Head of Shipping - Americas

Airbus•Dulles, VA

21d•Onsite

About The Position

This Head of [Shipping] is a key leadership role responsible for directing a core functional area of the warehouse operations to meet performance targets, customer expectations, and rigorous quality and safety standards. This leader will manage a team of 20-35 operators, focusing on their professional development and ensuring alignment with top company objectives. Key responsibilities include planning and delegating team priorities to support deliverables, coaching employees on performance and safe work practices, and ensuring all training requirements are met in a timely manner. This individual is accountable for the efficient, accurate, and safe handling of all goods—from inbound receiving and inventory management through the picking, packing, carpentry, and final dispatch of products, ensuring product integrity and a hazard-free work environment. The Head will build a talent pipeline by determining appropriate staffing levels, managing workloads, and developing team members for future growth. Using designated KPIs to demonstrate performance, this leader will drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and efficiency, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction. This position requires strong collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to solve problems, smooth operations, and adapt to the changing needs of the business.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Logistics, Engineering, Operations, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum 6 years of supply chain experience, including performance management, preferably in a warehouse or distribution environment.
Leadership experience required
Strong knowledge in supply chain management and warehouse operations , with a deep understanding of process improvement.
Demonstrated ability to scope and implement process improvements using LEAN, Kaizen, and/or Six Sigma methodologies.
Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to think and resolve issues independently and efficiently.
Proven ability to execute and drive change and an effective decision-making ability.
Detail-oriented, self-driven, with strong time management, multi-tasking, and organizational skills.
A strong teamwork mentality with the ability to demonstrate and promote teamwork.
KPI / Metric reporting.
Inventory management.
Demonstrated effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
Experience with Excel / Google Suite
Authorized to work in the US without current or future need for visa sponsorship

Nice To Haves

Experience managing large teams of 15-20+ hourly employees.
Demonstrated experience scoping and implementing process improvements using LEAN, Kaizen, and/or Six Sigma.
Professional background in military, manufacturing, production, or distribution fulfillment environments.
Awareness or Experience in Hazmat / Dangerous Goods storage and shipping
IATA / DOT / ATF knowledge or awareness

Responsibilities

Lead and develop a high-performing [Function] department, owning all aspects of team performance, training, and engagement to create a culture of excellence and accountability within your specific area.
Master and optimize the end-to-end [Function] process, acting as the business's subject matter expert to drive best-in-class standards for quality, accuracy, and efficiency in your domain.
Execute the daily and weekly operational plan for the [Function], translating broader warehouse targets into clear, data-driven production goals, staffing plans, and workflow priorities for your team.
Drive targeted continuous improvement initiatives within the [Function], using methodologies like Kaizen and 5S to identify and eliminate bottlenecks, enhance workflow, and perfect processes specific to your department.
Serve as the key operational liaison between the [Function] and adjacent departments (e.g., Inventory, Packing), ensuring seamless handoffs and proactive communication to maintain overall operational flow.
Own and report on all KPIs for the [Function], analyzing performance data to provide detailed updates, root-cause analyses, and actionable recommendations to the Head of Warehouse Operations.
Cultivate a high-performance culture by leading, mentoring, and developing all talent within the [Function] department.
Own the full employee lifecycle, from hiring and onboarding to performance management and career pathing, to build a robust talent pipeline.
Champion a culture of engagement and accountability where every team member is empowered to uphold the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance.
Implement and oversee recognition and feedback programs to drive continuous improvement.
Develop and manage the labor plan for the [Function], aligning staffing levels, scheduling, and skill sets with operational forecasts and daily volume fluctuations to consistently meet performance targets.
Set clear performance expectations and own the performance management process for the department, providing regular, constructive coaching and holding the team accountable for results.
Resolve complex, escalated issues and ensure the team's training and skill certifications are always current.
Design and implement career-pathing frameworks within the [Function] to foster professional growth and increase employee retention.
Identify and actively mentor high-potential talent, creating a clear succession plan for key roles within the department, including your own.
Partner with senior leadership to develop training programs that address critical skill gaps and prepare the team for future business needs.
Lead large-scope projects with site and regional impact designed to evolve the business model.
Adapt to growth and changes within the business as needed.
Work in a backup capacity for other warehouse leaders and deputize for senior management in meetings when necessary.
Perform other duties as assigned.