Manager, Distribution Center

Inotiv•Madison, WI

10d

About The Position

The Distribution Center Manager leads all distribution center operations involving Teklad diets, laboratory animal shipments, and related products. The role oversees warehousing, inventory management, transportation, customer service support, and coordination with other distribution centers. The manager provides leadership to employees, ensures regulatory compliance, drives operational efficiency, and maintains service levels for internal and external customers. The position leads daily receiving, inventory, order fulfillment, shipping, and transportation activities; supervises and develops staff; coordinates shipments while maintaining regulatory and quality standards; and serves as a liaison across Customer Service, Operations, Transportation, Sales, and distribution centers. It also manages interfacility inventory transfers, maintains inventory accuracy, oversees facility, fleet, and equipment readiness, investigates incidents, monitors performance metrics, and supports budgeting and operational planning. The manager may provide hands-on warehouse and delivery support and respond to after-hours emergencies and customer needs. ERP systems such as JDE and SAP are used to support inventory accuracy and operational performance. Inotiv is a global contract research organization that partners with researchers to advance medicines and therapies. Salary is commensurate with experience and responsibilities; the role may be offered at different levels based on education and experience. Starting pay is $80,100.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least 3 years of leadership experience in distribution, warehouse, logistics, transportation, or supply chain operations.
Demonstrated experience leading employees, including coaching, scheduling, performance management, and employee development.
Experience with inventory management, warehouse operations, and transportation coordination.
Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, and Word.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
Valid driver’s license and minimum Class B CDL, with service delivery experience and a good driving record.
Ability to obtain and maintain required DOT qualifications.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field.
Experience managing a complex distribution center or multi-product distribution operation.
Experience supporting laboratory animal transportation, animal care operations, or animal feed operations.
Working knowledge of DOT regulations and transportation compliance requirements.
Experience managing interfacility inventory transfers and national distribution networks.
Forklift certification and warehouse equipment experience.
Experience with warehouse management systems (WMS) and inventory control systems.
Continuous improvement, Lean, or process optimization experience.

Responsibilities

Lead daily distribution center operations, including receiving, inventory management, order fulfillment, shipping, and transportation.
Supervise, coach, schedule, and develop distribution center staff while fostering safety, accountability, and customer service.
Coordinate shipments of laboratory animals, Teklad diets, and related products while maintaining regulatory and quality standards.
Liaise with Customer Service, Operations, Transportation, Sales, and other distribution centers to resolve issues and support business needs.
Manage coast-to-coast inventory transfers and collaborate with network partners to maintain product availability and service performance.
Maintain inventory accuracy through cycle counts, audits, reconciliation, and inventory control practices.
Ensure compliance with company policies, SOPs, DOT requirements, animal welfare standards, and applicable regulatory guidelines.
Investigate incidents, address operational issues, and implement corrective actions to support workplace safety.
Oversee facility, fleet, and equipment maintenance to ensure operational readiness.
Monitor performance metrics and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
Support budgeting, expense management, and operational planning.
Respond to after-hours operational emergencies and customer needs as required.
Provide hands-on warehouse and delivery support when business conditions require.
Use ERP systems such as JDE or SAP to improve inventory accuracy, workflows, and distribution center performance.
Perform other duties as assigned.