Distribution Supervisor

Thorlabs•Newton, NJ

1d•$62,900 - $78,700•Hybrid

About The Position

Thorlabs is seeking a Distribution Warehouse Supervisor to lead day-to-day warehouse operations. This role is responsible for ensuring safe, efficient, and accurate receiving, put away, picking, packing, shipping, and inventory management across multiple functional areas. The supervisor will oversee assigned warehouse teams, including Freight, Bulk Storage, and RMA Receiving, ensuring all activities align with company standards, safety requirements, and performance goals. While the primary work location is Newton, NJ, occasional travel or temporary duties at other Thorlabs locations may be required.

Requirements

Minimum of 5 years of experience in Warehouse, Distribution, or Logistics operations.
Familiarity with a variety of computer software applications including Microsoft Outlook and Excel, and experience with shipping software D365 or Warehouse Management Systems.
Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team-building abilities.
Excellent organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Basic math skills and computer proficiency.
Knowledge of general industrial and warehouse safety standards.
Ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities.
Responsible for hiring, coaching, performance management, and day-to-day supervision of employees in assigned areas.

Nice To Haves

Prior supervisory or team-lead experience strongly preferred (experience in Freight or RMA is a plus).
Experience with warehouse automation systems (e.g., Autostore) preferred.
Associate’s degree in supply chain, Logistics, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred or equivalent of 7+ years of experience working in the Logistic industry with a High School Diploma or equivalent required.
Preferred proficiency in: Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Dynamics 365.

Responsibilities

Ensure all receiving, distribution, and shipping activities follow Thorlabs procedures and quality standards.
Perform regular checks of workflows, accuracy, and output quality; resolve issues quickly and effectively.
Allocate labor and adjust staffing to maintain optimal productivity and meet daily commitments.
Partner with Bulk Distribution, Ship Complete, Autostore, and RMA Receiving teams to meet daily targets.
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and throughput.
Update and adapt operational processes based on changing business needs, volume fluctuations, or technology enhancements.
Oversee the handling and storage of bulk, heavy, or oversized freight items.
Ensure proper equipment is used for receiving and transporting large materials (forklifts, pallet jacks, crate movers).
Maintain organized bulk locations and perform routine cycle counts and inventory accuracy checks.
Coordinate inbound and outbound freight with third-party carriers and freight forwarders.
Request rate quotations, schedule pickups, arrange shipments, and ensure proper documentation.
Monitor freight costs and collaborate with the logistics department to improve cost efficiency and transit performance.
Supervise the RMA receiving team to ensure timely and accurate processing of returned merchandise.
Maintain strict documentation, quality inspection procedures, and routing of RMAs to relevant internal teams.
Coordinate receiving, putaway, replenishment, and picking activities related to Autostore inventory.
Monitor Autostore system alerts, slotting efficiency, and cycle count accuracy.
Collaborate with IT/Automation teams to report technical issues or opportunities for optimization.
Supervise employees within assigned groups, including daily direction, coaching, and workflow prioritization.
Ensure all new and current employees receive proper training and maintain required training documentation.
Build and develop a high-performing team by fostering engagement, communication, and accountability.
Participate in hiring, onboarding, and training of new staff to maintain adequate operational coverage.
Support performance management, including evaluations, corrective actions, and development plans in partnership with HR and management.
Foster a positive, collaborative work environment and address conflicts in a timely, constructive manner.
Ensure compliance with attendance policies and all workplace behavior standards.
Meeting company standards pertaining to quantity and quality of work performed on an ongoing basis, performing all work-related tasks in a manner that is in compliance with all Company policies and procedures.
Adhering to Company policies, procedures, and directives regarding standards of workplace behavior in completing job duties and assignments.