people.
Interact with executives and major stakeholders, negotiating or influencing senior leaders on matters significant to the organization.
Create and foster a high-performance culture focused on engagement, accountability, innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Own relationships with third-party service providers, including partner selection, contract negotiation, and performance management.
Champion company initiatives and connect efforts to company vision and purpose to increase engagement.
Monitor industry trends, best practices, and regulatory issues relevant to areas of responsibility, and share learnings with direct reports and peers as appropriate.
Plan, develop, and manage departmental expense and capital budgets, ensuring budgets and schedules meet corporate requirements.
Develop and mentor staff through onboarding, communication, training, development opportunities, and performance management.
Maintain employee morale and motivation, ensure appropriate staffing and competencies, and foster a diverse and inclusive workplace.