Manager, Warehouse & Distribution

See’s Candies•Carson, CA

About The Position

The Manager, Warehouse & Distribution is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant operation of warehouse and distribution activities, including receiving, storage, inventory control, and shipping of raw materials and finished goods. The role leads warehouse personnel in achieving operational, safety, quality, inventory accuracy, customer service, and cost objectives while ensuring compliance with GMP, food safety, OSHA, and company standards. The position manages warehouse operations across all locations, including contract cold storage, and oversees personnel, inventory systems, budgets, performance metrics, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement. It works cross-functionally with departments including Manufacturing, Purchasing, Planning, Customer Service, Quality Assurance, Transportation, Maintenance, and IT. The role may oversee a night-shift order-filling operation and requires flexible hours, including weekends and holidays when business needs require. The expected base pay range at commencement of employment is $90,000–$120,000 per year. Pay may vary based on factors including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

Requirements

At least 7 years of progressively responsible warehouse and distribution experience in a food manufacturing environment.
At least 3 years of experience in a management role.
Experience with ERP and Warehouse Management Systems, such as Ross, SAP, or Oracle.
Demonstrated success leading large hourly and salaried teams in a union environment.
Experience coaching, developing, and holding employees accountable.
Thorough understanding of OSHA regulations, warehouse safety practices, and food safety requirements.
Experience managing cycle counts, physical inventories, inventory reconciliation, and inventory accuracy initiatives.

Nice To Haves

Lean Manufacturing certification.
Six Sigma Green Belt certification.
APICS/ASCM certification.
HACCP certification.
Powered Industrial Truck certification.

Responsibilities

Manage the receipt, storage, and distribution of raw materials, finished goods, and supplies at all warehouse locations, including contract cold storage.
Monitor the performance of contract carriers used for inter-warehouse shuttles.
Lead warehouse personnel, including training and development and performance management of management, supervisory, and hourly employees.
Manage operations in accordance with the union contract and coordinate Shipping Department activities with Operations and other See’s Candies departments.
May oversee the night-shift order-filling operation.
Maintain standards for accurate and timely order completion.
Direct and monitor product and supply inventory across warehouse locations.
Ensure accuracy of the ERP system (Ross).
Assist with maintenance of warehouses and grounds.
Maintain Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) at all warehouse locations and oversee departmental safety programs.
Assist management with implementation of company-wide OSHA-regulated training programs.
Monitor and control inventory shrinkage, food safety standards, productivity measures, departmental and company KPIs, and departmental budgets.
Maintain a visible presence in warehouse locations to monitor manual and equipment operations and the quality of product handling, storage, and distribution.
Participate in and lead departmental, safety, and GMP meetings.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to improve safety, productivity, inventory accuracy, space utilization, and labor efficiency using Lean or other process improvement methodologies.
Ensure compliance with FDA, GMP, SQF/HACCP (if applicable), OSHA, DOT, and company food safety and quality requirements.
Develop and manage departmental operating budgets, labor costs, capital expenditures, and expense-control initiatives.
Partner with Manufacturing, Purchasing, Planning, Customer Service, Quality Assurance, Transportation, Maintenance, and IT to ensure uninterrupted product flow and customer service.
Oversee warehouse management systems (ERP/WMS), inventory transactions, and system integrity, identifying opportunities for automation and process improvement.
Establish, monitor, and report KPIs for inventory accuracy, order accuracy, on-time shipping, labor productivity, safety performance, service levels, and warehouse capacity utilization.
Develop contingency plans for labor shortages, equipment failures, inventory issues, weather events, and other operational disruptions.