Distribution Manager

Butterball Careers•Huntsville, AR

About The Position

The Distribution Manager oversees shipping and distribution operations, ensuring work is performed safely, efficiently, and effectively. The role develops and implements standards and policies that support a safety culture and continuous improvement through Butterball Operation System Solutions (BOSS), sets key performance indicators (KPIs), and ensures successful execution. The manager is accountable for safety, compliance, upkeep of shipping and distribution areas, and ensuring products are loaded and shipped correctly within designated time frames. The role manages a team of individual contributors and/or supervisors, providing guidance, coaching, and support to meet department goals. It handles human resources activities, contributes to systems and procedures, participates in functional strategic planning, and implements continuous improvement initiatives. The manager directs distribution programs and processes, oversees standard operating procedures, coordinates with other functions to support product flow and safety, and monitors performance, compliance, and operational effectiveness. Butterball describes its purpose as helping people pass love on. The company says it values team member support, personal and professional growth, and making an impact on health. It also emphasizes an inclusive culture in which team members are valued and can contribute to the company’s success. The position involves work in both office and manufacturing plant environments. Plant conditions may include cold, wet, and warm areas, chemicals, and other site conditions. Personal protective equipment is required in the manufacturing environment. Occasional travel may be required. The job is designated safety-sensitive under Butterball’s Drug/Alcohol Screening & Testing Policy.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
At least 6 years of relevant experience, or the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role.
At least 2 years of leadership experience, or the knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role.
Strong knowledge of shipping, storage, warehousing, HACCP, and/or USDA policies.
Strong understanding of current distribution regulations, safety standards, and best practices.
Strong leadership skills, including the ability to develop, mentor, coach, support, and motivate a team.
Ability to manage resources, delegate, and prioritize deliverables effectively.
Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
Ability to identify and implement process improvements.
Project management skills and ability to impact results.
Proficient technology skills and ability to learn and apply new technologies.
Ability to create and track KPIs.
Ability to perform duties that may regularly require standing, sitting, talking, hearing, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and using hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, and keyboard; occasional lifting of up to 50–100 pounds.
Vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, depth perception, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Ability to wear and work in personal protective equipment in the manufacturing environment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Responsibilities

Manage a team of individual contributors and/or supervisors, providing guidance, coaching, and support to achieve department goals.
Handle human resources activities, including hiring, terminations, performance management, goal setting, team member development, and scheduling.
Enforce and contribute to the development of systems, policies, and procedures.
Participate in strategic planning for the function.
Implement continuous improvement initiatives for distribution processes and systems.
Use resources effectively to maximize efficiency and capacity in support of goals.
Create and direct strategic distribution programs, policies, plans, and processes to ensure compliance with internal standards, contractual obligations, and regulatory requirements, including USDA, OSHA, DOL, and EEOC requirements.
Foster a safe work environment.
Oversee and evaluate department Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Partner cross-functionally to ensure product flow and safety.
Oversee cooler cleanouts, inventory, FIFO, general upkeep, and housekeeping.
Oversee investigations, including accidents and employee complaints, as well as audits and inspections; ensure compliance and resolution.
Guide and facilitate department and facility meetings.
Provide consultation and advice to the broader leadership team.
Gather and/or review metrics, identify gaps in efficiency and quality, and resolve them.
Set key performance indicators (KPIs) and ensure their successful execution.
Ensure products are loaded and shipped correctly within designated time frames.