Distribution Operations Manager

Simon & Schuster•Jackson, TN

About The Position

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing day-to-day distribution center operations for a book publishing organization. This role ensures the efficient, accurate, and cost-effective receipt, storage, picking, packing, and shipment of finished books and related products. The Operations Manager leads frontline supervisors and staff, drives continuous improvement, and ensures service level commitments to customers, retailers, and internal stakeholders are met—especially during peak publishing seasons.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Logistics, or a related field, or equivalent experience
5+ years of experience in distribution center or warehouse operations, with at least 2 years in a management role
Experience managing high-volume fulfillment operations, preferably in publishing, media, or consumer products
Strong people leadership and team-building skills
Proficiency with warehouse management systems (WMS) and operational reporting
Ability to work flexible hours, including peak seasons, evenings, or weekends as needed

Nice To Haves

Experience in book publishing or returns-heavy distribution environments
Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement frameworks
Strong analytical skills with the ability to translate data into action

Responsibilities

Manage daily warehouse and fulfillment operations, including inbound receiving, put-away, inventory control, order fulfillment, shipping, and returns processing
Ensure operational readiness to support new title releases, seasonal surges, and promotional campaigns
Monitor productivity, throughput, and accuracy to meet service level agreements (SLAs)
Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and hourly staff in a fast-paced distribution environment
Oversee staffing plans, scheduling, training, and performance management
Promote a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency, reduce errors, and control costs
Leverage Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies where applicable
Partner with IT and Supply Chain teams to optimize warehouse management systems (WMS) and reporting tools
Ensure accurate inventory management, cycle counts, and reconciliation
Minimize shrink, damages, and mis-shipments
Maintain high standards for order accuracy and product quality
Ensure compliance with all safety regulations, company policies, and labor standards
Lead safety initiatives and training to maintain a safe working environment
Support audits and ensure adherence to internal controls
Collaborate with Publishing Operations, Sales, Customer Service, and Transportation teams to resolve issues and improve service
Communicate operational performance, risks, and improvement plans to leadership