Operations Manager - Reverse Logistics

Office Depot•Buford, GA

4d•$65,000 - $83,000•Onsite

About The Position

The RCC (Returns Consolidation Center) Operations Manager is responsible for leading daily operations in a reverse logistics and returns processing environment. This role directly supervises a team of hourly associates responsible for receiving, inspecting, grading, and routing returned merchandise across multiple disposition channels including restocking, vendor returns, liquidation, and destruction. The manager owns shift performance, associate accountability, and the accuracy of disposition decisions that directly impact recovery value and inventory integrity. This is a floor-first role requiring daily hands-on presence, active coaching of associates, and a bias for solving problems at the source rather than escalating them upstream. The role owns P&L performance for the assigned area, with accountability for staffing, cost control, safety, service, and the achievement of key performance indicators (KPIs). The RCC Operations Manager ensures compliance with all regulatory requirements and company policies while maintaining a strong culture of safety. This position partners closely with site and regional leadership to design, refine, and implement work processes that improve productivity, quality, and overall efficiency. As a member of the leadership team, the RCC Operations Manager is constantly looking for opportunities to enhance operations and deliver excellent experience for both internal and external customers. The RCC Operations Manager builds and sustains a cohesive, high-performing team by hiring, engaging, and developing associates, providing clear direction and feedback, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement to achieve operational excellence.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, Distribution Management preferred.
3 years of experience
Leadership role in Distribution, Transportation, and/or Operations preferred
Microsoft Office to include Outlook and Teams
Experience in reverse logistics, returns processing, or vendor reconciliation strongly preferred; candidates from traditional inbound or outbound environments with returns lane exposure will be considered.
Tech proficiency required. Must independently navigate multiple vendor portals, manage system logins, and generate accurate activity reports across platforms.
Powered industrial truck experience preferred.
Candidates must be comfortable working in a non-climate-controlled environment with continuous floor presence throughout the shift.
Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence and align cross-functional teams
Deep knowledge of warehouse and/or transportation operations, procedures, and best practices
Proven, sound decision-making skills in a fast-paced, metrics-driven environment
Demonstrated ability to lead, develop, and motivate employees to achieve operational, safety, and service goals
English. Spanish is a plus.
Self-motivated, proactive, and accountable
Collaborative team player who builds strong relationships across functions and levels
Able to set clear expectations, monitor progress, and hold self and others accountable for results
Effective at leading through change and providing timely, candid coaching and feedback to associates
Flexible and adaptable, with the ability to adjust priorities to meet evolving business needs
Comfortable meeting with customers and clients to build strong partnerships, understand their needs, and identify opportunities to grow the business
Strong financial acumen, with the ability to forecast the business, interpret results, and adjust plans and resources based on changing conditions

Nice To Haves

Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

Oversee daily receipt, scanning, and processing of store returns and recyclable items from Office Depot retail locations, including individual items, bulk, and boxed return inbound formats while maintaining a strong focus on KPIs, quality.
Utilize forecasting tools and methodologies to align labor, capacity, and resources with current and anticipated volume.
Monitor, analyze, and act on operational performance data (productivity, quality, utilization) to drive continuous improvement.
Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external customers, and third-party providers/carriers.
Participate in leadership meetings, customer visits, and third-party audits; proactively identify business opportunities and process improvements that enhance service and support growth.
Recruit, hire, train, and develop distribution and/or transportation team members; ensure appropriate staffing and coverage to meet business needs.
Provide day-to-day leadership and motivation for a small team including a lead associate, fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and collaboration. Operate with significant independence as the senior leader within the returns section of an annex facility.
Conduct performance reviews, ongoing coaching conversations, and salary recommendations.
Promote open, transparent communication and ensure associates understand goals, expectations, and priorities.
Administer training, qualification, and safety programs to ensure regulatory and company policy compliance.
Communicate and enforce policies, procedures, and standard work within assigned areas.
Ensure the physical condition of the facility and work areas supports a clean, safe, and healthy working environment.
Maintain financial accuracy of all returns activity - reconcile reported versus actual quantities and resolve vendor discrepancies with supporting documentation.
Identify and implement initiatives that reduce cost-to-serve while maintaining or improving service levels.
Implement Lean principles and methodologies to streamline processes, eliminate waste, and improve safety, quality, and productivity.
Lead cross-functional teams in problem-solving and process-improvement initiatives; standardize best practices across the operation.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned to support business needs and organizational objectives.