Operations Manager – Distribution Center

Phillips Pet Food•Milwaukee, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Distribution Center Manager Run the floor. Lead the team. Deliver for pets and the people who love them. Are you a hands-on operations leader who loves bringing order to complexity, developing teams, and driving results in a fast-paced environment? We’re looking for a Distribution Manager to lead daily distribution center operations while building a strong culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement. In this role, you’ll oversee warehouse, delivery, and direct-to-consumer operations for pet food and accessories—ensuring everything moves efficiently, safely, and on time. If you enjoy being visible on the floor, solving problems in real time, and owning results end to end, this role is for you.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in distribution and transportation management.
7+ years of progressive distribution operations leadership in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.
Experience overseeing fulfillment, delivery, safety, inventory control, and employee development.
Strong financial acumen with P&L responsibility.
Confident, clear communicator with the ability to connect at all levels.
A hands-on, high-energy leadership style with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Deep knowledge of warehouse operations and OSHA/DOT compliance.
Experience with WMS and RF technology.
Advanced Excel and strong MS Office skills.
A strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a “roll-up-your-sleeves” mentality.

Responsibilities

Lead all distribution center activities including receiving, warehousing, shipping, delivery, and direct-to-consumer operations.
Ensure operations are executed accurately, efficiently, and cost-effectively.
Maintain full P&L expense responsibility and meet all established KPIs.
Manage exempt and non-exempt administrative, warehouse, and delivery employees.
Handle all people management activities: hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, coaching, performance management, and discipline.
Deliver strong onboarding and 30-60-90 day reviews, ongoing coaching, and annual evaluations.
Review and approve timekeeping, incentives, attendance tracking, and performance documentation.
Partner closely with HR on employee relations matters including safety incidents, compliance issues, and employee concerns.
Foster a safe, productive, and engaged workplace where employees understand expectations and how their work supports company goals.
Promote accountability, ownership, and continuous improvement across all functions.
Lead by example with a visible, hands-on leadership style.
Analyze operations, identify root causes, and implement solutions that improve safety, service, cost, and efficiency.
Lead implementation of new processes, systems, tools, and training programs.
Partner cross-functionally to improve service levels, retention, and operational performance.
Develop and execute long-term operational plans to support growth while maintaining efficiency and leadership continuity.
Partner with Warehouse Managers, Supervisors, Transportation, Finance, and other departments to meet site and company goals.
Take ownership of key projects and mobilize teams to deliver results.
Partner with Finance to develop budgets and cost-control strategies.
Achieve monthly and annual budget targets.
Track and meet KPIs including fill rate, on-time delivery, inventory accuracy, retention, and turnover.
Maintain effective inventory control across Central Pet, Hill’s, and Direct-to-Consumer product lines.
Meet all Direct-to-Consumer SLAs and customer requirements.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, AIB, GDPs, and all applicable regulations.
Maintain quality systems, inventory audits, cycle counts, physical inventories, and mock recoveries when required.
Promote a strong safety culture throughout the facility.
Lead the site Safety Committee, quarterly meetings, and facility inspections.
Ensure safety of employees, vendors, and visitors.
Negotiate and manage vendor and freight carrier relationships.
Oversee facility maintenance, material handling equipment, and vehicle fleet.
Recommend and support capital improvement initiatives.